Chapter 36 Flo
“You seriously still haven’t done anything with this place?” I mutter.
Evan and I stand outside the store Gracie gifted him for his birthday, which used to sell antiques before it went out of business, and his sister bought it a few months ago.
The permanently closed sign hanging on the door is sideways, one of the pieces of string holding it up having snapped, and the brown paint on the brick outside is peeling to the point where it resembles sunburn, with skin flaking off.
There’s a pile of crushed cans and chip packets in the corner of the room, probably left there by the people moving everything out, having not been courteous enough to dispose of them before leaving the place for good.
It smells like dust, making its way up my nose and causing me to sneeze.
Evan’s already on the phone to Gracie, laughing and thanking her for his ‘gift’, but she defends herself by explaining that she wanted to give him a challenge—something for him to throw himself into when he retires, which isn’t far away now.
But not having actually visited the shop in the middle of Missarali town yet, Evan and I were curious and wanted to come for a snoop, which we’re now regretting.
I pick up an old 50% banner with my fingertips, before immediately dropping it back down once I realise it has a dead cockroach stuck to it. “Okay, so what’s your plan?”
“Well, looking at it now, I don’t really have one,” is Evan’s response, taking my hand and protectively leading me away from the rat droppings on the creaky floorboards.
“Oh, come on, you like a little DIY, don’t you? And I can’t lie, it’ll be hot seeing you dirty and all covered in sweat and dust.” My hands lay on his chest as I reach up to kiss him.
“Don’t get me turned on in here, Flo, because the last place I want to fuck you is a rat and cockroach-infested trash heap like this.”
True. We’d probably catch something in here.
“It’s not that bad.” A sharp hand clap from me permeates the air. “Let’s think. What could you do with it? A coffee shop?”
“Missarali already has too many of them.”
I hum. He’s right. Mug & Mingle is also a favourite, and their clientele is loyal. “Okay, you could sell stuff? Umm, like furniture? Or books?”
Evan scrunches up his nose.
Yeah, definitely not him.
“I’ve got nothing.”
His warm, musky scent swoops in and kicks the rotting wood scent to the side as he steps closer to me. “Or… you could sell stuff.”
I scoff. “What do you mean?”
“I know you don’t believe in yourself the same way I believe in you, Flo, but you’re amazing at what you do.
You’ve been looking for a full-time job for a few months now, and I know you’re getting down about not finding something you love the idea of, so take the shop. Make it yours. Sell your creations.”
Shock slaps me across the face. I stare as Evan holds the key out for me.
“Evan, a shop is a lot of responsibility, and… it’s yours. I’m not just going to take it.”
“I’d love to gift it to you, and anything you need to set it up, but since I know you won’t let me do that because you have enough pride to fill the Grand Canyon”—he shoots me a frustrated look—”you can buy it from me.
” His icy eyes roll. “Pay me back in instalments. Fill this place with your work. Leo, Donkey and I are being selfish, being the only ones that benefit.”
I don’t get paid for looking after Leo anymore, since I’m no longer his nanny, but part of their family now instead, but Evan has made it very clear that his money is mine, and if there’s something I want, all I need to do is ask.
But I won’t take advantage of him by letting him pay for my dreams. If I’m going to do this, I’m going to pay for all of it.
“It would cost a lot of money to do this, Evan.”
“Well, it’s a good thing I have a lot of money, and you have a lot of talent, then.”
An exasperated laugh falls from my lips. “You have to be serious with what you said about the money. I’m not taking a handout. I would pay you back every dime.”
Evan dips his chin, eyes glinting. “I know you would, baby.”
I’m suddenly sweating. He knows what that nickname does to me. He doesn’t call me that often, only when he really wants something, and right now, Evan wants this for me. He wants me to take him up on this offer.
Setting up a shop has been something I’ve considered in the past, but I’ve never been in a financial situation where I could justify it, so I didn’t give it much thought. But now I am, can I really turn this down?
“You said you always wanted to find your purpose, trouble. To do something you love. I see the way you smile when you’re sewing or sketching your new designs.
The way all tension leaves your mind and body.
You spend every free moment doing what you love, and it brings you happiness. Let yourself be happy. You deserve it.”
Surveying the dark room, I ask, “You really think we can turn this place into somewhere people would want to come and shop?”
Hands grip my legs, hoisting me up so they’re wrapped around Evan’s waist. His nose brushes mine, caressing my jaw. “Oh, I know so.”
I release a sigh of contentment, connecting our lips, but not before saying, “Fine, you’ve convinced me just by putting your hands on my ass, let’s do it.”