“I said don’t be mad.”
“Well, I am fucking mad. I can’t always clean up your messes, bro. Time to come to terms with that.” I sat down in the lounge chair and leaned my head back, closing my eyes in hopes of keeping a pounding headache at bay.
“Yeah, I know. Just this time, Lane, and then I’m gonna get my act together. I would have the cash, but I just signed the lease on a second building and put a down payment on equipment. I’m opening a second location. I know the gym business, you know that. And I need to clear my credit to make the second place happen. I’m desperate.”
I decided not to get into it anymore. “How much do you need?”
“Twenty-five K.”
“You’re a little fuck, you know that? Twenty-five K in smoothies? Courtney’s pussy better have been worth it.”
“Yeah. I know.”
“You know what? You’re a fuck or Courtney’s pussy was worth it?” I let out a snort. “Just fucking stop with the fucking yeahs and all the agreeing and get your shit together, Jake.”
“Okay,” he said, his voice muffled.
“Where is this vendor? I want to have a chat and see the contract before I bail you out.”
“They’re sort of local.”
“How local?”
“Youngstown, Ohio.”
“Shit. You know how I feel about that place, Jake.”
“I know. Please?”
“Fine. I’m scheduled to leave Spain in two days. I’ll have my assistant change my flights and head straight to you. Make all the arrangements on your end, Jake. I’m not waiting when I get there. I have a life and a business.”
And no one to rush home to.
Not waiting for one of his lame okays or yeahs, I disconnected the call and sent an e-mail to my assistant to change my travel.
Then I sent a text that made my heart pound and my pulse race, a few typed words that I had dared myself not to send.
ME: Hey! You’re probably at work since it’s morning where you are. I’m in Spain, but traveling back to PA tomorrow night. Can I come visit in a few days? I miss you and I’d like to see you.
I didn’t hear back, but told myself she was busy at work, her phone tucked securely in her locker.
