Page 34 of Outcast
Not surprising. The bank wasn’t going to go out on a limb for us after our old man shit the bed.
“But the foreclosure process is just getting started,” Emory continued. “It takes time to play out, and I’m going to do everything I can to help you figure this out.”
I raised an eyebrow. “It’s not your job to fix this, though, is it?”
“I want to help you. It’s unfair, you all paying the price for Mr. Forrester’s mistakes.”
“Wouldn’t be the first time.”
Emory’s forehead creased. “I wish it wasn’t this time either. I wish this wasn’t how we were…”
“Seeing each other again?”
He glanced out the window. “Yeah.”
I bumped his foot with mine. Holden should have stayed if he didn’t want me playing footsie.
“Well, maybe next time we meet up, it’ll be in better circumstances.”
Emory glanced at me uncertainly. “Would you want that?”
“Anytime you’re ready, golden boy. Just come find me.”
His eyes widened. “Seriously?”
“Sure. Come by the pool hall this weekend, if you’re free. I’ll buy you a drink. We can play a couple of games.”
Maybe one of those games would even involve pool. Who knew?
He licked his lips. “I just gave you terrible news, and you still want to buy me a drink?”
“I know better than to shoot the messenger—especially such a pretty one.” I winked.
Neal returned with the takeout bags of food, saving Emory from a reply, but his blush told me that my flirting had hit the mark.
I said my goodbyes, took the food, and headed out the door, relieved to see the GTO parked in the lot. I wouldn’t have been surprised if Holden left my ass here.
I opened the passenger door and slid into the seat.
“Sorry,” he muttered.
I handed over his bag of food. “It’s okay. This is a big deal.”
“You learn anything helpful after I left?”
“Maybe. We don’t have to lose the business. We could sell something else. We just need to get the funds together to cover the loan. Whatever way we can.”
He grunted. “That’s still shitty.”
“Yeah,” I agreed. “Anything we sell will hurt.”
“Axel is gonna flip his lid,” he said with a groan. “Let’s hold off on sharing the news, okay? At least until we figure out a plan. I don’t want to worry them.”
I wasn’t sure if that was the best idea, but Holden was the one who’d been here looking out for our brothers, not me.
“Whatever you think is best.”
“Fucking hell!” He glared out the windshield. “I hate bankers.”
