Page 61 of How to Be a Rockstar's Girlfriend

Uncle Mercury’s rich? Why is he living in a house in need of serious repair if he has money? Why does he wear clothes worn clear through? We’re having a talk later today.

“Anyway, you’ll need approval from the town to take over the business.”

I hold up a hand. “Hold on. I jumped in with both feet without thinking again.”

“What’s there to think about?” He narrows his eyes on me. “Unless you’re planning to leave Winter Falls.”

I scratch my neck. I actually haven’t made up my mind one way or another about Winter Falls. I enjoy living here. I’ve made friends. The town is a freaking hoot with all of its festivals and unique shops.

And I have no interest in returning to Kansas City where everyone knows Zeke was cheating on me. And where my mom lives. I’m surprised she hasn’t been blowing up my phone asking where the money from the sale of Mercury’s house is.

“I’m staying,” I declare. There’s no point hemming and hawing over a decision. Staying feels right in my gut, so I’m staying.

“The next town business meeting is in two days. You can present your proposal to takeover the business then.”

My mouth gapes open. “Two days? How do you expect me to put together a presentation in two days?”

I wouldn’t even know where to begin. I haven’t given a presentation since high school. And somehow I don’t think the business people of Winter Falls will be impressed with my presentation on the brown antechinus and how the male can have sex for up to fourteen hours at a time during mating season.

“You’ll be fine.” He stands. “Now, let’s get to work.”

“But we haven’t even discussed how much I’ll pay you for the business and the garage and the tow truck.”

My heart speeds up until breathing becomes difficult. Even if Uncle Mercury lends me the money, it’s going to be a lot. And I’ll have to pay it back. Maybe I shouldn’t buy the business. Maybe I should stay in my lane.

Basil rubs my shoulder. “Calm down, Mercy. Everything will be fine in the end.”

“And if it’s not fine, it’s not the end?”

“Exactly.”

I inhale a few deep breaths to get my breathing under control and stand. I am not a simpering woman who stumbles at the first obstacle. I will get a loan. I will get approval from the town. And I will make this business a success. Car collectors will fight for my services.

Just you wait and see.

Chapter 18

Foot – despite its size can get lodged in the mouth

Mercy

“Are you sure about this?” I ask Uncle Mercury as I help him up the stairs at city hall. The town business meeting is tonight and my nerves have me shaking in my cowboy boots.

“Mercy Keller, are you doubting yourself?”

I grimace. “It’s a lot of money.”

“It’s my money and I’m giving it to you.”

I freeze on the steps. “No, you’re lending it to me.”

“I’m giving it to you, and my decision is final.”

I cross my arms over my chest and glare at him. “You can’t unilaterally decide to give me the money to buy Basil’s business.”

“It’s my money and I’ll do with it what I want.”

Spoiler alert. Basil was right when he said Mercury’s loaded. I don’t know how much money he has, but when I asked to borrow fifty-thousand dollars he responded by telling me he’d have the cash for me in the morning. The cash. In the morning.

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