Chapter 84: The Third Shop Planning
May 2010.
The real estate agent's showing me a space in San Diego's Gaslamp District. Fifth Street, two blocks from the convention center.
"2,500 square feet," she says. "Previous tenant was a vintage clothing store. Lease is—"
"I'll take it."
"You haven't seen the back room yet."
"I've seen enough."
Katie's standing by the window. Looking out at the street traffic.
"This is perfect," she says. "Right in the heart of everything. Walking distance from the convention center."
"That's the idea."
The agent's pulling paperwork. "Rent's $4,200 monthly. Two-year minimum lease. First, last, and security deposit."
I do the math quickly. With buildout costs, inventory, staffing—$75,000 initial investment.
Wil's already approved the expansion. I've got the cash.
"When can I move in?"
"August first if you sign today."
"Let's do it."
Katie waits until the agent steps out to make copies.
"You're really doing this."
"Why wouldn't I?"
"I just—" She's leaning against the wall. "This is my hometown. And we've been dating what, three weeks? Doesn't that feel—"
"This has nothing to do with us."
"Stuart—"
"I mean it. I was scouting San Diego before I met you. Comic-Con city. Massive geek population. Perfect market for expansion. You being from here is—convenient. But not the reason."
"Okay."
"I need you to understand that. This shop happens whether we're together or not."
She's quiet. Then nods. "Good."
"Good?"
"I don't want to be the reason for business decisions. Or the reason against them. I want—" She searches for words. "—independence. In both directions."
"That's what I'm saying."
"Then we're on the same page."
The agent returns. Paperwork everywhere.
I sign. Initial. Date.
Three shops.
Outside. Katie's looking at the building with new eyes.
"You know what this needs?"
"What?"
"Local artist showcases. San Diego's got amazing comic talent that never gets gallery space. You could do monthly rotations."
"That's—actually brilliant."
"My cousin's a graphic designer. She's got connections at UCSD's art program. I could introduce you."
"You're already thinking about marketing strategy."
"I'm thinking about community building. Isn't that what you do?"
"It is."
She's texting someone. "I'm telling my parents. They're going to freak out that there's going to be a real comic shop downtown."
"Your parents read comics?"
"My dad does. Used to take me to conventions when I was a kid. Before I got into acting."
"You never mentioned that."
"There's a lot we haven't covered yet. We've been busy—you know. Dating."
"Fair point."
My phone rings. Wil.
"Hold on," I tell Katie. Answer. "Hey."
"Did you sign?"
"Just finished."
"Excellent. I'm bumping my investment to $150K total. Bringing my stake to 17%."
"That's—generous."
"That's smart business. We're building something here, Stuart. Three shops by summer. Five by next year. This is scalable."
"Five?"
"Orange County. Riverside. Hell, maybe San Francisco. Why stop at Southern California?"
"One thing at a time."
"Fine. But think about it. San Diego's proof of concept. If it works there, it works everywhere."
We discuss logistics. Buildout timeline. Hiring strategy. He's treating this like a real business now. Not a side project.
After we hang up, Katie's watching me.
"What?"
"You're different on business calls."
"Different how?"
"Confident. Decisive. No hesitation. It's—" She pauses. "—attractive."
"Glad my business acumen turns you on."
"It's not just business acumen. It's watching you build something. Actually creating value instead of just—existing in Hollywood."
"You create value. Acting's—"
"Acting's pretending. This is real. Brick and mortar. Jobs. Community spaces. Legacy."
"You're romanticizing retail."
"I'm romanticizing success that matters."
We walk to the car. The San Diego afternoon's warm. Ocean breeze cutting through the heat.
"August opening," I say.
"I'll be there."
"You don't have to—"
"Stuart. My hometown. Your business. Of course I'll be there."
"Okay."
"Plus I want to see what you built. See if it's as impressive as the LA shops."
"It'll be better."
"Confident."
"Experienced."
She kisses me. Right there on the sidewalk.
"I like this side of you."
"The cocky businessman side?"
"The successful person who earned the cockiness side."
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