Page 61 of Lakehouse Promises

“Carolina, it’s Rebecca. From the bank.”

She immediately brightened when she recognized her friend’s voice. “Oh yes, hello. How are you?”

“I’m fine but I’m afraid there’s an issue and I need you to come down to the bank today.”

“Okay I guess I’ll tell Bernice I’ll be a little late. She’s not going to like it.”

“This is important.”

“Okay. I”ll be there at eight.” She hung up and quickly dialed Bernice’s number.

She explained the situation and Bernice told her she was going to have to work late to make up her hours.

She grabbed a cup of coffee and let Phoenix out for the day. She spotted Thomas putting his ladder up against the roof.

“Good morning.” He waved.

“Good morning.” She glanced at the time, making sure she wasn’t going to be late for her meeting with Rebecca. “Would you like some coffee?”

“Sounds good.” He dusted off his hands against his pants and headed up the deck to where she was standing.

He followed her into the kitchen. “How is Stanley?”

“He’s good. He’s got half the widow women from the church waiting on him hand and foot. If this keeps up I’ll never get him back to work.” He grinned and then sobered. “Everything okay? You look worried.”

“I just got a call from Rebecca at the bank. She said I need to come in as soon as the bank opens. I hope there’s nothing wrong with the loan.”

“They already approved you for the loan. They probably just want you to sign some more papers. Banks are always like that.”

She nodded. “You’re probably right. I’m just worrying for nothing.” She didn’t mention the urgency of the call, or that Rebecca said it was important enough for her to have to go to work late.

She glanced at the time on her phone. “I guess I should get going. There is some left over chili in the refrigerator if you get hungry. I’m locking the front door but feel free to come in through the back.”

“If I leave before you get home I’ll lock up.”

“Thank you.” She smiled and rinsed off her coffee cup and set it in the sink. She grabbed her purse and headed over to the bank.

On the drive over there she tried to rack her brain as to why Rebecca wanted to see her.

After all, she’d already gotten the loan, secured a job for herself, and was putting equity back in the house with a new roof.

Had something happened? Were they revoking the loan? Could they even do that?

As she turned down the street to the bank her heart raced.

Chapter 38

She walked into the bank and headed for Rebecca’s desk. She looked up from typing on the computer.

“Carolina, thank you for coming in so fast.”

“It sounded urgent.”

“Please sit.” Rebecca waved her into the chair across from her desk. “How’s the roof coming?”

“It’s coming. Thomas is putting the shingles on now. He has to get a second load in tomorrow to finish everything so I’ll have to give him another check for that.”

“I see.” Rebecca nodded and hit some keys on the keyboard. They were becoming friends, so why was her expression anything but friendly? In fact, she looked very serious.

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