“I get all of the budgeting stuff you talked about. It makes sense. My lady and I started to use of it actually.”
“That’s great.” I perked up. “So what’s your question?”
“You mentioned something about some type of account or fund to save up for things in the future. I forgot what you called them. Uhh …”
“Irregular expenses?”
“Right, irregular expenses. I’m confused on what type of account I would use to save for those.”
I nodded. “Yes, the concept is called a sinking fund because the idea is that you put money aside in an account, orsinkthose funds for a time when you need them. You have my card right, Mr. Johnson?” I remembered giving him one of my business cards the previous week.
“Yeah.”
“Great. Give my office a call and we can have you and your wife come down to talk more about it. I’ll even give you two a free first time consultation.”
“That’s what’s up.” He nodded. “’Preciate it.”
“Any other questions?”
“I’ve got a question.”
My toes curled in my high heels at the sound of his voice. Slowly, I turned my head in Tyler’s direction, regretting that I even opened myself up to any more questions.
“Yes, Mr. Townsend.”
His smile dropped and a frown formed. Instantly, I felt chastised and he hadn’t said a word. I knew it was my using the formality of his last name instead of calling him Tyler, as he’d instructed.Instructed.There’s a word I would have cursed any other man out for trying to do with me, but for some reason I felt the compulsion to apologize. I shook my head of just silly thoughts.
“I didn’t receive a business card. You must’ve forgotten to give me one.”
My eyes narrowed and I clenched my teeth. “I don’t have any—”
“What are those on the desk behind you?” He nodded in the direction of the desk.
I turned to see a stack of business cards I’d set out on the table earlier sitting front and center. I couldn’t make a scene. Not in front of the entire football team and their coaching staff. Without another word, I turned toward the desk, sauntering over and picking up one of my business cards before turning back.
“Here you are, Mr. Townsend.” I went to place the card on his desk when his large hand covered mine. I rush of air escaped my mouth.
“Tyler,” he reiterated just loud enough for me to hear.
Pulling my hand free, I moved to the other side of the lecture hall, still feeling his eyes on my backside. “Okay, well, it’s been a pleasure. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions and are just too shy to ask in front of your teammates. Thanks again, guys. And good luck with your upcoming season. I’ll be rooting for you from my living room.”
With that last parting comment, I turned to my briefcase and began stuffing my business cards and belongings back inside to get out of there as quickly as possible.
“Destiny, can you hold up for a minute?” Mike called.
Dammit.I was almost out of there. “Sure,” I mumbled to Mike.
“All right, fellas, we’ve got practice in about forty-five minutes. Make sure you refuel up with lunch and are back on the field. On time,” he stressed the last part, looking directly at Leonard.
He waited for the team to disperse before turning his attention on me.
“I wanted to thank you for these last few weeks.”
“Brenda tell you to say that?” I teased.
He chuckled a little. “No. But seriously, I’m sure it wasn’t easy walking into this lions’ den. These guys can be tough, and don’t always take direction easily, but you handled yourself well.”
“Don’t sweat it, Coach. They weren’t that bad, and once they realized I knew my stuff, most of them settled down long enough to listen.”
