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“My dad and brother haven’t had cars in years. I don't know if either of them have a driver’s license either,” I said, trying to make her feel better. There was nothing to be ashamed of. Our conversation had been going so well I didn't want to derail that, so I carried on. “I want a reputation of being honest and fair.”
“That’ll come with time.” She wandered over to the long wall where I’d suggested her cosmetic counter go. “What if we made an inviting space for customers? Maybe modern with a touch of femininity. And we need to make sure there are plenty of power outlets and USB ports for easy charging of electronic devices. Oh, and a tea and coffee station too.”
“I like it.” I moved over to her and tried to see things through her eyes. “That should be the first project. The inviting customer space.”
Baker grinned at me. “You could also talk to Mrs. Quinn to see if one of the girls at Paths has customer service experience. She could be your eventual office manager, part-time, but also be the first face customers see.” How did she keep surprising me with her intelligence? Cleverness. “Although . . . shouldn’t we get the equipment you need to fix cars first?”
“I suppose that would be the place to start.” I rubbed my chin as if considering.
“Holt?”
“Yeah, Easy?”
Her eyes were wary when she looked at me. “Isn’t this going to be expensive?”
“Yeah. But if we go in stages, it’s doable. We’ll do the garage and where the customers will see. The back office can wait. The apartment isn’t pressing at the moment. And the other space”—I met her gaze— “is up to you.”
She didn’t say anything for a long time, simply taking in the garage.
Had I made a mistake showing her my dream? Including her?
“I—I don’t have the money to set up an operation here. It takes every spare cent just to get the materials I need.” She looked uncertain.
Admiration filled me. She didn’t give herself enough credit for what she’d accomplished.
“I’m not asking for any money from you,” I said. “I’m sorry if I gave you that impression.”
“I can’t let you pay for this.” Her protest was almost feral. “I don’t want another handout.”
I recoiled. “It’s not a handout.” I wasn’t entirely sure why I wanted to help her reach her dreams, whatever they may be, but I did. Even if it meant sacrificing something I needed for my own business.
She released a long breath. “I don’t let myself think about this beyond making lip gloss in the living room.”
Why?The question was on the tip of my tongue. It was the perfect time to find out more about the inner workings of the woman who intrigued me.
“And for now, that will remain the same. You have your job at the magazine, and the makeup is your side project. Down the road, you might want to make that your main focus. Why don’t we keep options open?”
“That makes sense.” She paused as if digesting my words. “One of the women from Paths, she’s an apprentice to an interior designer,” she said before I had a chance to open my mouth. “Oh, and Leesa’s working with an architect. Do we need an architect?”
Her newfound enthusiasm was an abrupt change, but I’d take it. Maybe it meant she’d warm up to the idea of the building being ours.
I shrugged. “I’m not sure.”
“Maybe they’ll help us. I’ll go by there on the way home.”
Her enthusiasm was contagious, but that wasn’t what filled me with that strange feeling which only happened around Baker. “That would be great. If they would helpus.”
She blushed, but lifted her chin. “There’s a lot of potential here.”
I wasn’t so sure we were just talking about the garage. “I think so too.”
Chapter Ten
Baker
“Are you going to tell them?”
I slipped my hand into the crook of Holt’s arm after he locked the door to his new garage.
