Page 58 of Still Love You

"You saved my life. The truck is the least I could do. If you ever need anything, just let me know."

"Well, actually, did you get my message?"

"About investing in the organic farm?"

"Yeah. What do you think?"

"I'd have to learn more about it. I have an investment firm that manages my portfolio. They do all the research, then provide me with their recommendations. When I get back I'll have them look into it."

"I'm kind of on a deadline here. The farm could really use the money."

"So you're saying the farm is in trouble? So this is more of a loan than an investment."

I hesitate. "Yes, but if we can turn it around, it could become profitable."

"I'm sorry, Silas, but I'm not a big risk taker. I'm very conservative in my investments. And I'm not in the business of giving out loans. I'd like to help but I already support a large number of charitable causes."

"Yeah. I understand."

"So did you decide to take a class this summer?"

"Yes. I'm taking an accounting class and I've decided to take classes in the fall."

"Silas, that's great. I'm proud of you. Hey, if you need help paying for college, that's something I would be willing to do. I'm a big supporter of young people pursuing the education they need to get a good career. I know you said your parents were helping you out, but if you need help beyond that, just give me a call."

"Thanks. I'm at work so I should probably go. But it was good talking to you. Give me a call when you're back in the States."

"I will. Goodbye, Silas."

Shit. There goes my one and only chance to get money for the farm.

"Hey, Silas." Carl walks over to me. "You okay? You don't look so good."

I notice I'm bent over so I sit up straight. "I'm fine. Just sitting down for a minute."

"You've been putting in a lot of hours. Why don't you go home? Get some rest."

"No, I'm good." I put my phone away. "I need to talk to you about Willow. She was here for lunch and she mentioned taking over the business side of the farm now that Candace has that other job. She was going to start going through your office at home this afternoon but I think I talked her out of it."

"Everything is locked up. She can't get to the files."

"Does she have the passwords for your accounts?"

"No. And we change them all the time."

"Still, she's going to ask you if she can help so what are you going to tell her?"

He sighs, rubbing his jaw. "I'll have to make up an excuse. Candace doesn't want to tell Willow for at least another month. We received some new restaurant orders last week and the farmers' markets are always busier in the summer, so she's hoping that will give us enough cash to make our payments on time."

"I should let you know that I just talked to Dan, that guy I worked with in India. He's from Napa but does volunteer work overseas. I told you about him last week. Anyway, I was hoping he'd be willing to offer up some financial support to the farm, but I just talked to him and it sounds like it's not gonna happen."

Carl puts his hand on my shoulder. "Silas, don't worry about this. I know we're like family and I know you love my daughter, but you're already doing too much. This isn't your problem to fix." He stands up. "I need to get back to the field. Oh, and I ordered those flower seeds. They should be here by Friday."

"I'll get them planted this weekend."

"Take the weekend off. Do something fun." He walks off before I can talk him into letting me work this weekend.

He keeps telling me to stop working so much but I feel like I have to. I know this farm isn't my responsibility but I don't want to see it fail and the land be sold to someone else. Willow and I used to play here when we were kids. We'd pick strawberries and eat them right in the field and get berry stains all over our clothes. We had races down the rows between the plants. And when we got older, we'd sit out here and watch the sun set. Or gaze at the stars.

This is more than just a farm. It's part of our life. Our memories. And I'm not ready for it to go away.

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