Chapter Three
Eryx
My dad, if he were here, would be laughing and saying he told me so.
He did tell me so. A great reason to make this work.
The seller was motivated, or at least so the Realtor claimed, going on to extol the virtues of the local area.
“Oliver Creek has expanded so much over the years. There’s a new website and we have food truck nights and great parks and schools.
I’m sorry. I didn’t ask if you had a partner, a mate? Children?”
Why would he? I was buying a movie theater, not a home.
We stood in front of the building. On the sign were the titles of movies from decades ago. The lettering was cracked and some were missing, but anyone who had a TV would recognize them.
“I don’t have any of that.”
“Well.” He slid his phone into his pocket.
He wore khakis and a polo. Dressed down for a Realtor but then again, Oliver Creek was a small city or maybe a large town.
Things were different here compared to the bustling city I’d come from.
More relaxed. Quieter. Ten times friendlier.
Just this morning, I’d been welcomed over ten times on my way to the coffee shop.
“This town is also known for romance. I’ve seen countless shifter and humans alike come here and find their mates and partners. ”
“I think I’ll have enough on my hands. But I’ll keep that in mind.”
I looked up at the building. It was in rough shape, but the seller asserted it was usable.
Work I could do. I’d secured an apartment nearby, and my savings should be enough to last me years, even with the renovation.
The Realtor’s phone buzzed. He picked it up and walked away, speaking to someone. He stayed in sight, but far enough that I couldn’t hear what was being said.
I put my hands on my hips, blew out a long breath, and turned full circle, letting my gut instinct do its thing.
Oliver Creek was a mecca for restaurants and food trucks.
It was modern but retained the small-town feel.
Couples and families walked around, chatting.
All kinds of food scents mingled in the air. They even had a yoga studio.
By the time Scott, the Realtor, came back from his phone call, I’d made my decision.
“Are you sure? We can wait for the owner and he can give you a tour first.”
“I’m sure. I’ll take it.”
We shook hands and over the next week, everything was settled. Real estate was handled like a one-stop-shop here and the paperwork, insurance, and keys were handed over under one roof.
Now it was time to see what I was working with.
When I opened the back door, a cloud of dust billowed out as though it had been waiting for me. I coughed and sputtered. Dust could be cleaned. Swept.
“Fuck me,” I said, walking around, the key still gripped in my palm.
Maybe I should’ve had the tour. The place was in horrible shape. Worse than I imagined. The ceilings were water stained. Every seat had to be replaced or at least recovered. Carpet was matted with stains. I laughed as I neared the vending area. The faint scent of popcorn still lingered in the air.
Everything had to be replaced. The equipment was outdated, and using that word was a kindness.
The walls needed painting. It was an entire redo. But the layout was good. Five screens which would give me some variety in what I showed.
That didn’t even cover the outside. It needed a paint job. The lights would have to be replaced. Signage. Modern computers to handle ticket sales.
My brain was bursting with ideas. One screen would be dedicated to old movies. Black and whites. Binging options for vintage TV shows as well. My favorites. Even silent movies.
Then there would be three for new movies. And the last one, special showings. Movie marathons. Cartoons. Kids movies. Specials for the summer when kids were out of school.
I typed everything into my phone on the notes app as fast as I could, making another round through the place. One list for ideas. One list for things that needed to be done. Both were extensive and while I knew the work would be as well, I realized this was my dream.
In a few clicks, I already had sent emails to vendors. We needed everything here. Popcorn. Nachos. Candy. I could add some modern things like the other theaters did, but I also wanted an old movie theater feel. Hot dogs. Definitely hot dogs.
Until I found the vendors I wanted, I would have to do the buying myself.
But first, I needed a working theater that didn’t look like it was stuck in a time capsule.
I walked up the stairs to the projection booth and almost passed out. Everything was still here, like they had played a movie just the day before. Projectors. Movies on reels. All locked in this room that was somehow kept mostly dust-free and safe.
I sat on the chair and tested everything out and soon put a movie on the screen.
The one from the sign out front. No one had even bothered to put it up correctly.
I watched almost the whole thing when my wolf ears picked up a sound in the distance.
A knock? Someone was knocking on the door?
Bouncing down the stairs while the movie played on, I heard it again. Someone knew I’d bought the place? No way.