“Tough American woman,” Cesare sputtered.
“I’m realistic,” Ariana shot back. She rather enjoyed being called tough, because the alternative was to be taken advantage of. As a woman, she understood the coded meaning of the landlord’s words all too well. With a man, it was a negotiation. With a woman, she was a—
“That’s impossible,” Cesare said with a huff.
“Then, I’m finished here.” Ariana turned to leave. She was one step from the door when Cesare called her back.
Acting considerably less haughty, Cesare said, “If we keep this deal between us, you can have the space at that price.”
Ariana named her move-in date. She’d need time to create her line and buy other inventory, as well as design the space.
Cesare agreed, and they shook hands. He promised to send the lease agreement for her
