Mrs. Numi’s obsidian-black Mercedes gleamed in the late-afternoon sun. On Girdy’s suggestion, I’d called Mrs. Numi right before leaving the office to ask about commercial properties. I’d assumed she’d make an appointment for later in the week, but instead, she’d latched onto me like a velociraptor might latch onto a lizard. She’d insisted we meet right away, so here we were.
When she noticed me parking behind her, she climbed gracefully from her vehicle. “Hello, Dr. Thornton. What a lovely afternoon, don’t you think?”
It seemed like any other afternoon to me, but I knew chitchat was expected. “It’s a perfect day,” I said. “How are you doing?”
“Fabulously.” Her gaze was alert as she approached. “I was thrilled to get your phone call.”
I thought for a moment I saw actual dollar signs flashing in her eyes. “I’m excited to see the properties you have for me.” In truth, I dreaded looking for a new location. But River’s recent shenanigans made it impossible to do business with him.
We were parked in front of the Bandito Business Park, where there were two possible spaces for lease. Neither one of them was large enough on their own, but if the spaces were what I was looking for, Mrs. Numi thought perhaps we could make an offer for both and knock down some walls.
“This is a nice little center,” she said. “The landlord is eager to lease the spots. I think he’ll be easy to work with.”
She led the way to the glass-front building. The parking lot and planters were well-maintained, which was a good sign that the landlord cared about the property. The tenants already in residence were a candle shop at the far end, a dry cleaner, and an insurance office. Mrs. Numi felt a doctor’s office would complement the center. Of course, I was well aware Mrs. Numi also just wanted to make a commission.
The keys jangled as she unlocked the double door. She stepped inside first, holding the door open for me. “The landlord is offering a vanilla shell and four months free rent. He’s exceptionally motivated.” Her voice reverberated off the walls of the empty space.
I examined the spot, trying not to let my gloomy feelings show. I really hated the idea of putting my medical practice in a strip mall setting. I’d grown used to having my own building. Not even counting the loss of my beloved pool, I’d miss not sharing common walls with another tenant.
“The other space is just on the other side of that wall. It’s exactly the same shape and size. We can go look at it if you’d like?” She smiled.
“I suppose I would need to see it,” I murmured.
If I must.
Years of experience must have given her the ability to read people, even when they didn’t want to be read, because she seemed to notice my lack of enthusiasm. “This isn’t the only center available in Rainy Dale.”
I gave an uneasy laugh. “I’m sure you know every inch of Rainy Dale.”
She lifted one smooth brow. “Yes. It’s my business to know.” She studied me. “Dr. Thornton, we didn’t really have a chance to talk much on the phone. Do you mind if I ask you why it is you’ve decided to change your location?”
I hesitated, concerned anything I told her might be repeated. I wasn’t sure if I should be candid about my reasons or not.
She tilted her head. “I’m very discreet.”
She kept addressing my inner thoughts, and I was beginning to feel like she could read my mind. “I’m sure you are. It’s just… such a small town.”
Laughing, she nodded. “That it is. However, I’m not the number one Realtor in the area because I go around blabbing my clients’ business.”
I grimaced. “Of course not. I didn’t mean to imply you aren’t trustworthy.”
She pursed her lips. “I’ll be able to help you better if I understand your motivation for moving locations. Is it okay if I’m blunt?”
“Um… sure?”
“Are you and River Martin having issues?”
She didn’t pull her punches, did she?
“Why do you ask?” I stalled.
“Because the minute River became your landlord, you decided to move.”
“I simply thought it was time for a change,” I lied.
She didn’t look convinced. “I only ask because I’ve heard things.”
“Have you?” I didn’t doubt she had. I didn’t like the idea everyone knew my business, but that was Rainy Dale.
