Page 39 of Rough

Felix’s expression was somber once again. “Not yet, but I have reason to believe that he’s willing to stoop even further to get what he wants. He’s not going to stop, Garret.”

Felix reached out and took my hand, cupping it in his for several seconds with a worried look on his face.

“Are you saying that you think that I’m in danger?” I studied him.

He licked his lips, looking nervous as he shifted his weight. “I just want you to be careful.”

“How do you know all this about Nelson?” I asked.

Felix looked confident. “I have connections. I used to work at a television station and I still have friends in the news department.”

I was impressed. “Television station? Which one?” I arched an eyebrow.

“Just a local one,” he said and shrugged humbly. “I did some editing back in the day, but I’ve kept in touch with a few people that are still there.”

“Nice.” I grinned and nodded, but I quickly went back into the zone. I needed to focus on the problem at hand.

“I want you to really think about what I’m going to say to you next,” Felix said and took a step forward. He was still clutching my hand and squeezed it harder.

“Okay…” I trailed off with an unsettled feeling sinking into my gut as I stared at him expectantly.

Felix hesitated, looking slightly reluctant.

“Just spit it out,” I commanded.

He inhaled sharply and released the breath slowly. “I think that you should consider selling the club.”

I immediately unlinked my hand from his grasp and took an instinctive step backward. I shook my head.

“What?” My head was spinning. “Why would you say something like that?” My tone was accusatory.

Felix had a patient expression on his face as if he had expected me to react this way. Although, I did note that he looked slightly paler than before.

“Nelson is capable of much more than just taking down your liquor license and sending a fire marshal over here. I fear that this is only the beginning of what he’s willing to do to get you out of here.”

“I can’t just cave to a bully,” I said. “Do you not remember what I told you before? How I was bullied as a child? I’m a severe advocate against it now.”

“I know you are,” Felix said gently and attempted to take my hand again, but I swiped it away.

“You must not have understood,” I inflected firmly. “I am not going to sell my club just because someone else wants the plot of land that it’s sitting on.”

“I didn’t mean—”

“And another thing,” I said, cutting him off. “I built this club by myself, from the ground up. I had to get private investors when banks wouldn’t touch the idea of a loan. I’ve paid them all off, and it’s left me strapped for cash. And now I’m bleeding everywhere because of these disasters popping up. I don’t know how much more of this shit I can take. At this point, selling the club would be the last resort. For now, I won’t entertain the idea at all.”

“I’m so sorry Garret.” Felix’s eyes reflected that he honestly meant what he said.

“I will admit that maybe I moved too quickly to return the investments because I wanted the club to be mine, but there’s nothing I can do to change that decision now.” I felt like my behavior was being driven by frantic emotions.

I felt frustrated and beside myself with irritation at all the problems encircling me like a sticky web. I couldn’t catch a break, but I didn’t want to feel sorry for myself either.

“I know a thing or two about investing in property. I’ve done it before, and I think I have something to offer to you if you want me to help you. I can give you my advice to get you out of this hairy mess you’re in,” Felix offered.

“I know what I’m doing, all right?” I didn’t mean to sound harsh with Felix, but I really didn’t need him to give me his input. I could take care of myself. I had been doing it for a long time.

Felix looked taken aback by my reaction. He reeled back slightly. “I didn’t mean to offend—”

“No, it’s fine.” I signed with resignation. “I am being a jerk. I didn’t mean to be so stern with you. None of this is your fault.”

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