Finding Elizabeth Read Free Page B

probably should
have told him more about Claire. But she didn't want him to think
she was trying to set them up. No, that would have looked like a
meddling mother, and Daniel would just run the other way.
     
    Turning on main street, Janet pointed out
which buildings the Van Whites owned and when they were built. She
talked happily, telling Claire about their history and what the
buildings were used for when they were new. Pulling into a parking
space, Janet said, "The beauty shop on the corner is the one that
will be available soon. It served as the towns general merchandise
store and was one of the very first buildings in Eureka."
     
    Claire looked up in amazement at the century
old two story building, "Can we go in and look around?"
     
    "Of course, you are the owner," Janet said
with a laugh.
     
    As they entered the store, they were greeted
by a young girl named Ashley. "Hi Ashley, this is Claire. She
wanted to take a look around the shop," Janet said with an air of
authority.
     
    Stepping to the side the young girl made a
grand sweeping motion with her arms, letting them know it was ok to
enter, before quickly returning to her beauty magazine.
     
    As they walked through the building, Claire
was happy to see that the interior was all brick. And that it had
never been painted like so many of the century old buildings she
had seen. She really liked that there were windows along the front
and most of the right side of the space. She loved that the windows
let in enough natural light to keep the place from feeling like a
dungeon. As Claire looked around, she could envision how the
windows would look decorated with the beautiful old pieces she
would select for them. From the outside the building looked like it
was two stories, as Claire presumed it once was, but on the inside
it was just one level. Even though Claire loved that you could see
the ceilings exposed beams and rafters, she was a little
disappointed there was no longer a second floor.
     
    Looking around Claire was surprised that
many of the original counters and shelves were still there. Most
held an array of magazines and hair styling products and tools. One
counter served as the checkout separating the front sitting area,
with the stylists work stations. They continued walking through to
the back of the store where there was an amazing brick archway
unlike anything Claire had ever seen. Stepping through the archway,
they continued on as they found a small but cozy office, a restroom
and a larger area that would be perfect for storage.
    Looking up toward the ceiling Claire asked,
"I wonder how hard it would be to have a loft built so I could
maximize the space?"
    "I'm not sure, but when Daniel comes to the
house we can ask him," Janet said. "So does this mean you are going
to open an antique store?"
     
    Smiling Claire said, "I want to, but I need
to check out the local auctions and see if I can find enough
merchandise. I have a storage building full of antiques and vintage
treasures, but that won't be enough to even get started on a space
of this size."
     
    Janet nodded, "But you know, I am sure the
Van Whites have an attic and a basement full of treasures. Maybe
you could start there."
     
    With an apprehensive smile Claire said, "I
was wanting to explore the house, but somehow it just feels like I
am intruding. I didn't even know the Van Whites existed and now
they have given me this amazing gift."
     
    "You are not intruding. You are a Van White,
maybe not by blood, but in your heart you know you belong. Besides
the house needs you. It has sat empty long enough. It just needs
someone to love and appreciate it, and breathe fresh life into it,"
Janet said.
     
    They walked around, taking measurements and
making notes of window sizes and jotting down ideas on how Claire
could display merchandise. Feeling more confident this was what she
needed to do, Claire said, "I know it will be a lot of work. But I
think it's just what I need to put the past behind me.