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She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.
“I haven’t said yes to the help. I’m not sure I really need it.”
“So you have the money to buy the storefront?” Monroe asked her.
“No. I have the money to rent it. Owning it would be even riskier.”
“But when your business does well, whoever owns it gains a lot of control over you and your business. They can raise the rates, the rent. They can build up or break down your business. That’s a risk you shouldn’t take,” Monroe told her.
“But I don’t have that kind of money to buy out a building,” she said, feeling discouraged. What Monroe said made sense. Once again someone would have control over her and her business. They could close the store on her even if she were successful. Then what?
He must have noticed the panic on her face. Max cleared his throat.
“There are other options. How much is Dwyer selling the storefronts for Caldwell?” Max asked.
“Sixty thousand.”
“Sixty thousand? Oh God,” she said and placed her hand over her belly. She instantly felt sick. The heat hit her cheeks and she felt faint. Then someone took her hand and patted it. Caldwell.
“Relax. This is why we suggested letting us go into this as partners with you. No stress or worry about being taken over or losing the storefront. Plus we know Dwyer. We can probably get that number down especially if we buy more than one storefront,” Caldwell said to her.
“More than one storefront? Why?” she asked.
“Well, that location is prime. There are a few different ideas we had about developing them into something this town could really use. Not sure what yet, but it would be wise to invest in one or two of the stores. How much space do you think you’ll need for the studio?” Monroe asked.
“Oh God, I don’t know. I really don’t even know how big the storefronts are.”
“Well, have you been into the Alexa’s boutique and hat store in Chance in the center of town?” Monroe asked her.
“Yes.”
“Okay so the storefronts Dwyer is building with Ferguson construction on the strip are just a little bigger than that. I think it would be more than enough room for you to display your artwork and also create your masterpieces while people watch,” Monroe said.
“People watching me? Oh no. I don’t like the sound of that. I would feel embarrassed and pressured. I need my music and sometimes just silence.”
“It was just a thought. We’ll work it all out. Your art sells itself.”
“I don’t know about that, Monroe. It’s tough when you’re not known,” she told him, lowering her head.
“Let us worry about that. You worry about creating those masterpieces,” Monroe said.
“I really need to think this through.”
“Then think for the next week while you start our project here. By next week or so they’ll only be a few of the storefronts left for sale. You’ll take our advice on which location, won’t you?” Monroe asked.
She felt pressured and unsure. Were they being sincere or would they turn out to be like Tony? Out for themselves.
“I said, I need to think about it. I’ll let you know,” she said.
“Great. Now, what do you like to do when you’re not working in your studio or running out in front of Sheriff patrol trucks?” Caldwell teased.
She felt her cheeks warm.
“That wasn’t entirely my fault.”
“No?” Max asked, his arms crossed in front of his wide chest, giving her that intimidating stare down.
“I didn’t think so. But no worries, Max. I learned my lesson. Every time I move around this ache in my thigh reminds me,” she said and Max’s expression changed to concern. He reached out under her chair and pulled it toward him. She grabbed onto the sides.
