One Day Like This: A feel-good summer romance Page 6

  “Okay. Different,” said Ama. “Although, if you’re a big Shakespeare fan or really into that Tolkien fantasy series…”

  “Or Peter Pan,” Natalie added. “Which has inspired my boss’s latest fashion line, apparently.” She gave a little shudder. “Right now, I’m looking at a future of sewing sparkling leggings for guys.”

  “Give Stefan credit for knowing what his clients like. We need to keep the customers happy, right? Maybe that kind of glitz and fantasy concept is exactly what we need. We’ll stand out that way.” Tessa was trying to sound convinced by this strategy.

  “What about your experience?” asked Natalie.

  Tessa’s expression went blank, an emotional poker face. “Mine?” she queried. “I don’t have experience, remember? I have a business degree and a savings account to invest, and some ideas that deserve to be seen by a few clients, I hope. That’s who I am right now—the businessperson who pulls together all the right pieces. I’m sure Stefan and I would share the wedding responsibilities fairly and reasonably,” she added. “Event planning is all about the client’s vision, so we should be able to find common ground on that subject, right?”

  “Right,” said Natalie solemnly, with an expression that suggested she was thinking the total opposite.

  Tessa found herself wishing Natalie would just admit they needed someone like Stefan on their side. Not only for the additional financial contribution, but also for an artistic reputation, something the rest of them didn’t really have at this point. So what if it meant her own role in the creative process would be consigned to the background at the firm’s beginning? She was willing to accept that. Starting a business and making her dream a reality was the only important part; everything else would fall into place in the future. Once she was no longer scraping glow-in-the-dark frosting off her shoes in front of snobby acquaintances from her past, anyway.

  “We definitely need someone experienced, if none of us have ever run a business,” said Ama.

  “You’re practically running one already,” Natalie pointed out.

  “It’s just a basic webpage template. With pictures of cookies and mailing supplies,” said Ama with a laugh. “It’s not the same as a bricks-and-mortar shop. Or dealing with people face-to-face, either. I don’t even do that at the restaurant, since that’s my father’s job.”

  “We’ll create the most impressive bricks-and-mortar atmosphere we can,” said Tessa. “That way, the moment our clients step through the doors, the four of us will give them an impression of confidence and talent.”

  “And what doors would those be?” said Natalie.

  “Real estate’s kind of expensive,” pointed out Ama. “And kind of scarce, thanks to all the tech outlets opening up in the business sector. The only place I know is available is that dark little shop in the mall. The one at the west end. A shoe store closed last month and left a gap at the far end by the bail bondsman’s office.”

  “It’s creepy down there,” shuddered Natalie. “Even the wireless provider with the big neon light display moved as soon as a different space was available.”

  “I was thinking of something better than an outlet in the mall,” said Tessa. “A real building with office space for all of us.”

  “Is my boss renting her warehouse space again?” joked Natalie.

  “Actually,” said Tessa, “I already have the perfect place in mind.” They both looked at her.

  “You do?” Ama’s eyebrows lifted skeptically.

  “I do,” said Tessa. “It has charm, plenty of room, and, most importantly, a great location. Best of all, it’s available immediately, since its owner is desperate to get out from under it.”

  “You’re serious about this?” said Natalie. “Stop joking around, Tess. This is important.”

  “I’m not joking. Believe me,” answered Tessa. “You’ll see what I mean.” She hid a mysterious smile behind her glass of sweet tea, pretending not to notice the glances—both curious and dubious—exchanged by her future business partners.

  * * *

  They drove by after dinner. The real estate agent’s sign was affixed to the side of the stately brick building downtown. It had a large window facing the street and its front door was painted red, all visible behind the locked metal railings.

  It was an old building, and a narrow one, with crumbling sandstone between the floors of red-brown brick. But that was its charm. It was squeezed between two buildings that were in lesser need of TLC. The big window was perfect, Tessa thought—what had once been a townhouse’s dignified picture window or a boutique’s display would now be perfect for showcasing examples of their talents.

