Page 22 of Comeback
“How is this still available?” Olivia asks.
“Why is it so cheap?” I ask.
“Eleanor, the owner, is…particular about the space. It’s been listed for ages, but she’s declined every offer she’s received.”
Olivia and I share a glance, and I ask, “Why?”
“The building means a lot to her. It has a certain sentimental value to her, but I think she’ll like you. Take a look around. I’m going to call her and see if she’s available to swing by.”
Carrie Ann walks back outside, and Olivia and I cautiously walk around.
Even with Carrie Ann gone, Olivia speaks quietly when she says, “This would be a great spot to hide a body.”
“It’s good to have a backup plan in case my studio doesn’t take off,” I whisper back with a smile.
Olivia snorts at that, then the worried expression returns to her face. I know it isn’t much, but the farther we walk, the more I can see it. It’s an end unit, which means there are windows at the front and on one side. Several of the windows are cracked or broken and have been boarded up from the inside. Those will need to be replaced, but the architecture is gorgeous. A little paint, a whole lot of scrubbing, floors, new windows… My stomach dips as I think about all the work to be done, but I can see it.
I can picture a barre along two walls, wooden flooring, music playing, children dancing and laughing. Maybe I’ve just seen so many overpriced options that I’m starting to hallucinate.
I trail behind Olivia as we reach the back of the space. We peer into the empty room that was previously used as a private office. I can’t imagine spending a lot of time in there, but it’s probably good to have one.
Carrie Ann returns as Olivia opens one of the bathroom doors. A mouse scurries out, squeaking as it crosses the room. My friend screeches and jumps back, and I won’t lie, my heart rate speeds up a notch or two.
Carrie Ann is the only one of us that isn’t at all thrown by the commotion. “Eleanor can’t meet today but she is excited about the space being a studio again. If you’re interested, we’ll submit an application, and she’ll want to meet you as part of the approval process.”
My voice wavers as my pulse returns to normal. “You mean, she’d consider renting to me?”
She nods and her lips curve into a smile. “I think she will. Any questions?”
My stomach flutters with nervous excitement as I shake my head. “How soon is she available?”
8
SABRINA
Eleanor is everything I might have imagined. Tall, graceful, poised. She has a head of gray hair that’s shaped into a classic bob and wears red lipstick with jeans and a white button-down shirt.
I love her instantly.
I stand from the table to shake her hand. She has a firm grip and a smile that transforms her entire face.
“It’s so nice to meet you. I’m Sabrina.”
“The pleasure is mine, dear.” She waves for me to take my seat.
“I ordered you the peppermint tea. The girl at the counter said it’s their most popular drink.”
“Thank you. I never learned to like coffee. How about you?” Eleanor takes a seat across from me and wraps her hands around the cup. She stares at me like she’s reading more than my expression.
“I could probably live on coffee,” I admit. “But I like tea, too.”
Her smile doesn’t waver, but my insides twist into knots anyway. Eleanor takes a sip from the cup and leans back in her chair.
“Carrie Ann says you’re new to Lake City.”
“Yes.” I nod. “Have you always lived here?”
“I moved away for a few years in my twenties to give New York a whirl, but I missed the sun and the familiarity of home. I opened the studio on my twenty-ninth birthday and ran it for almost thirty years.”
