I open the door and breathe a sigh of relief when I see Dwight standing on the other side. His brows knit in worry as he takes in my appearance. I’m shirtless, wearing an old pair of sweatpants I haven’t worn in years, my hair is a mess and I haven’t bothered shaving.
“Fuck, you look like death. You okay?” he asks.
Stepping aside to let him in, I don’t say a word, which only fuels his worry. I follow him into the living room and drop onto the couch, my elbows resting on my knees as I rake a hand through my hair.
“Lo, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”
I glance over to where he’s sat, also leaning forward, waiting for my answer. “I’m in trouble, man. Some serious deep shit and I... I don’t know what to do.”
“What’s happened?”
“About a month ago, I was going over the books for the shop, and everything was in the red, we were nowhere near to breaking even. I was so close to going under and... I went to the bank to get a loan, and they wouldn’t give me one. I tried everything. I was desperate. So I… I found this guy… and he offered to give me a loan.”
“Who was it?”
“Donovan James.”
His eyes widen at the sound of his name. “Fuck, Lo. You have any idea the shit that guy can cause? The kind of power he holds in this city?”
“You think I don’t fucking know that? Christ, I know, okay? I fucking know.”
“How much do you owe him?”
“Sixty grand.”
“Fuck...” Dwight breathes out, rubbing his forehead and exhaling heavily.
“I’ve got another week to come up with the money. I’ve got like ten grand at most... I don’t care what happens to me but... if I don’t get the money they’ll...” I can’t even bring myself to think about Amy getting hurt.
“They’ll what, Lo?”
“They’ll hurt her. Amy.”
“Why would they hurt her?” he presses.
“Because they know she means something to me. Donovan came to the shop yesterday and saw me with her. She’s... she’s everything to me, man. I can’t lose her, and I can’t stand the thought of her getting hurt because of me.” I pause, meeting his eye, “I love her.”
A small smile appears on his face. “So,thisis the part where I say I told you so.”
“Shut the fuck up, man.” I can’t stop the laugh that bubbles up from my chest.
He chuckles. “Whether it’s any help, I’ve got about eight grand, it’s yours. Just say the word.”
“I can’t take your money, Dwight.”
“Lo, you’re my best friend. You’ve been by my side for so many years, you’re more like a brother than anything else. Let me help.”
“Dwight-”
“Take the fucking money,” he insists.
I offer him a small smile. “Thanks, man. I love you, brother.” I stand up and make my way over to him, wrapping him in a tight hug.
“And I love you.”
After a few moments, I pull back. “Should we kiss?” I ask before a snigger rises out of me, and he joins in laughing.
“So, what’s the plan?” he asks.
