Page 27 of Evidence of Secrets

“Not offhand, but I will ask a couple of colleagues better versed in this than I am. See what they advise.” Stuart tapped his fingers on his desk. “We have to work fast. Your loan will be past due soon, and it’ll be harder to get the cash to keep you solvent.”

Past due? Laura huffed. Did she have the cash to pay this month’s mortgage? Pay her employees? Buy food to serve her customers? She mentally ran over her figures. Crap. This month would be tight, but next month?

“Okay then.” Laura stood and gathered her purse and jacket. “Let me know if anyone has any good suggestions.”

Stuart leaned over and patted her hand. “I will do my best. Keep the faith and think good thoughts. It’ll help.”

She gave him a small smile, said goodbye, and walked into the lobby. People were in line for the tellers or waiting for a bank employee. Were they looking at her? Thinkingloser?Laura shook her head and held it higher.

No, she wasn’t a loser.

The cash flow was a problem, as had been the disappearance of food, but she solved one problem. She’d solve the other just like every other time she had a problem.

She’d work harder, pare down the menu, not hire any more employees.

Laura nodded to herself. Yes! That would work.

She hadn’t gotten to this stage in her life by accepting handouts or depending on someone else to bail her out.

She could do this. She would do this.

CHAPTERTWENTY-ONE

Laura hurried down the sidewalk toward the Tiki Bar. It was the last Friday of the month, and the girls were meeting for lunch. She often missed the lunches unless they were at the bistro, but after the crappy past few weeks, it was time to treat herself to some love from her friends.

“Laura!”

She turned quickly as she entered the Tiki Bar. Figures that the first person she’d see would be Jake.

They hadn’t been out in a few weeks because of their busy schedules and the fact that she’d been with Hank when she had free time.

Jake walked over and kissed her on the cheek. “Long time no see, my friend.”

“I know. I’ve been…”

He placed his fingers over her lips. “You’ve been busy with a certain person from KnightGuard Security.” Jake’s eyes crinkled. “I hope Hank’s treating you right. I’d hate to beat the crap out of him.”

Laura shook her head. “You’re too funny. However, he’s a nice guy, and I like him.”

“Mm-hmm.” Jake pursed his lips and nodded. “All righty then. I’ll take your word for it.”

“Are the girls here?”

Jake thought for a moment. “I just got here, but I think they’re by the window. It’s too hot to eat outside.”

Laura dodged people at the bar, walked past Petey, the parrot.

“Pretty girl. Pretty girl.”

Laura shook her head and giggled. Petey the parrot really liked that phrase and used it on all the women who entered. She finally spotted Sam and her friends by a window in the back.

“Hi, everyone.” She did air-kisses around when she got to the table.

“Glad you could make it,” said Sam. She was sitting between Marlee and Claire at a large booth.

Hailey, Ann, and Julie were sitting on the other side of the table.

Grace patted the chair next to her. “We saved this just for you.”

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