Page 52 of Kiss Marry Kill

“Yes. Luckily, there are only about eight months left on that lease. I’d planned on renegotiating with the other landlord.”

“Instead of buying your way out of the lease, you could ask River if he’d let you out of the lease. He might do it.”

I shook my head. “I don’t need him doing me a favor. I’ll buy out my lease. I prefer that.”

She grimaced. “That sounds expensive.”

“Money well spent, if you ask me,” I muttered. “Plus, building out a space will be cheaper than reconstruction of an actual building. I might save money in the long run.”

“I guess that’s true.”

“If this fiasco with River has taught me anything, it’s that if I’m going to buy a building, I need to buy the land it’s on too.”

“You only did that because you didn’t plan on staying here.” Her smile was knowing. “Then you fell in love.”

My face warmed. “Yes. That wasn’t in my plans.”

“No. Even I know that.” She laughed.

I changed the subject quickly. “I was online just now, checking out the local available commercial real estate. There are a few spaces I want to take a look at.”

“You should call Mrs. Numi. She knows every inch of this town.”

“Maybe I will.”

Looking resolute, Girdy grabbed a notepad from my desk and a pen from the holder. “Let’s see now. You’re subleasing this space month to month, so you can move out anytime you want.”

“Yes. I’m glad we did the month to month.”

“Would you like me to call Miles at Rocky Construction and tell him there’s been a change of plans?”

I couldn’t help but smile at her take-charge demeanor. “I should probably call him.”

She glanced up. “I don’t mind doing it.”

“I know, but I think maybe I could explain more easily what I’m thinking.”

She nodded. “True.”

“I’ll put off calling Miles for a few days. I think once I have time to look around and see what’s available, I’ll have a clearer vision.”

She set the pen on the pad, frowning. “I sure wish I knew why River is such a jerk to you. At first, I thought you were being paranoid.” She gave a sheepish smile. “Sorry. Now I see that there really is something there. He truly does seem to resent you personally and professionally.”

“I find the whole thing rather confusing.” I sighed. “I realize I’ve insulted a lot of people in my lifetime, but I’m positive I’ve never met River before.”

“Perhaps he’s grown resentful simply because you never liked him. I think when he first got here, he was more open to you. But now… he does seem to dislike you.”

I gave a weak smile. “Maxwell Thornton, making friends wherever he goes.”

She laughed. “Well, I like you just fine.”

“Thanks, Girdy.” I smiled at her, grateful for her friendship. She truly was a friend too. While I appreciated how hard she worked, she was a wonderful addition to my personal life as well. I’d come to depend on her warmth and candor.

Her smile faded. “Do you plan on immediately telling River about your plans?”

I grimaced. “As devious as he is, I almost feel like I need to actually sign the new leasebeforeI let him know my plans.”

“Maybe youshouldbuy the land and the building. Just to be safe.” Girdy grinned. “You seem to think money is no option.”