Page 11 of Release You

“Russ,” I called out for my foreman.

“Yeah, boss.” Russ came in with a coffeetable.

“Right over here.” Nikki pointed toward the window facing the street. “You’re a genius. I could kiss you right now.”

Russ turned bright red. No doubt imagining what that kiss might feel like. “We just gave it a good cleaning. The secret is lemon oil.” He set the table next to the sofa and wiped off the top.

“Russ, I’m going to the bank.” I raised my voice to break Nikki’s spell, or whatever it was she had Russ under. “Get the guys back to work.”

“Yeah, boss. We’re almost done here.” He nodded in my direction.

“Thanks.” I turned around and headed for the door, slapping the sheets out of the way.

Outside, the hot air did nothing to calm my mood. Sweat made my shirt stick to my back before I even reached my truck. At this hour, driving through the construction site was the best way to avoid traffic. I couldn’t be late to this appointment.

“Well, it’s thirty-three hours now.” Nikki’s voice played in my head.

I gripped the steering wheel. Just like before, in one day, she’d turned my entire life upside down and made a fool of me. Not this time. I parked the truck in front of the bank and ran up the stone steps. At the door, Bill, the security guard, waved at me through the glass and then turned the key.

“Hey there, Henry. Mr. Paredes is waiting for you in his office. Go on in.” He patted me on the back.

“Good morning.” I offered him a quick nod on my way in.

The place had that usual old-building, musty smell. I strode past the tellers. Wide pillars supported the high ceilings, deflecting the sunlight to gleam on the marble floors. I smiled at the details of the design. This building was another one of my great-grandfather’s contributions to this town.

“Good morning, Henry.” Mr. Paredes, the bank manager,stood to greet me. “You’re right on time. Sit down. How can I help you?”

“Did you get a chance to review my application? I need capital to restore the Cavalier Hotel.”

He nodded. “Yes. My wife says everyone in town is talking about the work you’ve done so far. They’re excited to see the hotel restored. Your father would be so proud.”

We both looked down. I swallowed the lump in my throat. Fifteen years had gone by since Dad was murdered, and it still hurt the same way it had the day the paramedics came to take him from our house.

“I hope so,” I whispered.

“Listen, Henry. Your father was a good friend of mine, which is why I agreed to fast-track your application. Why I agreed to meet with you before bank hours. But the truth is, I can’t just give out money to people I know. There’s a process. Requirements. The property valuation will take a few more days. What’s the hurry?”

“You’re declining my application?” I leaned back on my seat.

“Of course not. I just can’t fast-track it like you wanted.” His features softened, and a smile spread across his face. “I hear there’s a lady in town who is more than willing to invest in your project. Have you considered her?”

Nikki had already gotten to him. This had nothing to do with financials or friendship. No doubt she’d already fed him some sob story about why she was here.

“Have you met her?” I asked.

“Yes. Last night. The wife and I were out for a stroll and ran into Ms. Swift. She’s lovely, and I think she should be given an opportunity to join our community. Don’t you agree?”

I shook my head. He had no idea who she really was. Would he believe me if I told him? I doubted it.

“Thank you for your time, Mr. Paredes.”

“Any time, Henry. You’ll be all right.” He stood and shook my hand.

I nodded and left. I’d placed all my hopes on getting a loan from the bank. Now I was at Nikki’s mercy.Goddammit. It didn’t take a genius to see she’d changed her mind about selling me her half of the hotel. What happened yesterday? I didn’t buy her bullshit story to Mr. Paredes about wanting to be part of this community. She didn’t need the Cavalier Hotel for that. What did she really want?

Back at the hotel, I parked near the wreckage. Nikki’s car was still in the ditch. Getting it out was on my to-do list for today, but first I had to deal with the Great Wall. I rolled up my sleeves and stomped to the front door and the loud music booming in the lobby. It was a Spanish song with an upbeat tune and sexy undertones, just like Hipolita, or Nikki.

I leaned on the threshold and admired the work she’d done with the place. Amazing what twenty construction workers and a very determined and demanding woman could do in two hours’ time. The place smelled of Pine-Sol and looked impeccable. At least her side of the wall did. Why hadn’t I thought to bring in the guys to help me out? Instead, I’d spent days removing debris and broken furniture on my own. Had I done it as punishment? As if the state of this place was my fault. It wasn’t. I hadn’t left the way she had. I was sent away against my will.

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