Page 73 of Fate in Motion
Almost instantly, we grab our jackets and head out into the cold. The Christopher Street spot is only a short walk away, right near the PATH station. That’s a plus for foot traffic and easy access to public transportation.
Carter nudges me. “See? We’re already here. Isn’t that amazing?”
“It’s not about that,” I say. “It’s about the size, and if I can handle it?”
“But you were looking at 1,200 square feet properties,” Mel says.
“I know. But 500 square feet does make a difference.”
We walk through the door, and I’m hit with something unexpected: warmth and good energy. It’s wide open, which I am obsessed with. There’s a small kitchen area for making coffee and a huge seating area. I could envision a small stage for open mics or live music, situated towards the back of the property.
“I like this,” I whisper. “It’s not as big as I expected.”
A tall woman with long black hair walks out from the back. “It’ll feel bigger once it’s filled with furniture,” she says. “I’m Lisa, by the way.”
“Nate,” I say, smiling. “This is Carter, and this is Mel.”
She laughs. “I’m going to be honest, when we first listed this place, I never imagined it as a cafe. But the more I think about it, the more I see the possibility. I love the idea of music being part of it.”
“Can the space hold coffee machines, fridges, all of that?”
“It’s a restaurant space, love. Of course,” she explains.
I burst out, “We don’t have a liquor license.”
Lisa looks at me with a smirk and says, “That’s completely fine and expected. It should take around three months to get a wine and beer liquor license, which I can help you with.”
I glance at Carter. “This might be it. It’s not as big and daunting as I expected. I am getting good vibes.”
I look back at Lisa and ask, “How much is the rent?”
She hands me a prepared sheet of paper. Carter and Mel move closer to me and huddle close to look.
As Lisa steps out of sight to give some privacy, we all look at each other in shock, “How is this only $20,000 a month?” I whisper.
“I thought it would be 50,000 or at least 40,000,” Carter says.
Lisa returns. “How’s the price look? We can negotiate if needed.”
I put on my best poker face. “Definitely in our price range, but we’d love to take a better look around.”
We explore the space for thirty more minutes. There’s an office, a small staff break area, and ample space for equipment. Maybe not enough space for a full stage, but definitely something that could fit one or two people at a time.
“How many tables would fit, if we built a small stage towards the back wall?” I ask.
“The last tenants had 17 tables total,” Lisa says. “Mix of high-tops and booths.”
“I was thinking around 10 to 15; varied sizes,” I say.
“That would be perfect. And yes, you could fit your little stage,” Lisa says. “You would need to have it built yourself, and removed if you do not renew your lease.”
I look at least and nod, “Works for me.”
As the tour wraps up, Lisa adds, “I’m just the property manager, by the way. But the owner said they’d hold the space for ten days.”
“We’ll have a decision before then,” I promise.
We walk out, turn the corner, and stop when we are out of sight. “Is this fucking happening?” I ask.