  Three further windows looked down on the sidewalk below from the upper story; their untidy window boxes needed a touch of paint and some new flowers. But even in the dark, the tinted panes of the upstairs windows and the leaded glass of the dormers were still noticeable, along with the intricate brass frames of the letterbox and the address numbers on the front door.

  “What do you think?” said Tessa. She spread her hands. “It’s really beautiful, isn’t it?” It had been love at first sight when she saw it on the real estate webpage, a steal for a building this incredible.

  “Tessa, we’re on Magnolia Street,” said Natalie incredulously. “As in, part of the Bellehaven district—this is the oldest, most historic part of the city, which is why its real estate is parceled off to chic little bistros and custom graphic designers. We couldn’t afford a billboard space down here, much less an actual business site.”

  “She’s right, Tessa. How could we afford a place like this?” asked Ama. Her jaw had dropped when she first emerged from the car, lifting her gaze to take in the building’s impressive dimensions and its former grandeur. “Look at its size. Renting the first floor alone would be expensive.”

  “I told you, it’s a steal,” insisted Tessa. “I’ve seen the cost on it. It’s practically ready for auction, because no one wanted to take it on and its owner wants to sell in the worst way.”

  “Because it’s ready for demolition?” suggested Natalie. Little sprinkles of the building’s crumbly upper trim dusted the sidewalk noticeably along the property’s edge.

  “Natalie’s right. Most of these businesses seem to be small specialty types,” said Ama, glancing around. “Look, there’s an imported wine shop on the corner—and I’ve seen that restaurant featured in the Best Eateries for Discerning Palates guide.” She pointed toward an innocuous bistro across the street, lit with soft blue lights. “They’re small, and they’re costly, and they’re only using one little partition of these grand old structures.”

  “This place is a little expensive, compared to renting,” said Tessa. “But it’s a steal for this part of town.”

  “You’re planning to buy this monster?” declared Natalie. “You’re crazier than I thought. The down payment alone will take every dime you have and then some—are you going to borrow from your mom? From Stefan?”

  “I looked it up. This building is worth five times what they’re asking for it,” argued Tessa. “They’re desperate to unload it. Sure, it needs a little TLC… probably”—she averted her eyes from what looked like a water stain above the picture window—“but nothing that four creative people couldn’t improve. Maybe with a good handyman to fix the leaks and patch a few holes. The rest we can do with paint and paper.”

  “How much is a steal?” asked Natalie.

  Tessa hesitated. She pulled a sheet of paper from her handbag and held it out to them. Both Natalie and Ama read it in silence.

  “That is a steal,” admitted Natalie, after a long pause. Her voice did not betray how impressed she was, but Tessa sensed it nonetheless.

  Ama spoke up. “That’s definitely a lot of cupcake money, though,” she said, drawing a ragged breath.

  “How come they are selling it for so little?” said Natalie.

  “I told you it was a steal.” Tessa shrugged her shoulders.

  “Even so,” said Ama, with
a sigh that said it all.

  “Tess, we still won’t have enough,” added Natalie. “Even with your savings and your nest egg, how can we afford this much?”

  “We can come close,” Tessa insisted. “I have a few extra resources that will bring in some more cash besides what I already have. Once we’re earning money by planning events, the payments will be manageable. Nat, think of it. Chances like this just don’t come every day. Look at this place—it’s one step away from being sold in pieces to make way for a modern property with some fake historic exterior. That’s what’s happening to all the old buildings nobody wants.”

  “It would be a shame to tear down a place like this one,” said Ama. “It has definite charm.” She gazed up at the sandstone carvings encased between the brick stories.

  “It has a list of repairs the length of my body, too,” said Natalie.

  “So? We’ll find an affordable handyman, and be careful to only fix what’s necessary,” said Tessa. “The rest we can cover up or make over with a little paint and some creative measures.”

