She picked up a large purse from the floorboard, pushed the visor back in place and flashed him a brave smile. “I think so. Okay, wish me luck.” She straightened her shoulders before opening the door of the truck and climbing out.
“Good luck,” he hollered before she shut the door.
He watched her until after she’d gone inside the building, his heart hammering in his chest. This meeting was a big deal and she was nervous. He was nervous. If this didn’t go well, and the attorney didn’t offer a solution, he’d have to seriously consider his own. But would offering to help her out be worth the risk? Not only would she deny him, but it could also alter their friendship. She hated when he, not only offered to help, but offered to help financially.
And paying the loans back, offering to help save the bar, was a big one.
When his phone chimed, he half-expected it to be Kelsey, asking him to come inside and attend the meeting with her. Or maybe, he was hoping.
Franklin: Hey big guy!
Davis groaned and continued reading.
Franklin: Heard you were away this weekend but wanted to fill you in on the newest memo taking effect on Monday. I’m attaching it. Thanks!
When he opened the memo and scanned it, his stomach dropped, filling with a heavy dread. Mr. President has enlisted not only a wardrobe change for both Davis and Garrett, but a new angle for the show. It seemed Franklin’s friendly chat had an ulterior motive: to soften him up before the official memo went out.
Davis chucked his phone onto the passenger seat and his pulse picked up speed. He clenched his hands into fists before slamming one down onto the dash. Where did they get off telling him what to wear? Or how to wear it? And what about changing the angle of the show? Now they wanted both he and Garrett to bring the sex appeal, Mr. President stating it will be better all-around for their viewers.
Davis’s phone chimed again, this time he was relieved when he found Garrett’s name flashing on the screen.
Garrett: Just ignore Franklin’s text for now. Don’t look at the memo until you get back.
Davis: Too late.
Garrett: Don’t let your panties get in a bunch. I’ll talk to him.
Davis: You better or I will.
Garrett: Don’t worry, bro. I got this.
Davis set his phone into the console. Garrett was right about one thing, there was nothing he could do until he was back home. Even though he was tempted to head into the building and show the memo to this attorney. Based on their previously signed contract, there was no way this was legal.
Exhaling a deep shaky breath, he pushed his seat back, propped his crossed ankles on the dash and pulled the brim of his hat over his eyes. For once in his adult life, he’d let Garrett handle things for him. He had enough going on, what with helping Kelsey and the complicated feelings growing for her.
CHAPTERELEVEN
KELSEY
The appointmentwith the attorney was useless. Not only did he shrug off her impending tears, but he hardly looked at her. During their less than fifteen minute meeting, he commented at least four times that he was happy to be able to do a favor for Mr. O’Henry. He’d handed her a printed sheet of paper summing up the legalities after the death of someone when they owned a business as a shared entity, meaning her.
By the time she left the office, she felt mistreated and belittled. And even worse, completely lost. The loans were her responsibility. There were no grace periods. She might as well wave the white flag, because this meeting with the attorney was her last resort. Losing the bar felt more real than ever.
Fighting back the tears, Kelsey rushed out of the office building and hurried down the stone steps just as nightfall hit. Darkness enveloped Davis’s truck, making it difficult for her to decipher if he was still inside. When she yanked on the door handle, he startled in the driver’s seat.
Davis lifted his outstretched legs and adjusted the hat on his head. “What happened? How’d it go?”
It was a natural question, expected even, but it still hit her square in the chest. “Based on my luck, it went exactly how I thought it would.” Her fingers trembled as she buckled the seatbelt.
“Uh oh.”
“There’s nothing he can do.”
“Are you sure? He knew your situation?”
“Yes,” she snapped. The regret slid through her almost instantly. Davis had been nothing but kind to her, going out of his way to help her at the bar, brainstorm with her, and now drive her all the way here for this useless meeting. “I’m sorry, I’m just…upset.”
He shrugged a shoulder. “You don’t have to apologize. I get it.” He rubbed at the back of his neck, resituating in his seat.
