A week later, Francesca secured the retail space.

The location was excellent, and the price too tempting to pass up. She signed a five-year lease on the spot, quickly writing a series of checks for the landlord. Given the economic climate, committing to such a long term was rare, but it pleased the landlord immensely.

He had another appointment and left first, while Francesca stayed behind to finish her coffee—an unhurried habit she’d cultivated over the ...