Page 29 of To Tango, with Desire

I finally had a plan. Now it was time to put it into action.

EIGHT

AMIRA

Istood in the middle of the large rectangular space and let out a squeal of pure joy.

It was mine. I’d finally done it. I was one step closer to making my dream come true.

I thought showing Alejandro and Tilda the store—my store—would have made it all seem real, but it hadn’t sunk in yet. I’d woken up at the end of a whirlwind week excited about taking my business to the next level. Getting this lease meant I could stop working on the cramped kitchen table. It meant I would have my freedom back. It meant my luck was finally beginning to change.

I twirled, clutching the keys to my chest. I had so many ideas, so many things I wanted to achieve. I’d need to order machines, a few sergers at minimum. Eventually, I wanted to showcase my designs in the front of the store, but for now I would use it as a space for clients who needed fittings. I already had a list of tango dancers who wanted bespoke designs.

I unlocked my phone and added a few more items to the to-do list. I’d have to get mirrors in, maybe eventually section off the back of the shop for fittings. My mind was buzzing with plans. And for the life of me, I couldn’t wipe the smile off my face.

Mine. She was all mine. And when I had a bit of money saved, I would eventually turn the upstairs area into my own private oasis. The thought of moving out of my parents’ home sent a thrill up my spine. But what I really wanted was to have the means to buy this property outright.

Maybe one day, I’d have a fashion line that was globally renowned. A runway show in Paris. I was giddy with the possibilities.

But first, I needed to get this space up and running. Right now, my clientèle were women who wanted exclusive tailor-made dance outfits, and from the comments I’d been receiving online, it wasn’t just the Latin dance community who were interested.

I quite liked the idea of my store being exclusive. Not just any old shop with T-shirts and shorts, but select evening wear. Fun, vibrant, elegant.

Designs by Amira Hadid.

I needed to focus on my website. So far, my socials were a huge part of the success of my business, but I wanted to branch out. If the short business course I’d taken last year had taught me anything, it was to build a strong foundation from the get-go. Even though my stomach lurched at the prospect of what was ahead of me, I was happy.

With my heart lighter than a feather, I floated into the corner of my back room. It didn’t take long before I had the music cranking as I began unpacking. The cleaners had been in the day before, making sure every inch of the space was gleaming, and the cute storage boxes I’d bought would do for the time being. I’d get some shelves in eventually, something custom made.

I turned to grab another box from the—

“Zane!” I squeaked, slamming into his chest.

“Hi.” He steadied me, then presented what could only be described as the world’s largest bouquet of flowers. It was stunning, and kind of sweet.

“What are you doing here?” I took the proffered gift, trying my best to control my breathing. I hadn’t prepared my nervous system for this visit.

“I heard about the store and wanted to congratulate you.” He glanced around, then back at me, a small smile forming. “This place is perfect for your business.”

“Oh.” There was something different about him. Perhaps it was his casual attire that was throwing me off. Shoving aside my curiosity, I forced myself to be cordial. The last time I’d seen him had been at the mixer, where he’d acted like an over-controlling ass. Not that I’d been thinking about that lately. Or him.

“Thank you for the gift. That wasn’t necessary.”

“You’re welcome. Can I have a look around?”

I frowned. “Why?”

“Why not? Opening a business is a big deal. But having your own property attached to it makes it real, it takes it to the next level. I remember the thrill of starting my first company, of knowing I was my own boss. I also remember being terrified and overwhelmed by all that I wanted to achieve.”

I was struck by the sentiment. I had just been thinking the very same thing.

Zane continued, “I can imagine that your parents are very proud.”

I winced, muttering under my breath, “You can have a quick look then.” Turning, I gestured to the area behind me.

“This is the back room, which for now will be the place I do all my sewing.”

“So your parents don’t approve?”