Page 66 of Drive Me Wild
“Holy shit. It’s happening.”
“Well, fingers crossed. After reading some books Caleb gave me, I’m not sure they will give me any money. And if they don’t, I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do with myself.”
“If I were a banker, I’d bet on you.”
I lean into Renée again. “Love you forever.”
“Love you always.”
I climb in my car and drive the short distance to the bank. The lot is nearly empty, so I take my time psyching myself up, but thoughts of Laura keep invading my mind.
What if I’m not afraid? What if I’m just being realistic about Caleb’s needs, even if he isn’t?
I shove the thoughts away, sigh, and then march into the bank with my shoulders back. If I’m not confident, at least I can try to look that way.
A smiling blond woman greets me from behind a desk.
“Welcome to Creek Community Bank. How can we help today?”
“I would like to apply for a loan.”
“Alright. Personal or Business?”
“Business. But it’s also for buying a building.”
“Why don’t you have a seat over there? I’ll alert our loan officer.”
“Thank you.”
While I wait in the scratchy blue fabric seat, I watch her walk over and talk to another woman. They both look over at me, and then the blond woman nods and heads my way.
“Brenda will see you now.”
She directs me to a glass-walled office. I walk in and shake hands with Brenda, then pull out my binder and place it on the desk in front of me before I sit down.
Brenda smiles warmly at me and starts typing on her computer while I sit in silence for a moment. My teeth lock with anxiety.
“What is your name, dear?”
“Zoe Adams.”
“And are you a customer of ours, Zoe?”
“Not yet. I’m new in town.”
“Okay, before we offer any loans, we do ask that you become a member. Would that be a problem?”
“Not at all. Do I need to do that now?”
“Why don’t we look at your proposal? Then I can let one of the other staff open the account for you.”
“Okay.”
“I see you brought a plan with you. Why don’t you tell me about this business of yours?”
“I want to buy the bookstore in town.”
“Mabel’s place?”
