Page 34 of Desired Hearts (Bachelor Pact #2)

DELANEY

With terms like laminectomy and bony arch of the vertebra running through my brain, I found myself on a detour on the way to work.

Having left early to walk by the now-closed wine-tasting room once again, a now-daily ritual, it was almost as if my feet moved of their own accord toward The Coffee Cabin.

Dad was going to be fine, but seeing him in the hospital yesterday, so fragile and vulnerable looking, had been jarring.

Of course I knew my parents wouldn’t be with me forever, but so often I was able to push aside any thoughts of a world without them.

Between Mason losing his dad and my own having complications on what should have been a standard pre-surgery checkup, thoughts of something bad happening to them persisted.

Between that and what was happening with Parker, pulling myself out of bed this morning had been more difficult than usual.

Looking at my phone, not seeing Parker’s name pop up, had been disheartening, if expected.

I might not have panicked except for our talk just a few days ago.

Knowing he liked to work out problems immediately, rather than sitting on them, meant the guy was genuinely confused about moving forward.

Opening the door to the coffee shop, I resisted second breakfast, having already eaten a scrambled egg and piece of toast at home, but the smell of fresh baked goods got to me. Considering it a win when I only ordered a coffee, I took a deep breath and said, “Is Paul around, by chance?”

“He’s in the back.” The young college girl who I’d only seen working a few times before seemed unsure about what to do next.

“Can you tell him Delaney Thorton would like a brief word with him?”

“Uh, sure.”

What the hell was I doing?

Maybe it was the lack of sleep after talking to Parker. More likely it was seeing my dad in that hospital bed with Parker’s words ringing in my ears.

This isn’t a trial run, Delaney. We get one chance at it, and then we die.

“Morning, Delaney,” Paul Baker said, coming out from the back.

He was about my father’s age, maybe a few years older. He was a regular at the pharmacy. Paul believed in frequenting locally owned businesses and wouldn’t be caught dead ordering from a chain of any sort, pharmaceuticals included.

“Good morning,” I said as he indicated a seat in the corner.

“What can I do for you?”

Ohmygod, ohmygod, ohmygod. What the hell was I doing?

“Well,” I hedged before willing myself to just spit it out. “I wondered about the wine bar building. I’ve noticed it’s for lease?”

Paul sat back in the corner booth. “Yeah, unfortunately. I thought they had a winner, working with local wineries, Emilio… Urban wine-tasting rooms are popping up all over the place. It’s too bad, really.”

“Do you think there’s a reason that particular building has had a difficult time maintaining businesses? I know it’s a block off the square, but a lot of successful businesses are without a problem.”

He seemed confused why I’d ask the question, but Paul was too polite not to answer. “I don’t think it’s the location, to be honest. We have a sign on the corner pointing down the street to foot traffic. And the children’s boutique actually did well. They closed for personal reasons.”

“Oh, really?” I hadn’t known that.

“Why do you ask?”

Here went nothing.

“I’ve actually been eyeing that place up for a long time,” I said, aware that I wasn’t doing myself any favors letting him know how much I wanted that particular place.

Maybe I wasn’t a true businesswoman at heart, but if I was going to do this thing, I’d do it my way.

And if being honest shot me in the foot, so be it. “You know I make and sell jewelry?—”

He smiled. “And art.” Paul nodded to one of my earlier pieces. It was a simple object watercolor but fit perfectly with the decor. Paul bought it at a craft fair in the square one summer when I had a table there.

“And art,” I agreed. “For years I considered opening a studio, a place to sell my own pieces but also offer classes. I’m passable at pottery too and could have jewelry making, art, pottery…

but actually,” I said, knowing I was talking fast, “in my business plan, I’m starting with the retail and adding classes later.

I’ve done some research”—actually Pia did more of it, and so far seemed to think the studio would be viable—“and have worked with the small business center a bit since this isn’t my forte.

Anyway, I wondered if the building is still for lease and if you could give me the costs? ”

Paul was quiet for a second, likely taking it all in. Leaning forward, he broke out into a very encouraging smile. “Delaney,” he said. “I think that would be an excellent asset to the town. You are obviously very talented and have thought the business through. I love it.”

I love it.

He was also a businessman looking to lease the building. The practical side of me tried not to get too excited. “I know it’s not your job to predict the feasibility of having a profitable business but?—”

“It’s a great idea. I wouldn’t bullshit you, Delaney. Your father would have my head on a platter otherwise.”

My father was a big guy, but, in truth, he was a teddy bear too. “I haven’t spoken with my parents yet, so if I could ask for your discretion on this.” I swallowed. “I did earn a degree and have a job which, obviously, I would have to forfeit to move forward.”

“I understand. It’s a scary thing, especially having a lot of time and money invested in your current career.” He grinned. “I have a degree in forestry. Wanted to work in forest conservation, if you can imagine that. Never even had a job in the industry.”

“Forestry?”

“It’s a long, convoluted story. Point being, I understand your struggle.

As for the cost, it’s fifteen dollars a square foot, so fifteen thousand a year.

That includes utilities, and there’s no pass-through clause for taxes, but you are responsible for building upkeep and any necessary maintenance or repairs, including landscaping.

You’ll also need your own insurance as well. ”

I didn’t have a clue what the tax stuff meant, but the cost was actually lower than expected with utilities included. As for repairs… Nope. I would not think of Parker at the moment.

“That’s great to know,” I said. “As I gather information, would it be possible to let me know if anyone else is interested in the building? As you can imagine, there are a lot of moving parts here.”

Paul looked up, waved a hand, and focused back on me.

“I have a meeting, but come by anytime with additional questions. The building is yours if you want it. You’ll have first crack at it if anyone else is interested, but as of this moment, you’re the first to inquire.

So take your time, get your ducks in a row and stay in touch. ”

I stood, not wanting to hold him up. Reaching out my hand, I shook his. “That is incredibly gracious, Paul. I can’t thank you enough.”

“My pleasure. I hope it works out. A studio like yours, as I said, would be a great asset to downtown Cedar Falls. Let me know if you need anything at all.”

“Thank you again,” I said as he moved off.

Sitting back down, not surprised the coffee shook a bit in my hand, I digested everything he’d said. At least I didn’t have to worry about dragging my feet and having someone scoop the building out from under me.

My phone buzzed. I took it out. Not Parker but my mother.

I clicked the text, any joy at the meeting with Paul instantly vanishing.

Call me ASAP.