  “A big fat zero would be all that was left in my account,” said Natalie. “If we did something like this.”

  “Not so fast,” said Tessa. “I’m not asking anyone but me to drain their bank account for this.” The last thing she wanted was anyone else risking all they had for her dream—especially with no guarantee it would land them anything more than unemployment. “All I’m asking is enough so we can make this place client friendly. I won’t ask anybody to cough up the kind of money I’m planning to invest.”

  “What’ll you live off, though? You told me you were quitting Party 2 Go as soon as we have an ‘open’ sign on the door.” Natalie’s face wore a concerned look in the glass window’s reflection.

  “I’ll figure something out,” said Tessa. Secretly, she was wondering if any part of the building in front of them was livable enough that she could move into it once her apartment lease was up again. It would be rough, camping out in her future office space until she could afford another apartment. Really rough, from the looks of this place… but maybe worth it, if it meant they had a location this great.

  “Once we have a sign and some business cards, think how many people will notice us in a place like this,” said Tessa. It was hard not to sound a little awed whenever she gazed up at the building’s grand facade. “It’s the perfect location, the perfect chance. When will we ever come across another opportunity this good in our lives?” She paused. “But if it’s not what you want, it’s okay to say so. Investing in a building like this—it’s a risk. Investing in this dream is a risk. You’ve heard everything I have to say, so it’s up to you if anything happens.”

  She was afraid to hear their answers. If they said no, she knew she could try to start the business on her own with Stefan—not in this building, of course, but out of her apartment or a little space they rented in the mall, like Ama suggested. And maybe she would do it, if that were the case. She had nothing to lose, because she had already lost her dignity and temporarily lost her dreams a long time ago, and not just while mopping up party punch for Party 2 Go. But she had a feeling if she didn’t make some kind of leap now, she never would. She would be stuck for good playing a princess one week, a T-Rex the next.

  Both girls were quiet. “I know I don’t want to work for Kandace forever,” muttered Natalie. “I just didn’t think I wanted to take a risk this big to escape her.”

  “I don’t even know how my family will feel about me cutting back on the hours I spend at the restaurant,” said Ama. “Or being a professional baker for an actual living, for that matter.” She bit her lip before she spoke again. “But I guess this might be my only chance to find out.”

  “Then do we want to do it?” said Tessa. She didn’t breathe as they stood on the precipice of this decision, as if doing so would push them one way or the other. The next moment would answer everything.

  “You got me. Partner,” added Natalie. “Now you’d better make good on these promises about success knocking on our doors.”

  Natalie held out her hand. Ama’s joined it, then Tessa’s, linked together in a solemn pact of agreement. Tessa’s smile dawned, then Natalie grinned slightly. The same impetuous feeling broke across Ama’s face in return.

  “We’re missing one partner’s hand, I suppose,” said Tessa. “But I think we’re mostly in agreement.”

  “Future, here we come,” said Natalie, a little breathless sounding. “Please, don’t let us mess this up.”

  “Now all we need is a name for ourselves,” said Ama. “How about ‘Best Weddings’?”

  “‘Now and Forever,’” suggested Natalie. “Or ‘One-Stop Wedding Place’?” she joked.

  Tessa wrinkled her nose. “Let’s keep thinking,” she answered.

  Six

  It took several weeks to complete the various credit checks and forms, and negotiations with the building’s current owner, whose crushing disappointment over a fallen-through offer from a retail store colored his every remark about the property. In the end, however, the papers arrived completed in a business envelope, along with a set of keys to the front door.

  “It’s ours. Really, truly ours,” Tessa crowed. Well, technically it was Tessa’s name on the paperwork, but she knew the others would help cover costs as much as they could. “It’s glorious, Nat. You should see the view from upstairs—there’s a window overlooking the imported goods market with these gorgeous flower urns in front that would have to inspire a designer like you at some point.”

