Page 96 of Love By The Falls

“It’s valued at three million dollars, plus the money to renovate. No one in this town can afford that.”

He pulls back onto the road, and we head into town.

“That’s the bank over there.” I point to a red-bricked one-story building with a wooden porch in front. Caleb parks the car a few feet away.

“I love how there’s always parking in small towns. It’s one of its best qualities.”

“Ha, that’s true. I swear my brain doesn’t know the difference between being held at gunpoint and trying to parallel park downtown.”

We both laugh as we walk up the wooden steps and Caleb holds the door open for me. As soon as we walk through the door, all heads turn in our direction. Sally, a teller, stops counting money to Mr. Robinson and just stares at us, while Mrs. Green’s painted red mouth pinches together along with her eyebrows.

Caleb clears his throat. “Now I remember what I don’t like about small towns.”

He’s right, of course, and I’ve said as much myself. But it feels different when an outsider says it. I feel like I need to defend the town. Yes, we’re not used to someone like Caleb with all his European finery walking through the door, but we mean no disrespect. It’s mostly curiosity.

We wait behind Mrs. Green while Sally finishes counting Mr. Robinson his money. “It’s a beautiful day out, isn’t it?” she asks.

“It sure is,” I say, but her gaze is on Caleb. When he doesn’t respond, I nudge him with my foot. He looks atme and I raise my eyebrows. Fortunately, he gets the message. “Oh, yes. It’s a fine day. Just as lovely as the people around me.”

Mrs. Green smiles and fusses with her French twist. “Well, aren’t you a gentleman?”

“Next,” Sally calls and Mrs. Green saunters to the counter.

“Nicely played,” I say.

“Thank you.”

Mr. Robinson, however, isn’t as impressed as he openly scowls at us. I pay him no attention, as he’s generally an unpleasant man, especially since his wife ran off with his hired hand.

After a quick transaction at the counter, Mrs. Green waves as she walks past us.

“Morning,” says Sally when we approach. “What can I do for you?”

“I’d like to open an account with Ms. Tanner.”

“All right,” she says, looking at me for confirmation. “What sort of account?”

“Just a regular checking account. I’d like to make a note that there will be regular transfers from a Manhattan bank to this one. Don’t place a hold those transfers. They should be put through right away.”

“Do you have the account number for that?”

“I do.” Caleb pulls out his phone and opens a banking app. I turn my head to give him some privacy.

“Will you be requiring two signatures for withdrawals?”

“Yes,” I say at the same time, Caleb says, “No.”

“I won’t be here much, and you’ll need to withdraw the money in order to use it.” He turns back to Sally. “Only one signature is required.”

This feels weird. I’ve never had anyone give me anything financially. It makes me feel dependent, but at the same time, I could use the help. I’m already strapped as it is now.

“Okay, I’ll just need two pieces of ID and both your signatures on the pad in front of you.”

After we hand her our IDs, Caleb passes the pad to me first and my hand trembles a bit as I sign it. I turn it toward him when I finish, and he signs his name with no hesitation.

“Great,” says Sally as she types on her computer. “We’re all set. Here’s the account information and a bank card. Just follow the instructions on the PIN pad to reset your passcode.”

“Thank you,” says Caleb, and Sally smiles brightly at him.

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