Page 67 of The Biker Needs A Nanny

Brick puts his arm around my neck and walks me away. “Ain’t no reason this can’t work out for you, VP. You got a lot to offer. A nice house. A sweet ride. And that ugly mug of yours.” He slaps my face and grins.

“Look, I appreciate your enthusiasm, but she’s just here for a job, okay?”

“Whatever you say.” Brick’s eyes shift over my shoulder.

By the time I turn, I see Grace retreating to the house.

“Hey, VP. You’re almost out of beer,” Pipe says.

“Then maybe you should take that as your invitation to hit the road,” I reply.

“But you’ve got that sweet dock,” Brick whines.

“I’ve got to talk to Grace. Beat it, both of you.”

After the guys leave, I head inside and overhear Grace on the kitchen wall phone. I pause on the other side and listen.

When she hangs up, I step around. “Who were you talking to? What do you need to pay off?”

“It’s my problem. I’ll figure it out.”

“Grace, just tell me. Maybe I can help.”

“No, Lucky. It’s my problem. I’ll figure it out. I’m sorry, but It’s none of your business.”

I feel like she just slapped me. “That’s kind of cold after the weekend we just shared.”

“This is just a job, though, right?” she snaps and stalks off, the slider slamming as she goes back outside.

My eyes slowly close. Goddamn it. I only said those things so they’d shut up. My eyes open and land on the phone. With a spur of the moment thought, I lift the receiver and hit redial.

“Pinky’s pawn shop. This is Jerry. May I help you?”

“My wife just called about the payment she owes?”

“Oh, right. The ring?”

“Yeah. What’s the payment?”

“The interest owed is one-thousand to roll it for another thirty days. But I’ve got to have it by the due date.”

My God. “And what’s the payoff to get it out of hock?”

“Six thousand.”

I whistle. “That’s some ring, huh?”

“Yeah, it is. I hate that it’s her grandmother’s and all, but we got rules. I really can’t cut her any slack on the due date.”

“Where are you located again?”

“Pascagoula, Mississippi.”

“Thanks.” I hang up and turn to find Grace standing there with her arms crossed.

“What are you doing?” she snaps.

“Nothing.”

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