The rain hadn't let up by the time she left the building, making it one wet and miserable ride for her. She'd brought a poncho and rain rain hat but they did little to keep out the cold; only managing to keep her semi dry.
Every breath came out in a puff of white and her lungs felt labored. It was just what she needed to burn off all of that built up anger and adrenaline.
Pedaling hard and fast through the city, her legs were soaked by the time she arrived home on her bicycle. It was easily the newest thing she owned that was still in good condition or hadn't been sold off. Sure, she had a car but that required gas. Gas was money she couldn't afford to burn. Not when she had legs for days.
Ari's hand still stung from slapping Mr. Draconis. She was almost in disbelief. She'd always been headstrong and quick tempered but that was a new level. She slapped the president of a major company and walked out unscathed. Her lips curled into a victorious smile. Things could work out.
She hadn't gotten her money back but maybe it wasn't hopeless. She finally brought her bike to a halt in front of the shop door which was also doubling as her home.
She fished the keys from her pocket and swung the door open, greeted by the sweet sound of the tinkling bells and the smell of warmth and earthy clay. It was home. The lights had been left on to deter any thieves with the rolling darkness outside.
The bike was left behind the store counter as Ari slipped between the shelves of each painstakingly hand crafted piece, careful not to bump them. Although she was sure they'd hold up from a little fall.
Ari went into the backroom which was also the storeroom where the kiln was kept, the cleaning closet, and her bedroom. Which consisted of a single mattress and blanket sitting near the kiln for heat. She was freezing.
Her arms wrapped around herself as she soaked in the familiar comforts. What would she really do if he didn't cave? Not only would her shop be taken but she would be homeless. Left on the streets to wander without aim. Maybe she could try and seduce him? Beneath the anger and freakish calm she'd seen wanting in his eyes. She shivered at the thought. Maybe not.
***
Alaric remained silent when she left from his office, and he'd even seen her exit the building from down below. There were a few things which crossed his mind. The first was where had she come from? Who exactly was she?
And how had someone from a low status shake his world and nearly cause him to lose his temper so easily with just a few words and a roll of her tongue and a slap? He'd read a little about her, but he didn't go full on investigating.
Ari had halted, clothes soaked, and glimpsed up through the curls inches above her eyes. He pressed his hand against the cold glass and smirked, watching as her full lips pressed into a tight line before she grabbed her bicycle and rolled off.
Only once she vanished in the distance had he turned around, slinking back into his chair. With a few clicks of his mouse and taps to his keyboard, he was browsing through government files he had access to.
There were over a million people he searched through until he found her file. The big brown eyes, curly hair. He had only guessed she owned a business, guessed that she was poor by the cheap clothing she wore disguised as fancy high end fashion.
"So, you're a potter I see." He whispered.
***
Someone entered the pottery shop, the doorbell ringing alongside the chimes when the wind blew leaves across the floor. It was the old man she rented the lot from. His white brows furrowed, back hunched, and he held the saddest expression.
"I'm sorry Ari. It's been three years and you still haven't paid any rent for this shop. My wife loves your pottery and passion, she really does. But we need to make a living too. After next month, we'll have to close this business down."
It broke Mr. Sandler's heart. He even gripped at his chest and shook his head, and couldn't meet her eyes.
Around here people spent their money on video games, clothing, not nature, flowers, let alone pottery. The kind of money she earned didn't pay household bills and medical bills, it only was enough for food.
"I can't pay your rent this month either." He added. "Our daughter, Ann, is getting married. She has a baby on the way, and although we see you as our own, we can't do anything more for you but give you three weeks to pack things up."
He knew she didn't have anywhere else to go. She would be living off the streets carrying anything she packed. But there was no room in his house. Not only that, but the fact the government would be knocking on his own door.
Ari was just about the old man fondly when his words filtered to her at the back of the small shop. Her shoulders slumped. After the day she had that wasn't what she needed to hear. She'd promised him that the money would start coming in. But that was the same line she'd been giving him for the last three years.
She couldn't be mad at him when it was her own fault. Her dreams had slowly been slipping through her fingers ever since she'd opened the shop and nothing she did seemed to get her foot in the door. She was beyond broke.
"Mr. Sandler, please. I need more time than that. At least another three months. I have a good feeling this time. I-I..I can scrounge up.." But she knew the minute he uttered they had other things to take care of like their own daughter and a grandchild on the way, it was over. She had no right to be angry at the old man when he and his wife had been nothing but kind to her.
Her sad brown eyes brimmed with unshed tears, surveying the packed tables and shelves. There was no way she could even take half of it with her. Losing the shop meant no home, no business, no products, not even a place to make more. For a moment her thoughts drifted to the deal she'd turned down earlier.
A guy like that had deep pockets and saving a little shop would be nothing but- no. She shook her head in denial. There was no way she would go crawling back begging. She would rather be on the streets. The cold, unforgiving streets. It wouldn't have been the first time.
Losing a breath, she forced a smile. "That's alright." Closing the distance to gently take the old man's hands in her own. "I understand. I'm thankful for what you've done for me. You've been my family for the last few years and I don't want to be such a burden. I'll still try to find some way to repay you. Don't worry."
Her reassurance sounded stronger than she felt. Her cards were all maxed out. The loan sharks were calling constantly to the point she'd let her phone go out of service. She'd borrowed from anyone who would lend a few dollars but it was never enough.
Ari released him before he could feel her hands trembling.