Page 45 of Huge Dynamite
Reaching into my bag, I grab my phone. “Flashlight on,” I command. Leaving Clea in the middle of the room, I start snooping around. The ground floor has a solid wood floor, high ceilings, and large picture windows on one side. It’s so perfect, I have to slow my racing heart.
“What was here before?” I ask Clea.
She looks up from scrolling through her phone. “It was a manufacturing plant of some kind. I think they made gloves. Like, dress gloves women used to wear once upon a time.” When she chuckles, her curls bounce along with her.
Moving past her, I make my way to the opposite end of the building. “The bottom floor is empty except for a couple of large machines back here.”
“Yes.” Tucking her phone into her bag, Clea looks at me. “The second and third floors are mostly empty as well. There is working plumbing, so that’s a nice break. There are two half bathrooms on the main floor, and one full bathroom on the second floor and two on the third floor. The third floor has the kitchen, of course.”
“I’m sorry, kitchen?” The word makes my heart thump even louder. But why?
“Yes. The people who owned it lived here.”
“They lived in the building?” My mind races. If I could give up my exorbitant rent, I’d have even more money to use here, and the commute to the hospital wouldn’t be that much longer. Plus, it’s a bit of a hike, but it’s still walking distance to the city of Phoenix. The location is perfect.
“Yes, but, Holly, I don’t think that’s something you want to consider. This isn’t a neighborhood for a single woman.”
“Why not? There seem to be plenty of single women out there.” I point to the front door.
“Yes, but you know what I mean.”
Plopping my hands on my hips, I shake my head stubbornly. “I’m sorry, I don’t.”
“Holly.”
Clea walks up and stands so close to me I can see her in the dim light even without a flashlight.
“You need to be smart here.”
“I assure you, Clea, Iamsmart.”
“Oh, I know you’re a surgeon and run an emergency room, but I’m talking about being smart with your investments. With your money and connections, why not hire a financial advisor?”
“I have a financial advisor.”
Nodding, she smiles. “And did they tell you this was a good idea?”
“I didn’t ask. I’m not buying this for an investment, Clea. I’m opening a clinic. In an area that needs it.”
“Holly.” Reaching out, she places a hand on my arm. “This town is static. There’s no room for growth. Between us and off-the-record, because I could lose my license for this, the area is dead.” Pursing her lips together, she nods solemnly. “Hell knows I need this commission: it’s a seven-figure deal. My lease is up soon, and I’d like to trade up from a sedan to a crossover, but, as a friend of your parents, I feel I should warn you. This area is not emerging, it’s just dead. No one is buying here.”
“Which is exactly why I should. Clea, these people don’t need gentrification. They don’t need a yoga studio and a coffee shop. If it changed like that, they’d never survive the rent hikes, and they’d be kicked out. What the people here need is opportunity, education, and, most immediately, healthcare.”
Sighing, Clea steps away. “You’re so young, Holly.” Shrugging, she throws up her hands like she’s conceding. “It’s your money.”
“Yes, it is.” Walking downstairs, I head to the staircase and up to the second floor. It’s a completely empty open space that would work for storage or could be opened up to the third floor, making a great two-story permanent living area. Climbing up to the third floor, I find a door at the top of the stairs. Reaching out, I put my hand on the doorknob and turn. Thankfully, it’s unlocked. For some reason, I really want to see this by myself, without Clea at my heels. Pushing the door open, I find the relics of a family’s life.
“Oh, my goodness.” Putting a hand to my mouth, I’m completely overcome as I step inside. Dead ahead is a living area with two tall windows that are covered with some type of black material. Sunlight pours through the cracks in the coverings, illuminating a corner that houses an old black, dust-covered sewing machine that’s built into a table. Farther into the room, an old couch leans up against a wall. To the right is a table and a couple of chairs. Just past that is a large, square kitchen with black and white tiles on the floor. There’s even an antique gas stove. The living space is large and welcoming. Moving to the back of the room, I push open a door that leads to a long hallway.
Looking down the hallway, I suddenly have the strangest vision of Seth laughing as he chases a squealing little girl down this hallway. He’s carrying another little girl—tucked under his strong arm—who’s also laughing. Everyone is having so much fun, and the image is so real it takes my breath away. Could Seth and I really have a future together? Regardless, I have such a strong pull and connection to this place, I can feel it in my very soul. Not even bothering to look into the bedrooms, I turn around and march down the stairs.
“I’ll take it, Clea.”
“Really?” She raises her eyebrows in response. “You’re sure?”
“I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.” Standing here, I can’t help but notice the calm and peace I feel. I don’t feel the need to bite my nails, and my anxiety is at bay. “Please tell the seller I’ll take it at asking price.”
“You don’t want to think about it or make an offer?”
