Page 104 of The Bourbon Bet
Lightning flashes across the sky, followed by the angry bark of thunder. “Come inside,” I tell him, stepping aside to let him enter.
The damp squeak of Daniel’s shoes on the hardwood floor echoes through the quiet store as he follows me. Instead of returning to the counter, I stop at the small reading nook and motion for him to sit. I take the chair across from him, settling into the sage velvet cushion.“How can I help you?”
“I have some documents that need your immediate attention,” Daniel says, pulling out his briefcase.
“I should have hidden under the counter,” I mutter.
Daniel frowns. “That’s not very nice.”
During normal circumstances, I’d find his pout amusing, but he’d been the bearer of very bad news the last time he came to my bookstore bearing documents, and I tell him as much.
“Fine, that’s fair,” he concedes. “But I bring good news this time.”
After the months I’ve had, I’m all for good news and nod for him to continue.
He reaches into his briefcase and pulls out an envelope. “This came across my desk this morning.”
I take it cautiously, as if it might bite. Inside are two documents on Blackstone company letterhead. One is a lease renewal, and the other is a lease-purchase agreement—for this building. Thorne Blackstone’s signature is on both.
“I don’t understand,” I say, reading through the terms. “Why?”
Daniel shrugs. “Honestly? I’m not sure. Thorne didn’t explain his reasoning to me. Change of heart?”
“You have to have a heart first,” I retort dryly. “There has to be a catch.” I flip through the pages again, searching for the loophole I must be missing.
“I’ve gone through it line by line. It’s clean.” Daniel leans forward. “Sometimes people surprise you. Even Thorne.”
I set the document down, unsure how to process this unexpected lifeline from the last person I’d expect to throw one. The possibility feels too fragile, like it might vanish if I acknowledge it.
“This building…” I whisper, unable to finish.
This building I've come to love, the worn brick exterior and the morning light streaming through tall windows, could actually be mine. Not just the business, but the space itself.
“Are you okay?” Daniel asks.
“Wow, um, yes.” I nod. “I just need to wrap my brain around it. I had it set that I have to move. Remodel a new place. Leave one that I love. And now I don’t…”
Daniel clears his throat, shifting in his seat. “Do you still have an open spot for this upcoming Tuesday?” he asks.
The subject change snaps me back to business mode. “Yes.” I don't ask how he knows my schedule. He's dating Anne, who’s been a huge help in saving my bookstore.
He names the “it” author of the year.. “Would she work to fill the empty slot?”
I cough out a choked gasp. “How—” My eyes narrow, and I repeat, “How? Why would she come here?”
His gaze darts away.
“Daniel…” I warn.
“I’m not supposed to tell you…”
“Is Sebastian behind this?” Damn, it hurts even to say his name, but the suspicion that’s been forming needs answers. “Is the massive anonymous donation from him too?”
Daniel’s silence is answer enough.
My heart stutters in my chest, and I hate that he still affects me like this. Merely talking about him shouldn’t have this effect on me anymore. He’s not good for me.
Why does that feel like a lie?
