Karen’s bookstore occupied one of the spaces he wanted.
He offered her a generous amount of money.
She declined.
He offered more.
She declined again.
Finally, he arrived at Second Chapter one afternoon with a folder under his arm.
I happened to be there, helping assemble a new reading table.
Michael looked at me, then at Karen.
“I’d prefer to speak to my former wife privately.”
Karen continued arranging books.
“You can speak to me here.”
His jaw tightened.
“I’m making you a very reasonable offer.”
“You’ve made me several.”
“And you’ve rejected all of them.”
“Yes.”
He placed the folder on the counter.
“This development could transform the neighborhood. You could take the money and open a bigger store somewhere else.”
Karen finally looked up.
“Why would I sell something I’ve spent my savings, time, and energy building?”
“Because it makes financial sense.”
“To whom?”
Michael’s expression hardened.
“Don’t be emotional about this.”
