Total pages in book: 145
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 145231 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 726(@200wpm)___ 581(@250wpm)___ 484(@300wpm)
I cock my head.
“Sure, what’s up?”
“I meant—oh, dear, I meant somewhere a tad more private, if it’s not too much trouble? Do you have a minute?”
What now?
I glance back at Salem, who’s listening to Mom talk about her recipe arsenal like they’ve known each other forever. I’m sure she can handle herself for a few more minutes.
“All right. Why don’t we head into the office?”
“Perfect idea!” She leads the way, slipping away from the room so quietly it’s entirely possible no one sees us leaving.
Arlo stays engrossed in his army men. I notice the ships started winning since I left the game and hold back a smile.
The office is a small room that’s really more of a backup for any kind of work. Really, when there’s any real work or reading to do, we always preferred the library with its overstuffed chairs, massive antique desk, and potent smell of old books. Mom sometimes uses this room to send a quick email, but besides that, the computer would be collecting dust if my mother wasn’t such a clean freak.
“I’m really sorry to pull you away like this,” Evelyn says as soon as the door’s closed. She smooths down her dress. “The thing is, well… I’ve been talking to Archer and he’s great, but I wanted to speak with you about the property.”
My blood drops a few degrees.
Is she going to back out? That would be surprising, knowing how much she wants this to go ahead, but in business you can’t take anything for granted.
“Of course. What’s on your mind?”
She hesitates, her eyes flicking away from me to the window.
“Oh, it’s all so embarrassing, but the offer—the payment schedule, I mean—it’s all so generous.” She gives me a pained smile.
“I’m sensing there’s another but coming, so let’s hear it,” I urge.
“Yes, well… I’m afraid it just isn’t going to cut it, even with the incredibly kind renovation investment you’ve offered. See, that would do it for the pilot property, but for me?” She sighs and then clears her throat loudly, clasping her hands tightly. “Please don’t think ill of me—though I won’t blame you if you do. I have debts, Patton. Little things I thought I could manage that just kept snowballing hungry monsters. Walt’s medical bills, they put me in a bad place, and—” She clears her throat, wincing. “Lord knows I’ve tried to make it work. I’ve tried a thousand times, but the numbers just don’t add up and there’s never enough money.”
Oh, shit.
I guess I should’ve seen this coming.
I nod firmly, keeping my face neutral.
She grabs my hands then, digging her fingers into the meat of my palms.
“Please don’t tell Delly, dear? If she ever found out, I’d die.”
“No, Evelyn. Your secret’s safe with me,” I say, wondering how it came to this. Yes, I’m the brother who agreed to hear her out and who got the ball rolling, but we make decisions about the company as a team.
If she’s coming to me because I seem like the softer one, she’s right.
Archer wouldn’t agree to commit another dollar to this experiment.
In fact, I’m surprised he agreed to the upfront investments at all. Any big profits we make off this will be far down the line, if they materialize at all.
“Forgive me. I know this is awkward,” she whispers, her voice shrinking with every word. “And I’m dreadfully sorry for springing this on you tonight. The thing is, now Delly’s greenhouse is almost ready for spring, and I need to get back home soon.”
“Sure, I figured you would.”
She sighs, her eyes glassy and distant.
“Truth be told, I can’t say I’m looking forward to going back—it’s so cold there, you know. It’ll be a couple more months before I can start doing anything outside. But it’s time to go home. Your mom has been so wonderful for letting me crash here so long.”
“She doesn’t mind. She loves the company. I’m sure she’d keep you if she could.”
Evelyn laughs, shrill and sudden, wiping at one eye.
“I’m so glad to hear that. And I know you’re right. It just helps to have reassurance.” Her smile hangs on her face. Sad, almost broken.
Damn.
I’m not the touchy-feely type or the kind who’d win any awards in empathy, but I hold out a hand as she gets up to leave.
I know what she’s asking, even if she’s too ashamed to come out and say it.
“Look, I can’t commit company money,” I tell her sternly. “That’s not something I could do on my own, no matter how much I might want to. However, what I can offer is a personal loan. Purely between you and me. Whatever you need to get your life back on track beyond the deal with Higher Ends. Once you’re in better shape, we can take it out of your cut from the cabin fees, if you’d like to do it that way. Once they’re up and running, of course.”