Page 29 of Love Letter Lost
Ridge took the phone and disappeared out the front door, leaving me alone with Amber and my roiling emotions.
Amber and I worked in silence for a moment, waiting for Ridge to return and help us finish the flowers. I was ready to be done and for my guests to leave. I needed some time to think and process my day.
“I still can’t believe I’m finally seeing the inside of one of these apartments. My dad has been trying for ages to buy this place. It’s cute and cozy, though there’s definitely room for improvement. Not worth the hassle the owner’s been putting us through.”
Amber stood and stretched before wandering into my living room. I fought the urge to escort her out the door and away from the space I’d worked so hard to make home. I knew it was a work in progress, and most of the time, I didn’t mind, but watching Amber scrutinize the space put me on the defensive.
“I’m sorry?”
“It’s just, my dad has been trying to buy this property for years. With how hard the current owner has made it, you would think the walls were plated in gold. But if you ask me, the value in this building is the land. It’s worth more torn down so someone can build something else.” Amber gave a small shrug.
“That’s a pretty harsh assessment,” I said. I knew the same guy who had purchased and torn down the neighboring houses had been pestering Dad to sell, but I hadn’t realized Amber’s father was the man behind the offers.
“Harsh, but true. Utah County is booming, and new development is where the real money is.”
“I guess it’s a good thing my dad is happy with income from tenants and not looking for a single big pay off.” I muttered the words before I could think.
The next thing I knew, Amber was back in the kitchen, gripping my arm.
“What do you mean? Does your dad own this building?” She spoke quickly, excitement clearly written across her face, from her too-wide smile to her eager eyes.
“Yes. He bought this place as an investment when I was a kid. I moved in when I started college and have been here ever since.” I didn’t know why I felt compelled to tell Amber the building’s history, but her eagerness made me wish the cue in my brain that told my mouth to stop talking would kick in.
“My dad has been trying forever to buy this place, and the whole time I simply needed to meet Ridge’s friends. This is fate! Now I really can prove to my dad that I’m a great addition to the business. What does your dad want for the place? What will finally convince him to sell?” Amber’s grip tightened in her enthusiasm, becoming almost painful.
I winced, prying her fingers from my arm. Gorilla Glue could learn a thing or two from that woman’s grip.
“Nothing will convince him.”
Amber scoffed. “Come on. Everyone has a price. Is it more money? The reassurance that his little girl will have a place to live once this building is torn down?”
Amber gave me a pointed look with this question.
“I could find another place to live. That’s not the issue.” I walked to the sink and grabbed a glass, needing space from Amber and her interrogation. I filled the glass with water and drank, hoping when I turned around, Amber would change topics.
No such luck.
“Then what is it? Because I’m sure my dad would be happy to provide you with a discounted apartment. I bet I could even sweeten the deal with a little extra something for you if you convince your dad to sell.”
I turned around to find Amber, hands on the counter, leaning towards me in a power stance that must be part of the education of the affluent. Luckily for me, I had bigger dreams than discounted rent and a small payout.
“Thanks, but no thanks.” I stuck the glass in the sink and walked back to the table.
“What’s your price? I’m sure we can—”
The door opened and Ridge stepped in, cutting off Amber’s question.
“Here’s your phone back.” Ridge offered the device to Amber, tension obvious in his stiff shoulders and furrowed forehead.
“Thanks, Rigdon! Did you and Daddy sort everything out?” She accepted the phone, apparently oblivious to Ridge’s frustration.
“Something like that.” Without saying more, Ridge returned to the table and began cutting roses with more force than before.
I followed, my thoughts rushing, and helped finish the flowers, working on autopilot. Amber was not the kind of person used to losing, and I had a feeling her father was similar. What chance did I have of saving my apartment building when up against them? The odds weren’t looking great.
It took another hour, but with Amber’s help, we managed to accomplish the impossible. As we worked, Ridge kept flashing me odd looks, as if he could sense my inner turmoil. I ignored him and kept working, grudgingly impressed with the flower arrangements when we finished. Amber might be trying to steal my home, but she knew her way around floral tape.
“I’ve got to get going. I have an early flight tomorrow.” Amber walked to the door.
