Page 45 of As The Shifter World Turns

“Let’s not,” I disagreed. “I don’t want to jinx anything.”

“Fine. Who else’s love life can we dissect? What about Ryder and Ivor.”

“Is there something to discuss? Ivor has a crush on the guy. That’s it unless you have concrete evidence.”

“Not sure. But Ryder kneeling in front of Ivor and giving him a raise that night on the roof almost brought me to tears,” he said

“Do you think they’ve admitted to the other person that they’ve developed feelings?”

We shared a glance and then both said, “No. Kellan.”

“While he’s still flitting in and out of Ryder’s life, I don’t think they should move forward,” I told him.

“Poor Ivor.”

“Poor Ryder. Maybe as Ivor’s friends we should bring it up?”

“What would we say?” Neil asked as he hugged a cushion. “Ivor, you told us you like Ryder but it’s a bad idea to act on it, so don’t do it because it may destroy any chance of happiness you have.”

I made a face. “Yikes. When you put it like that…”

Daire

“I’m sorry, but your loan application has not been approved.”

Sitting in the car outside the bank with the banking loan officer's words repeating in my ears, I caught a glimpse of how hard life was when you didn’t have enough money. Not that I would ever understand grinding poverty—I was what they called extremely privileged—the frustration at not being able to accomplish what I wanted, and the constant refusals had me looking at life differently.

My parents had refused to co-sign the loan and the only income I had was money from a trust that I received each month. Yeah, there was that privilege again. I had a trust and got income from it.How lucky am I?

Ivor was grateful for a few hours of work each day in Ryder’s office. I didn’t have to worry about where my next meal was coming from. And that reminded me I was hungry. Maybe there was a burger in my future.

None of my college friends were in a position to help me out. Most had no idea my family was wealthy and my best friends all lived in Sunshine Manor. And I couldn’t go to any of my parents’ business associates. They were as tightfisted as my folks and besides, Father had probably warned them I might ask.

This is what Father called being an adult. It kinda sucked.

I was still holding out on selling my car. Yeah, I’d do it but needed more cash to make up the shortfall.

So where does that leave me?

Run.Hunt, my grizzly insisted.

Soon.

Wishing Micah was here, I scrolled through my phone. Even though he was only about ten years older than me, he acted as a friend, a buddy but sometimes as a surrogate father. And he was in the property business. He might have some ideas.

“Hey, what’s up?” he answered.

“When are you back?”

“Tomorrow. Why? Something wrong?”

“Don’t worry, there aren’t any leaks or other disasters. Well, that’s not strictly true, but the building’s standing.”

”You got me worried wondering what I’d find when I arrive.”

“Nah, man, nothing like that. And Archer’s fine.” I cackled at that. He hadn’t asked but I bet he wanted the deets. “Though he seemed to be in pain yesterday.”

“What?” I held the phone away from my ear as he shrieked.

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