“I hate it, too. I hate it so much, and I’ll never forgive myself for getting into this mess in the first place. I’m trying to make it right. But I’m sorry to say we’re still a good bit short.”
“I got Nana’s ring.”
“Oh, Pres” she sighed. “Do we really have to go there?”
“We’ve been through this, Lila. I don’t want to go through it again.”
“I know, and I’m really, really sorry. I should’ve known better than to trust some asshole like Davis.”
“Been through that, too.” I gave her a wink and a reassuring smile. “It’s going to be fine. We’re going to get through this.”
“You sound like you actually believe that.”
“Because I do.” I reached up and brushed her hair from her face. “I just need you to believe it, too.”
“I’m trying.”
“Try harder.”
She nodded, then reached out and pulled me into her arms, hugging me. When she finally released me, she stepped back and asked, “What now?”
“I go to the jewelers and see what he’s willing to give me for the ring, and then, see what we can get for the baseball card Dad gave me.”
“Woah. He gave you one of his cards?”
“He did. I’m not sure what it’s worth, but it will definitely help.”
“Was he mad about it?”
“No. Actually, he was pretty good about it. Mom, too.” I didn’t want her to have time to think about what that meant, so I continued, “Once we sell the ring and the card, we’ll pool everything together, see what we got, and go see Gary about borrowing the rest.”
“Not Gary. Surely, there’s another way.”
“He’s not that bad. Besides, you don’t have to deal with him. I’m going to be the one going there for the loan.”
“No, I’ll go with you.”
“We need him to loan us money. And he’s not going to do that if you act like a jerk.”
“I won’t. I promise. In fact, I’ll be on my best behavior.”
“Sure you will.”
I shook my head, but I didn’t put up a big fuss about her tagging along because I wasn’t exactly thrilled about going alone. Having her with me actually worked in my favor at the jewelers. Because of her unbelievable bargaining skills, we managed to get just over five thousand dollars for Nana’s ring. I was sad but pleased.
I knew her ring was valuable, but I never dreamed it would bring that much. Even so, it didn’t compare to the luck we had at the card shop.
The owner had a buyer who was a die-hard Robinson fan with deep pockets. He ended up paying seventeen thousand dollars for Dad’s card and begged for my father’s information, so he could reach out about his other cards.
It was a successful trip, but by the time we were done, it was well after five and the banks were closed. Even though I was eager to get this thing done, I would have to wait until the following morning to go see Gary. So, I dropped Lila Kate off at her place, and I was feeling pretty good as I headed home.
I thought we were reaching the end of our nightmare, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.
It was just the beginning.
11
GOOSE
