The MERGE : A Leaving Story (The LEAVING #3)

Ronnie stood outside the building, a cup of coffee in her hand when an older woman, dressed eclectically but beautiful in a flowing green dress with an orange sweater, draped with a rainbow colored shawl. Her hair was short and silver, her skin the color of walnuts, smooth walnuts. She wore oversized orange glasses. The woman asked, “Ronnie?”



“Yes, I’m Ronnie James.” Ronnie said. The woman opened her arms and Ronnie embraced her. The scent of Chanel no 5 enveloped her.



“I’m Delilah Dennis. You’re lovely and I love that vintage dress.” Ronnie’s dress wasn’t vintage but it did appear vintage. It was soft cashmere and cotton, fitted at the top and flowing around her calves in an ecru color. Ronnie’s shoes were leather slip-ons. “And all that hair.” Ronnie touched her hair. She recently cut several inches to shoulder length. It was still abundant but she was getting used to it being shorter. Pierre had pretended to mourn when she cut it.



“Thank you and thanks for meeting me, you’re lovely as well and your look is giving…”



“Giving?” Delilah asked. Ronnie chuckled realizing Delilah was probably twice her thirty-six years.



“I’m sorry, that’s slang for it’s nice, chic, attitude, other good things.” Ronnie explained.



“Honey, I love it. I’m eighty and wear what I want. I am a retired art teacher. My dream was to turn this loft into an art studio but I travelled instead. After retiring twenty years ago, I taught out of my home until my arthritis cranked up. Now, I’m ready to sell this place that’s been in my hands since my husband left it to me forty years ago when he passed. I have no heirs, come on.” On the way across the street Ronnie told Delilah her plans for the building.



Ronnie followed her into what looked like a store but was a large hall with wooden floors and two doors. The door they entered led up a flight of stairs into a wide open space with floor to ceiling windows. It needed serious cleaning but the floors and walls were beautiful oak, the space was 1700 square feet and there was a full bathroom. Tears filled Ronnie’s eyes. She felt in her heart it was the right place. She turned to Delilah with wet eyes. Delilah was smiling.



“Ms. Ronnie, this suits you. I just placed the sign yesterday. I’m going to Amsterdam next month and want this done. I’m unable to get it cleaned or anything but for $85,000 it’s yours.”



“Ma’am?” Ronnie asked, unsure she heard properly. She was expecting it to be over $200,000. She thought she would have to negotiate.”



“You heard me. I haven’t invested a dime in this building. My husband left it and left money for the taxes. Now, if you would have been one of them high money hustlers it would have been much more. If you want it, it’s yours. We can meet with my attorney in a couple of days. Are you financing it?”



For several minutes Ronnie couldn’t speak, she was overcome with gratitude and the possibilities.



“Ronnie?”



“I’m sorry, I’m just so…grateful. No, I’m not financing. I will have a certified check when we meet.” Ronnie hugged Delilah again.