Page 94 of Grit
“That works out because I don’t have the money to pay you for more right now.”
Brian laughed. “I know how that is.”
“But send me the estimate,” Melissa said. “I’ll take a look and talk to my mom.”
“Will do.”
She shook his hand again, walked over to the bunkhouse, and peeked in the windows, careful not to step on the newly refinished floors. She could already imagine the rustic bed she’d put in the corner. They had some old furniture stored in the barn that would be perfect. A rag rug on the floor. Maybe she could get some of Cary’s pictures for the walls.
She heard her mom honk the horn to grab her attention. Joan was coming up the road in her ancient Subaru. Melissa walked back to the house and waited for Joan to park.
“Groceries?” she asked.
“In the back.”
Melissa popped the trunk. “You remember I’m meeting Cary for dinner tonight, right?”
“Lissa.” Her mom got out of the driver’s seat, a pile of mail in her arms. “I went by the post office.” She held out a large envelope markedNext Day Express.
Melissa looked at the return address.
Bristol, Brooks, and McDonald
Santa Maria, CA.
She opened the envelope with a sense of inevitability and pulled out the cover letter. She read it, nodded, and put it back in the envelope. “They’re doing it.”
Joan shook her head. “You have got to be kidding me.”
“Somebody must have told them I was handing out flyers at the market. They’re calling in the note.” Melissa tucked the envelope under her arm and reached for the first grocery bag. “I have ninety days to come up with seventy-five thousand dollars.”
“Ow!”She pulled her foot back. “You stepped on my foot.”
Cary lifted an eyebrow. “I called your name four times and you didn’t even turn your head. I was beginning to worry.”
They were sitting on the patio at Flora’s by the River, enjoying fresh Mexican food and a pretty view. So far, their date had gathered a few looks but no comments. Melissa had been staring at the water when Cary stepped on her foot.
“I’m sorry I’m distracted.”
“Are you getting weird about the two of us again?” Cary crossed his arms over his chest. “Just give me a heads-up if you’re going to freak out, and I’ll plan my response accordingly.”
“I’m not thinking about that.”
“Then what is it?”
She sighed and turned her attention back to him. “I got an envelope from the Rhodes family law firm in Santa Maria today. Next-day express.”
He shook his head. “Unbelievable.”
She put a hand over her face and felt the anger and guilt wash over her. “I thought I was juggling all the balls in the air, but I dropped this one. I’ve got ninety days.”
“It’s not your fault Calvin’s parents are jerks.” He picked up her hand and kissed the knuckles. “You finished with your food?”
“Yeah.”
“Then let’s get out of here.”
“Ninety days.”Melissa rubbed her temple, wishing she could get her mind off the looming deadline. She was at Cary’s house. His mother was visiting her sister-in-law on the coast. They were actually alone, and Melissa had a bag in the car if she wanted to stay the night. She could do sexy, illicit things to the man she’d been dreaming about for four years!
