Page 46 of As The Shifter World Turns

“Not so loud,” I complained.

“Why didn’t anyone tell me?”

“He was bent over. Maybe he got hit in the groin. When I asked him, he said it was nothing and it’d be sorted in a few days.” Micah laughed, which was weird. “Hello, did you hear what I said?”

“Yes,” he sniffed and snorted. “Archer’s doing as I asked. He’s being a good boy.”

Ewww.“Na. Na. Na. Na. Na. I can’t hear you.”

“Much as I enjoy chatting with you, was there a reason for the call?”

“It’s the same problem. Money. Or lack of it,” I explained.

“Never thought I’d hear you talking about not having enough cash.”

“Mmmm, wouldn’t have until I got cut off,” I admitted. “It's hard.” More than that. I’d looked at the income in and the money going out for this month and even if I sold my baby—my sports car— there wouldn’t be enough.

Micah didn’t speak and there was rustling on the other end. “I have a proposition.”

“Whoa, I don’t need a loan. That’s not why I called. Just needed someone to listen to me whine.”

“I get it. But hear me out. I don’t have a lot of spare cash since Jason cleaned me out.” He paused and I imagined him grimacing. That fucker who stole from my friend. Both Ryder and Micah had fallen for the wrong person. “But since I’ve been at Sunshine Manor, I’ve saved up some.”

“Pleased for you, man, but as I explained, I’m not borrowing money from you.”

“Not a loan. I become part owner of the building.”

That wasn’t what I was expecting. We’d all fought so hard to save our home, so no one else would take it over. Could I hand over Sunshine Manor to Micah? If it had to be anyone, it’d be him.”

“I know what you’re thinking, Daire.”

“You do? Okay, tell me,” I said as I rolled my eyes.

“You think I’ll whisk it out of your hands and you won’t get a say in what happens. Much like your parents treated you. They owned it but never consulted you on what you thought.”

“Yeah, sort of.” That was exactly how it’d been.

“My contribution won’t be huge. Not even a quarter of what the place is worth. And sure you’ll need to discuss with me before making decisions and we need a lawyer to draw up paperwork, but if you agree, I’ll be a partner, a friend, not your boss or your enemy.”

Everyone pitching in to stop the sale of the building was great, but when they complained about a rent hike, and suggested I sell my car, I felt so alone. But my name was on the deed. Father had made sure of it, sending the papers from his lawyers for me to sign.

“Okay. What do I do?” I’d been so used to my parents making decisions about everything in my life, I had no idea how to go forward.

“I’ll guide you. I’m not taking over. This’ll be a learning experience for both of us. We’re in this together. An injection of cash will help but we have to come up with a concrete long-term plan on how to get Sunshine Manor to pay for itself.”

“Thank you. You saved my ass. Can’t tell you how much I appreciate it. But can I ask one more favor?”

“Okay.” He sounded wary and I didn’t blame him.

“Don’t share any deets on whatever you and Archer do when you’re alone.”

“Deal.” I could hear the smile in his voice.

18

DESSERT FIRST

Micah

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