“Nora Cooper.”
“I’m Sara. I see you entered your account information when you called. Your home branch is on Broad Street in San Felipe and you’re applying for a loan. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“Perfect. I’ll ask you a few questions, then I can set up your appointment for you. First off, why are you applying for a loan?”
Don’t say blackmail payoff. “I need money I don’t have at the moment.”
“Yes, but what is the reason?”
“Do I have to tell you?”
“Do you want the money?”
“Yes,” I say, feeling equally annoyed and embarrassed.
“Then you do have to tell us what it’s for. Some lenders won’t ask any questions, but we’re a respected financial institution, and we need to know.”
“That makes sense. Out of curiosity, do people ever say they want a loan for one reason but use it for something else? And follow-up question: what happens if they’re caught?”
There’s a brief pause, then Sara says, “I don’t think we’re going to be the right bank to help you out.”
Crap. I really should have googled “good reasons to give bank for loans” before I called.Stupid, Nora. Stupid.“Thanks anyway. No need to note my file. I’ll take your advice and go somewhere else.”
“I’m afraid I do have to make notes about today’s call.”
“Of course you do.”
“Is there anything else I can assist you with today?”
“No. That was it.”
“Can I connect you to our one-minute survey when we complete our call?”
Say no.“Um… sure.”Dammit!
“Thank you for choosing Benavente Union Bank. Enjoy the rest of your day.”
“You, too.”
Shit. I hang up before the survey starts, feeling guilty for lying to Sara and revenge joy (also for lying to Sara).
My door buzzer sounds, and I hurry over to answer it, assuming it’s Hadley. I’m going to help her out with some last-minute shopping before the baby arrives. Today’s mission is nursing bras. Oddly enough, Heath wasn’t as keen to come this time, and to be honest, I’m relieved. I still haven’t had a chance to tell her anything that happened after our evening of baby shopping, which was weeks ago. Gah! So. Much. Drama.
Pressing the button, I say, “Who dis?”
“Kat. Let me up. I have great news!”
I press the button to let her into the building, then open the door and stand in the hall, too excited to wait an extra moment to hear that our nightmare is over. At least I hope that’s the news, instead of something like, “I got ten thousand followers on TikTok!” Could it be possible I won’t have to sell my left ovary to get her out of this mess? Dear God, please say that’s the case.
I hear her footsteps on the stairwell, then Kat appears. She squeals and runs over to me. “It’s done. Everything has been taken care of!”
“Seriously?” I ask, holding my arms out to give her a big hug.
“Yup!” Kat squeezes me tight.
When we both pull back, I yank her into my flat and shut the door. “But who? How? Are you sure?”
