“I was surfing the Net last night when I happened to come across your site. It intrigued me to the point that I came out here to look around.”

“That’s a powerful website then,” Papi said with a smile.

“I want to make you a business offer Papi. I’m hoping it’s one you can’t refuse. I’m willing to buy half of this store and you’d be compensated enough to open another one.”

“What’s the catch?” Papi is already skeptical of my proposition. “To begin with, I don’t know you at all Marina. How can I even be sure you can come up with my asking price for half the store?”

“Rest assured I have money to burn,” I answered. “I think this would be beneficial for both of us. However, there are always conditions to everything and I have but 2. The first, we become very familiar with one another if we are to be partners. The second, I insert a clause that allows me to walk away six months from the day I sign the contract should I change my mind.”

I leave Papi’s store with an appointment to meet again once she’s considered my offer. I gave her a reasonable amount of time to review it, but quick enough to accomplish my goals and continue to move forward.

I walk out to the car and instruct Ed to take me home. I arrived home and quickly went into the blue room to speak to Kara.

“Hello Kara.”

“Hi Marina,” Kara said. “How are you?”

“I’m interested in buying some stores,” I said, ignoring her question entirely. “I might need your assistance. Do you still cater to that clientele?”

“Yes I do and it’s growing. Just let me know and I’ll be glad to assist you.”

“Do you know where my husband is?”

“Yes he’s in a meeting. He should be here in one hour,” Kara confirmed.

I got off the couch and pulled a black box out of my bag and set it on the desk.

“This is to keep us from being heard,” I explain. “Kara, the Phoenix has risen once again from the ashes. If I’m able to purchase the stores, I’ll want to service your clients exclusively. Just remember, if you get into bed with us there’s only one way out.”