Two keys, one impossible shop
Two strangers jointly inherit one tiny shop. The will gives a baker use before noon and a book restorer use after it. Shared rent and equipment costs draw them together, while heat and damp from baking threaten the restorer's work.
Your protagonist
The baker needs an oven installed; the restorer needs the room cool and dry by noon. Neither can afford the shared repair bill alone.
The obstacle
They test a ventilation plan, but its running cost would consume the baker's margin. Moving the handover later would cut the restorer's paid hours.
The choice
They can agree on a revised schedule and shared costs, or jointly sell the shop and divide the proceeds. Neither can sell the whole property without the other's consent.
Two ways to take it further
- Let notes about misplaced tools turn into a conversation before they ever meet.
- Make their first face-to-face meeting a disagreement they cannot solve with charm.
The Gift of the Magi
CueShelf original writing starter. Work examples are identified separately; this premise is not a plot summary.