Page 22 of Ball Buster

Today is the big day. Will reading day. I don’t think I’ve accomplished anything since I’ve been here other than arguing with Solo. The man drives me insane. It’s like making inappropriate remarks to me is his favorite pastime. I feel like I’m married, and my husband is controlling how I spend my paycheck. Only I’m not married, and I likely won’t get paid anytime soon judging by the books. Today we meet with the lawyer and find out exactly what Les had as far as assets or debt.

Solo didn’t get in till late last night and was gone early this morning. Not that I’m keeping tabs, but I wish he’d teach Tater that he’s his new breakfast buddy. I’m getting a new lock. I was woken up yet again by his hissing and scratching. Begging for food. He’s kind of cute, but I don’t think he likes me after I screamed at him my first morning here.

I shooed him out the door with a broom then gave him the rest of my scrambled eggs and a few strawberries in a bowl outside. He’s going to learn that waking me up too damn early is a no go and that his ass belongs outside in the woods. He’s not a “dog” as Solo likes to call him.

I put on a white sleeveless knit top with the same black skirt I wore Sunday. I don’t have a lot of what I’d call dress up clothing. My hair is in a bun because it needs washed. Only I don’t have enough time before I need to be at this appointment. I kept my makeup simple. Smokey eyeshadow and nude lipstick along with light blush. I’ve never been heavy handed when it comes to wearing the stuff.

As soon as I turn up at the law office, I find that Solo has already arrived and is flirting with the receptionist. Can’t take him anywhere without running into a woman who either has slept with him or is hoping to.

“Hey, Vada. Mr. Finkle is ready for us. Was just waiting for you.”

I bet he was. I smile and nod, doing my best to keep my commentary to myself.

“You two can go on back.”

“Thanks, sweetheart.” He flashes her his stupid smirk I’d like to wipe off his face.

I follow him into the office where Mr. Finkle is already seated at his desk ready to get this over with guessing by the impatient grimace on his face. “Vada Vanlow and Sebastian Carter. Wish I was meeting you under different circumstances but here we are. I’ll cut straight to why you’re both here. Mr. Carter, I assume we are all aware that you own fifty percent of The Brew, and that Miss Vanlow has inherited the other fifty percent from Les Goodman.”

I nod as does Solo who I’m weirded out that his name is Sebastian. He doesn’t look like a Sebastian. I would’ve pegged him as Solo being his legal name. He just seems that type.

“I have here in his own words what Les wished to bequeath to you along with his final wishes. I’ll just read it. If you’re sitting here, then you know that I’m no longer with you. Vada, I know you likely have so many questions for me. The main one being why I wasn’t a part of your life. The answer is simple. When you were three years old your mother and I found out that you are not my daughter. You may or may not know this information. I wanted to be your dad more than I wanted anything in the world, but your mother told me to leave and to stay away. I had to respect her wishes though I still sent you birthday cards and notes asking your mother if I could see you.

The first three years of your life I watched you grow and took care of you. Losing you nearly crushed me, but I couldn’t leave this world without making sure you were taken care of to the best of my ability. Blood or not I watched you come into the world. I was the first to hold you. The first to love you. What I want for you is to live a good life and have everything you need. There’s no one I trust more to take care of you than Sebastian. Hopefully by now the two of you have met and you likely know him as Solo.

He’s the son I had always wanted but never had, and I know he’ll see to it that you are well cared for. That is why I named you both as my beneficiaries for my life insurance policy. I hope this helps the two of you start your lives.

Love always,

Les.”

I stare at Solo. “Did you know about this?”

He shakes his head looking as shocked as I am. My heart bypasses my stomach and drops straight to my feet. Les wasn’t my real father. My mother lied to me all these years. Told me he walked out and never looked back.

Solo is the son he wanted but never had. We’re not related. Relief washes through me at this revelation.

“There are a few things we need to discuss. The insurance company will be in touch with you to finalize the paperwork. You’ll both have to pay taxes on any money paid to you. Mr. Goodman has also left all his worldly possessions to Vada along with his bank account which I’m seeing here totals twenty-five thousand dollars. Mr. Carter, he’s entrusting Tater to your care.”

I blink. He left me twenty-five thousand dollars.

“There is a stipulation attached to his Will. I have to tell you that it is something you can contest, but Mr. Goodman says here that part of his final wishes are for Mr. Carter to marry you if you wish to inherit the life insurance payout. You can use the money for your future. For The Brew. If the two of you choose not to marry, then the money will go to charity. A raccoon rescue.”

“That’s insane. Marry you. Is this even legal? What is this the stone age?” I shake my head. It’s all too much too fast.

Solo’s face is ashen as though he may throw up. Does he find the thought of marrying me that repulsive?

I mean I don’t want to marry him either. I mean I’d still get twenty-five thousand and my half of the bar. And if I sell his motorcycle that will put some nice change in my pocket. But that leaves Solo with nothing except Tater.

“How much is the policy for? The life insurance,” I clarify.

“Half a million dollars divided evenly between the two of you after taxes respectively.”

“Half a million.” I gulp as chill bumps race across my skin. A cold sweat breaks out dripping down my spine. “Is it hot in here? I think it’s a little warm.”

“I’m sure there is a lot the two of you need to discuss. I’ll need an answer by next Monday.”

“So soon?”

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