Page 62 of Giorgio
“I am fresh out, just to say that you are a fool.”
“Why, thank you, papa.”
“You are clearly unhappy. It’s evident. You spend your time mooning in this room and the guest bedroom she used to be in. What the bloody hell is it going to take for you to go to her?”
He sat there staring at the volume in his hands. “She is better off without me.” He murmured hoarsely. “I am actually doing her a favor by staying out of her life.”
“What about you?” His father demanded.
“Me?” He lifted his shoulders in a shrug. “I will be fine.”
*****
“It’s nice.”
“Nice? Please Julian, you are making me nervous with your enthusiastic response.”
He grinned at her as he continued to walk around the space. It was certainly large enough and the structure was solid. From the outside, it looked more like a cottage than a store. And it would need just minimum interior work.
The owner herself was trying to strike a deal with them and she was eager to unload the place. She had told Juliana that she was excited about her idea.
“My dear, several people approached me before, but I am sentimental about the place and your idea is the best I have come across. It sounds wonderful.”
“My office would be through here.” She led the way into a small area where the window overlooked a surprisingly large parkinglot with trees forming a semi-circle around a non-functioning fountain, something she had every intention of remedying.
“It shows potential, and the price is reasonable. She wants to sell outright?”
Juliana nodded, taking a slow circle so she could take in the rest of the place.
“She is retired. She was selling antiques at this location and when a larger entity took opened up a few blocks away, business started to decline.”
Her brother, tapped the paneling. “I am assuming you did your market research?”
She rolled her eyes but was very happy to have him taking charge. He would be doing the negotiating and setting up the purchase of the place.
“I did, extensively and this place is exactly what is needed here.”
She waited while he took another look around, going into the bathroom and a back area that she was going to use as a chill-out spot where one could escape, tuck in, and read a favorite title.
“Where is she?”
“Margaret lives a few blocks from here, but she wanted us to view the place without interference from her.” Walking over, she tucked her hand through his arm. “Have I told you just how much I appreciate you looking out for me?”
He gave her a wry glance. “You don’t have to suck up Jules. I am sold on the idea.”
“It doesn’t hurt.” She smiled brightly and snuggled against him.
“Okay, enough. Let’s get you the store.”
*****
Margaret Bailey welcomed her into her small cottage like home and served them tea on the front porch. “My dear, I am so happy you came up with this idea.” She handed over the plate of homemade biscuits she baked just this afternoon. “I am looking forward to seeing the idea blossom into something wonderful.”
“So am I. I suppose you will be taking that cruise?”
The woman bobbed her snow-white head, blue eyes twinkling. “I have a yearning to go to Wales – that is where my mother came from, you know, and I have never been. My late husband and I kept wanting to go, but it never happened. With raising the kids and running a business, there was never enough time.
Now I am free and unencumbered, perfect time for exploring.” She stared at Juliana curiously, privately admiring the young woman’s flawless skin. “Where did you come up with the name?”