I got the lender's answer on a Tuesday morning.
They would approve the refinance if I signed the lease with Nora and put a certain amount of my own money toward the roof. The payment would be difficult but possible. If sales stayed steady and the florist's rent arrived on time, I could keep the building. If either of us had a bad year, we would both feel it.
I read the terms with Martin and asked him to explain each clause twice. Then I signed the lease with Nora.
Afterward, I called Theo.
"I got the loan," I said.
He let out a breath. "That's good."
"I signed a lease with Nora. She's moving part of the flower shop into the back room."
"That's good too."
"I don't need you to celebrate."
"I wasn't going to."
"Good."
We were quiet for a few seconds. "How are you doing?" he asked.
