Page 111 of Day Break

Halfway through the letter, she was crying so hard that I took the paper from her and read the rest of my grandfather’s message.

When I was done reading it, I tucked it back in the envelope and then hugged Chloe until I felt her settle down.

The manager cleared his throat to get our attention, so we left holding on to one another.

I tucked the envelope and the key into my pocket, and we walked out of the bank together.

“Do you think you can shut this down for now until we get home? So that we can look at the building?” I asked.

“Yes.” She smiled. “I need something good right now.”

I drove two blocks and parked in front of the empty building. It would be perfect for what she wanted, but I saw that the sign in the window showed that it was for sale, not lease.

“I’m not sure you’d want to make such a big commitment so soon,” I said, turning off the car.

“It’s perfect,” she said, ignoring me and jumping out of the car to look through the windows.

When I glanced inside, I remembered how the place used to be a comic book and candy store back when I was a kid.

“We used to ride our bikes up here and spend all of our allowance on comic books,” I admitted.

Chloe smiled over at me. “Good memories. How much do you think they want for it?” She bit her bottom lip. “I guess the first question is, how much do I have?”

I’d looked over my grandfather’s finances and had been slightly shocked at how much cash he’d had on hand. The rest of his assets, including the house my uncle and aunt had taken over, rent free, would be liquidating soon. That house alone was worth millions.

“Enough,” I assured her. I pulled out my cell phone to arrange a meeting with the realtor, who quickly agreed to meet us at the diner in a little over an hour.

I could tell Chloe was excited and nervous. She kept looking out the windows of the diner and watching the door. We ordered burgers and just as we were done eating dinner, the realtor finally stepped in and glanced around.

I waved at her, instantly recognizing her as one of my sister Sherry’s old summer childhood friends.

“I thought that was you on the phone,” Melissa said, hugging me. “This must be Chloe?” She pulled back and held out her hand. Chloe shook it immediately.

“Yes,” Chloe said with a smile.

“Melissa and Sherry used to be best friends in the summers,” I told Chloe.

“Oh, how nice.” Chloe smiled.

“Yes.” Melissa sat across from us. “I hear you’re in the market for a building?”

“I’m thinking of opening a restaurant,” Chloe answered, and I could tell she was trying to keep her excitement contained.

“How wonderful. It would be nice to have someplace different to eat in this part of the island.”

“Yes, the nearest place to eat, excluding this diner, is ten miles away,” Chloe added.

“It is?” I frowned.

Chloe nodded. “In the city that wouldn’t be such a big deal, but it’s a pizzeria. The closest restaurant like I’m thinking of opening is twenty miles.”

“I know that place well. My husband Jacob and I drive there once a month for date night.” Melissa smiled. “Well, I suppose we should get down to business.” She pulled a folder from her briefcase and slid a paper across the table. “This is what the owners are asking, though I’ll tell you right now, they’re motivated. The building’s been sitting empty for over two years now.”

I glanced at the asking price and was shocked at how low it was. Even for a building that had been sitting empty for two years.

“Are there any issues with the structure?” I asked.

“No. Here is the latest inspection.” Melissa shifted another paper towards me. Sure enough, there were a few small things, but nothing major.