Page 52 of Can't Take My Eyes Off You

‘I’m not at all worried,’ he continues. ‘You guys are coming, right? I know Gunner’s on board.’ Alex glances at me, his eyes pleading. ‘You’re coming tomorrow, right, sweets?’

Don’t show up for a couple games and the guy acts like he needs to beg me for my support. I was legitimately busy those two nights. I was considering adopting a cat, and it was cat open night at the shelter. Right when I thought I was bonding with a rough-looking dude named Simon, he bit me and reminded me that I don’t need a cat. The second time I was on my period. Enough said.

‘Ofcourse,’ I say, looking to Olivia for support.

She nods, picking up on my wordless plea. ‘I can hardly resist those stadium wieners,’ she says.

‘Yeah,’ Alex says with a laugh. ‘That’s why this one comes too…’ He slaps my ass again. ‘Pun intended.’

Ugh. ‘Well, ladies, I gotta run. I’ll seeyoutonight –beforeyour party.’ He waggles his eyebrows, winking at me obnoxiously like no one else will read what this means.

Liv turns her head my way slowly after the front door closes behind him. ‘Whybeforethe party?’

‘He wants togiveme something. Agift. Inprivate,’ I tell her in the same way he told me earlier on the phone.

‘His stadium wiener in a box? It’s been done, Alex. We’re all so over dick-in-a-box.’ Her eyes roll so hard it hurts me. ‘Good fucking God. I really thought he’d be more romantic than that,’ she says, fake swooning. ‘He just needs a little coaching. I’m on it.’

‘Good luck with that,’ I say, my phone ringing on the counter and Frank’s name popping up on the screen. ‘It’s Frank,’ I say to Olivia. ‘I talked to one of his daughters recently and his health is steadily declining.’ I take a cleansing breath and prepare to take the call. I knew this day could come. ‘This might be him announcing he wants to sell.Orhe’s dead. Either way, our dream of owning this place might be about to come true! So,be quiet.’

Olivia zips her lips closed, her hands firmly covering them, just in case, while standing at attention as she listens in, the phone on speaker.

‘Hi, Frank,’ I say.

‘Berkley.’ He says my name flatly, my heart slowing in my chest. Olivia and I exchange a grimace. He’s still alive but he doesn’t sound great.

‘Is everything OK?’

‘Don’t grow old, sweetheart. It’s not as much fun as the movies make it seem.’

‘I’m sorry to hear that…’

‘I’m not doing great healthwise—’

‘Is there anything I can do?’

‘Not at the moment, no. I just called to let you know I’ve decided to leave selling the store up to my daughters since this is their inheritance. I’ve suggested they give you girls first opportunity but you know how kids are these days – greedy as hell. They’re talking to realtors and I know you have some interest so I thought I’d give you a heads-up. Maybe don’t hold your breath, honey. The place may blow up; it’s in a desired location.’

These are the exact words I did and didn’t want to hear. His daughters aren’t as keen on ensuring the bookstore survives the transition of new owners. I caught on to that the first time I met them and they called the store a dusty old bookshop – a dying trend. I disagree to the nth degree. But even I could see they seem to be in it for the money. But I’m ready. I’ve got financing secured and Olivia and I are going in together, though if they’re going to open the bidding to the whole world, there’s no way we’ll win that war.

‘I’d love to keep the store any way I ca—’

‘We’ll be in contact, dear,’ Frank says, ending the call abruptly.

I drop the phone from my ear slowly, laying it back on the counter.

‘Viejo estúpido,’ Olivia shouts, then does a quick Hail Mary. ‘Forgive me, Lord, for I have bespoketh the living wishing they were dead. I don’t really.’

‘Now what?’ I ask, a mix of worry and dread sinking through my body like thick mud sliding down a hill.

‘This royally fucks us, because besides my apartment, the place is rundown and not worth a bidding war.Howdo we compete with a bidding war, Liv?’

‘Puta madre!’ she yells, stomping her foot. ‘There’s got to be a way.’ She taps a single finger to her lips, thinking. Suddenly she smiles wide. ‘I know what to do!’

‘What?’

‘Say I said I know a guy, and money is no object for him.’ She lowers her chin.

‘I’mneverasking Alex,’ I tell her. ‘I can’t owe the guy money.’

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