  “So how did it look inside?” Natalie asked. “Do you think it needs a lot of work?” She hadn’t seen the property’s interior yet; or, for that matter, read the dire remarks of the inspector, whose words on getting it to meet the building code requirements were grim. That report had lessened Tessa’s indignation over the fact the owner had planned to let the place be demolished… but only a little.

  “Well, it’s an old building,” Tessa began, cautiously. “So probably some.” Enough that no one can sue us or condemn us, for instance, she added silently. “We’ll have to hire a contractor or handyman or something. I’ll look up a few names and get someone to patch up any trouble spots before we move in.”

  “Sounds good. I have to go,” said Natalie. “Kandace gets nervous if we talk on the phone to outsiders while we’re working on a new line. I guess she’s afraid the competition will hire us as spies. Or saboteurs.” Natalie was sewing at the loft studio today, finishing the last “Twisted Symmetry” ensemble.

  “Would it actually be possible for someone to sabotage her work?”

  “Do a better job of it than Kandace herself, you mean?” said Natalie. “Not unless they put a blowtorch to some of these synthetic fabrics. Oh, wait; she did that to her ‘Dark Dreams’ collection already.” Other voices were audible in the background at her end of the phone call. “Listen, I really have to go—text me when you have an estimate from the handyman, okay?”

  “Will do. I’m sure he’ll throw a little plaster around and patch a few holes,” answered Tessa brightly.

  There was more involved than patching a few holes. Any kitchen they installed would have to be up to the inspection code if Ama was going to bake for their clients. They would need a decent washroom, a waiting area for clients… and the worst damage would have to be repaired in a way that wouldn’t repulse anybody who dropped by their headquarters. In short, they needed someone reputable, even if it meant kissing the last little bit of her savings goodbye, and possibly her apartment lease, if all else failed.

  Her bank account was empty, mere dollars left, and her nest egg was now nothing except tax fees due in April. Unbeknownst to the others, Tessa had sold her car already, and the only pieces of furniture of any value from her apartment. Every little bit of cash helped, she reminded herself, as she placed an ad for her sofa in the local paper. Pretty soon, there would be only the bare necessities left—but that would only be the case until their business took off.

&nbs
p; She left voice messages for Stefan and Ama with the news about the finalized sale, then divided the rest of her afternoon between designing their new website and looking for a building repair service. Right now, their wedding planning services website consisted of a handful of pictures borrowed from Stefan’s online portfolio and a few images from Ama’s online bakery. It needed a name, though. That was still missing.

  Perfect Weddings. Too clichéd. She scratched it out on her list. Special Vows. Not right either. Something to do with wedding symbols, maybe. She flipped open her portfolio, looking for popular images. Cakes, flowers, rings—those were things people associated with weddings.

  Wedding Bouquets. Her pencil wrote it down, then scratched it out, too. Bells and Bouquets. A sample invitation tucked in her portfolio featured pink paper roses above a cluster of white bells.

  Wedding Bells. She paused, then added an ‘e’ between the last ‘l’ and the ‘s.’ Three bells on the invitation, three ‘belles’ behind the idea—herself, Natalie, and Ama. How perfect was it, too, that they were launching their business in a Southern haven like Bellegrove? She didn’t draw a pencil line through this one. Something about it seemed right.

  Of course, it left Stefan out. Oh, well. Can’t have everything, Tessa reasoned, as she typed the name into the website’s new header. Stefan already had a starring role in their new business without sharing in the glory of its name, after all. The rest of them deserved to have some part of it, too. It was technically her dream that started this business.

  Wedding Belles. It would look perfect on a business card, above three little bells and some roses.

  Now to find a reliable repairman to patch up their building. Scrolling through people under “repair and carpentry” on the local home repair web listings, she paused on a business profile for “Ellingham’s Repair & Restoration,” third down from the top listings of “Industrial Corporate Contractors, Inc.” and “Exclusive Interior Artistry and Design.”