AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Chapter Eleven
“Fitz, are you sure about this?” Jasper asked as he spun around slowly, taking in the killer top-floor apartment in all its converted-warehouse, exposed-brick-walls, high-ceilinged glory. “You could get some serious rent off someone to stay here. Or film a reality show. I can’t pay you what this is worth.”
Fitz crossed the main living area, his footfalls heavy on the refinished parquet wood floors, and dropped his laptop bag on the kitchen island. He smiled before going to the commercial-style fridge, pulling two beers from it, and popping the tops off. “I didn’t ask you to, and I’m sure.” He walked over to Jasper and handed him a bottle of Abita. “I’ve got the extra space, and I don’t actually need rent money. I do have a proposition for you, though.”
Jasper tipped back the beer and sipped, marveling at the wordsI don’t need rent money. “What’s that?”
Fitz propped a hip on the back of his leather couch and pointed the neck of his beer toward Jasper. “You can stay here for the next few months rent-free—”
“Fitz, no, I don’t need charity.”
His friend lifted a hand. “Hear me out. It’s not charity. You don’t have to pay me rent. Just cover half the utilities, and when we get this theater thing worked out, you give me a ten percent stake in it.”
Jasper lifted his brows. “You want to invest in my hypothetical theater?”
“It’s not going to be hypothetical if you stop doubting my brilliance and actually pursue it,” he said pointedly. “Did you look at the listing I sent you?”
He nodded. “I passed by. The price tag is steep.”
“It’s a steal. The neighborhood’s on the upswing. Many of the buildings are being converted into lofts. A younger crowd is moving in. I think with the right vibe and design, and a group like yours, an improv venue could be golden. I mean, don’t get me wrong, I like investing in people who are passionate about what they do.” He shrugged his wide shoulders. “But I’m also an opportunistic bastard, and I think there’s money to be made here.”
Jasper laughed.
“Seriously, though, this could really turn into something,” he said between sips of beer. “I want in on the ground floor. Let’s do this shit.”
The genuine eagerness in Fitz’s tone sent a pang through Jasper. How could this guy he knew in middle school so easily believe in him? Fitz hadn’t even seen him perform yet. But Jasper wasn’t stupid either. Free rent for a sweet apartment?Hellandyesandwhere do I sign?No rent for a few months could do wonders for paying off his hospital bills. Plus, he liked Fitz, and the guy was going to be key in getting a shot at the theater project if Jasper was really going to attempt this. If Fitz could actually make this happen, ten percent seemed like a small price to pay.
“I don’t know what to say,” Jasper said, floored by Fitz’s generosity.
Fitz stood and put out his hand. “Say yes, asshole.”
Jasper chuckled. “Well, thatisthe first rule of improv.”
Fitz gave him an expectant look. “So?”
Jasper let out a breath and grabbed Fitz’s hand. “You realize I have no idea what the hell I’m doing, right?”
Fitz gripped his hand. “You think I had a clue when I started my business? You learn as you go. Plus, you have me. What’s life without a little risk?”
Jasper smirked. His whole life seemed like a bad bet lately, all risk and no reward, but he shook Fitz’s hand. Risk or not, he couldn’t shake the idea of the theater. It had burrowed into his brain and wasn’t leaving without some blood spilled. “Then I guess I say, yes, asshole. Let’s do it.”
“That’s what I’m talking about. Confidence.” Fitz pulled him in for a half hug/half hard thump on the back.
Jasper stepped back and took a long pull from his beer, his mind spinning and his gaze scanning the luxury apartment. “I can’t believe I’m going to be living in a fucking penthouse and trying to start a business. Life is weird.”
“Yeah, this place doesn’t suck.” Fitz grinned as he settled onto the couch and hooked his ankle over his knee, looking every bit the confident businessman. “I got it mainly because it reminded me of that apartment in that old Tom Hanks movieBig.”
“Huh.” Jasper looked around at the open space, remembering the movie. “Yeah, I can see the resemblance. No trampoline though.”
“That could be arranged,” Fitz said, no jest in his tone. “I loved that movie when I was a kid. The thought that I could just instantly be grown up and make my own decisions, not have to deal with another foster home or caseworker. That sounded like living the dream.”
Jasper met his gaze, seeing the kid Fitz used to be for a brief second in his mind’s eye. Scrawny. Scattered. No one would’ve suspected that hard-to-corral, too-loud boy could’ve landed in this spot. “I’m glad you finally got here, man.”
“Me too. But don’t get too sentimental.” Fitz ran a hand over his close-cropped black hair and stretched his arm out over the back of the couch. “Let’s be real. I also got this place to impress women.”
Jasper snorted and took a seat in the armchair across from him. “Of course. Does it work?”
“What do you think?” Fitz’s smile turned sly. “Feel free to test out its magical powers for yourself. Our rooms are on opposite sides of the apartment. You’ll have all the privacy you could want if you bring someone home.”
