Barely able to contain her excitement, Anna reread the purchase documents for the umpteenth time.
It was as if her life had been on hold for the past couple of years, and now it had been given a terrific kick-start. Perhaps that’s what happened when transitioning between one existence and the next. Like being in the departure lounge of an airport terminal, waiting for the announcement of a flight.
It wasn’t as if she hadn’t achieved anything during the past two years, however, and while she had no intention of shouting from the rooftops, she had learned certain things about herself. She was a survivor, for a start. But more importantly, she had learned how to cope, to depend only on herself.
She was also far more accepting of others than she had once been. Looking back to her time at the bank, she realised that the very nature of her role as a lending officer had put her well on the way to becoming too judgmental. Now she was less likely to paint a situation in black and white and more accepting of the foibles and idiosyncrasies of others.
She caught her breath. This was a life-changing moment. Just one signature on the purchase documents, and her life would be changed in an instant.
Of course there was still a ways to go. She and Gabrielle had spoken at length, initially about the right location for her store. For a long time, she’d been unable to raise the subject of whether Gabrielle would be prepared to sell her store. Couldn’t find the rights words or the right opportunity. It seemed such an ungrateful and impertinent thing to ask once their friendship had grown.
“You seem to be going round in circles,” the older woman pointed out one afternoon. The store was closed, and they were sharing a bottle of wine.
“I know,” Anna replied plaintively. “I’ve spoken to any number of agents and I’m on dozens of lists, but the truth is, I’m no longer sure the perfect location exists.”
“Tell me your criteria again?”
Anna ticked off each one on her fingers. “I want a heritage location. Or if not that, somewhere with the right ambience and an eclectic mix of stores, al fresco cafés, and wine bars. I would like cobbled streets and perhaps a piazza.”
“Don’t forget the fountain,” Gabrielle put in, trying to hold back a smile.
“Exactly. On top of that, it has to be affordable, and with a decent lease. Oh, and it has to have good passing trade.”
Gabrielle was nodding proudly, as if her star pupil had passed with flying colours. “So, make me an offer.”
Anna stared.
“Okay, there’s no fountain and it’s hardly a piazza, but other than that, I think this place fits with what you are looking for.”
“I would love to,” Anna said hesitantly, “but what about you?”
“Oh, I have my own plans.” Gabrielle picked up the bottle and recharged their glasses. “A long holiday for a start,” she said, seeing Anna’s quizzical expression. “India.”
“India? Why India?”
“I want to see the palaces and forts.”
“Oh.”
“And I want to do it by train.”
“Really?”
“Yes. And not only India. The rest of the East as well.”
“I had no idea.” Anna shook her head in amazement.
Taking on Gabrielle’s existing lease would still mean a trip to the bank. But her proposal to buy an existing business would be far more attractive, and she still had the security and income from her rental property as collateral. Purchasing the existing stock and chattels was no problem, either. Her savings would cover that, as well as provide enough to cover her running costs for at least the first six months, if not longer.
She deserved a glass of Champagne!
Opening the fridge, she pulled a bottle from the rack. Make the most of it, she told herself, popping the cork. After this you won’t be affording any luxuries for a long while!