Ophelia nodded. "It'll make a good studio. Great location."
I pointed at the ceiling. "My apartment will be up there. I'm buying the building. I need to save money, and living where I work makes sense."
That got a frown. "You're living here?"
I nodded. "Yep."
"What's it look like up there?"
I shrugged. "A very large loft. Exposed beams, very open. Not really your kind of place." Which is why I hadn't answered her calls.
"Will you have early classes?" she asked, still not looking pleased.
"Eight in the morning," I replied.
Her determination to be my new roommate looked like it was fading fast. "Oh."
That's what I thought. This would be my world. My work and my loft. I didn't imagine that would appeal to anyone else.
"Can I see it?" she asked hopefully.
"Sure. Let's go," I replied. "This way." I led the way to the back door that was painted blue. I'd change that. It opened to the stairs that went up to the loft. There were exactly twenty-five stairs. When we reached the top, there was no door. I would work on that, too.
The four thousand square foot area was almost completely open. The only privacy was a bathroom to the far left and the spiral staircase that led to yet another loft area that would be my bedroom. The kitchen was complete and all stainless steel. Even the countertops were stainless. It was all very industrial.
"Is there a second bedroom?" she asked taking in the area.
"No. The original owner was a single man. But if you're really interested there is enough room. We can build walls to that back corner by the bathroom, and you'd have a sufficient size bedroom. We will have to share the bathroom though."
She studied it walking around and taking in the view over the business area of Rosemary. It was small and a quaint street with shops. The outside of all the shops were all very Southern coastal, and it felt comfortable. Very different from the area where we had lived as kids. Finally, she turned to me and smiled. "Let's do it."
If this had been Phoenix Finlay, I would have said absolutely not. But Ophelia I could live with. Besides, the rental income would pay the utilities on this place. Business-wise it just made sense.
"I'll have Dad get some workers up here to get you a room put up as soon as I sign the paperwork on this place."
She was grinning brightly. "How long do you think that will be?"
"Later this week."
She clapped her hands excitedly. "This is going to be so much fun!"
I hoped so. "You want a job? Because I'll need office help once I open the studio up."
"Sure! Why the hell not? Can we just take the rent out of my paycheck?"
"That would be fine with me."
We talked some more before Ophelia left to tell her mother her plans. I went over and pulled myself up to sit on the bar in the kitchen. I could make a life here. It wasn't in the wealthy part of Rosemary Beach where the big houses were and the club was located. It was right beside it, but it felt separate. I wasn't leaving town but I was starting a new life in this town.
My phone rang and echoed in the large empty space. I glanced at it. It was Eli. Smiling, I pressed answer. "Hello."
"How's the place look?" he asked. I had told him I was coming to check it out today in a text message I'd sent him last night.
"Perfect. I think it's going to be perfect."
"Damn. I was hoping you'd think it sucked and come to Sea Breeze to shop around." He was teasing but I knew that he'd also be pleased if that did happen.
"You could always come to Rosemary Beach," I replied.
He was quiet for a moment. "Don't tempt me."
I wondered if he would actually do that. Maybe a fresh start for him was what he needed. "I wouldn't complain if you did," I added
He chuckled and added, "You'd be hard to say no to. But I have a job. Can't just up and run away."
He had a point. "I know. Wanted to clarify if you needed an adventure I would be happy to be the beginning of yours." I'd been teasing, but he had gone quiet.
I chewed on my lip nervously. Maybe I shouldn't have said that. We didn't talk about that night much. I wasn't sure if he remembered asking me if he was the beginning of my adventure. I waited for him to say something and worried the whole time he was silent.
"I might consider it if we could have another go at sex on the beach. I think about it a lot. Wish to God I hadn't been so damn drunk."
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