Page 15 of Falling Inn Love
“You look… nice,” I tell her.
“Thank you. Figured my Def Leppard shirt probably wasn’t a good fit for the front desk.”
“Hey, I have no problems with Def Leppard,” I say, chuckling. “The inn is casual. Come as you are.”
Honestly, I love her style and how she’s down-to-earth. It’s a breath of fresh air. She’s also completely captivating and stunning without seeming to even realize it. She manages to be normal and radiant at the same time.
“What are you working on?”
She takes a sip of her mug and sets it down. I notice her eyes scanning me before she glances away quickly.Yep. She’s still into me, too.Any sign I can get that she’s into me too, I gladly file away in my memory for later. I’m going to keep track of these moments, because sheisinterested.
“Okay, I have a business strategy plan ready for the inn. Let me know when you want to go over it.”
“Sounds great. I have a meeting this morning, but I’ll be back this afternoon. I can’t wait to see what you came up with,” I say, pulling my coat on. “My mom is around if you need her, and Sasha’s in the kitchen. Also, my cell number is on a sticky note on my desk. Put it in your phone and text me so I have your number as well.”
“Okay,” she says and nods, then heads to the coffee bar for a refill.
* * *
I keep a blank face as I enter the bank. I know if I show emotion, it will give Hamilton satisfaction. His bullying tactics may work on others, but they won’t work on me. I won’t let him believe he’s got anything on me.
I wait in the lobby until he comes out of his glass-fronted office and waves me in. I sit straight in a chair and make sure to keep eye contact.
“Evan, it’s good to see you. Did your mother come?” He looks past me, into the lobby.
“No, she did not.” I stare at him blankly.
He better make this quick, because my patience is thin and I really don’t want to be here.
“How are Allie and Caleb doing? I hear that Caleb is sick. I’m sending my good thoughts and prayers his way.”
I want to keep this professional, not personal, so I simply say, “Let’s get straight to it.”
“Right, right, got it,” Hamilton draws his words slowly. He picks up a file and opens it to expose a stack of paperwork.“Fact is, Evan, the bank is calling in substantial loans we need to collect on ASAP. Your inn has a balance of ninety-six grand, due by January first.”
Hamilton watches me closely. I reveal no emotion and keep my face stone straight when I reply.
“And why is this happening now, with less than ninety days' notice? My family has banked here for three generations. Is this how you treat all your loyal local clients?” I cock my head, challenging him for an explanation.
Hamilton sits back and clicks his pen. An unkind smile spreads slowly across his lips. “I don't want this either, Evan. This is just what the bank has to do, and I wanted to let you know so we can try to work something out. We can make you an offer to buy you out. I’m guessing you don’t really want to be an innkeeper.”
“Oh, really? And why would you guess that?''
“Your inn is struggling, and you don’t really seem to be enjoying this. What would your dad say if he was here right now?”
“What’s your offer?” I ask this not even remotely entertaining his idea but truly curious to what this asshat thinks he can offer.
“We are prepared to forgive the loan and offer you instead ninety-six thousand to walk away. Think of how this money can help Caleb with his medical issues and set you up in a new business to do anything you want.”
I really want to punch this guy right in his patronizing sneer, but I force myself to continue to show no emotion. I finally nod and confirm, “So you need me to pay the balance by the first of the year. Is that correct?”
“Yes,” he replies, shaking his head condescendingly. “I am sorry about this, Evan.”
I know this man is not in fact at all sorry about any of this, and also this bullshit is something he probably takes much joy in unloading on me.
“Okay, we’ll be in touch,” I tell him, not giving him anything to go on. I stand and head out into the lobby.
“Do you accept the deal?” he calls, scrambling to try to catch up to me. “It won’t be on the table for long and will likely decrease as time passes, so I highly encourage you to make a decision quickly.”
