“It’s been a productive day,” Max said. He’d grabbed two beers from the bar before sitting, popped the top off one, and handed it to Logan before opening his own.
Logan nodded in agreement. “We’ve got a solid plan. A way forward.” He held up his bottle to clink. “Tomorrow, the real work starts.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Tess
First thing Monday morning, Tess hit the bank to see what kind of loan she might qualify for in order to secure a down payment on The Outpost. On her way out, she called Mr. Moody and left a message, asking him to call her right away. She didn’t give a reason, but he’d know it was important because she hardly ever contacted him.
Without a sale price, the bank wouldn’t promise a specific amount, but they did say her credit was excellent and the investment sound.
Moody returned her call a little after lunch.
“Sir. I wanted to talk to you about the possibility of purchasing The Outpost. I talked to a loan officer this morning and am pretty confident I can get funding for the down payment. I just need a number on what you want for it. I know you said it was too late, but if there’s any chance at all…”
This was a gamble, but she had to take it. And the worst he could do was say no.
“Oh, Tess,” Moody said. “I wish you’d called earlier. I just got an offer an hour ago. The attorneys are looking it over now. Barring any problems, I plan to accept it.”
“I was on the mountain all week,” Tess explained. “This is the first chance I’ve had to call since I made up my mind. Have you signed anything? Is thereanyway you could still carve it out?”
“Maybe.” He sighed. “But I can’t make any promises. The wedding is in twelve days, and after that, we’re gone for a monthlong honeymoon. I was hoping to seal the deal on this before we go.”
“I’m sorry I didn’t say anything sooner. But I would really,reallyappreciate the opportunity to buy it from you.”
“You’re persistent. I’ll give you that. Look, I’ll call the attorney now and see what I can do. But don’t get your hopes up. This ship may already be at sea.”
“That’s great,” she said. “A chance is all I ask. Thank you, sir.”
“I’ll be in touch.”
Later that evening, Tess was with her friends at The Rusty Nail, recounting her day.
“He says he’ll try, but couldn’t promise anything.”
“That’s a tough ask, mid-deal,” Faith said. “But at least he didn’t shut you down right away.”
They all nodded and mumbled supportive platitudes. Without more to say, they switched topics.
“So, have you heard from Carter?” Alex asked. “He gonna be your plus one for the wedding?”
“He texted yesterday.” Tess sipped her drink. “I don’t know. What did you guys think of him?”
They stared blankly, clearly wanting permission to speak freely.
“Be honest,” Tess said, opening the dam.
“He was sort of a baby when he lost at HORSE,” Juliet said.
“More like a jerk,” Faith corrected.
“He did give you a nice gift,” Alex said.
“Pfft.” Tess rolled her eyes. “When am I ever going to wear a diamond bracelet?”
“What about Logan?” Juliet said.
Tess shrugged. “What about him?”
