Page 98 of The Reno
“I could pay you two hundred.”
Antony scoffed. “Are you trying to swindle me, Kat? You know this is a completely unique sideboard. I sanded it down and refinished it myself. It took me hours. You won’t find one in better nick.”
“Oh—” I was about to take back my offer, but Liam’s hand came around my waist and squeezed as Antony exhaled noisily.
“Wait,” Liam murmured in my ear.
Antony clapped his palms together. “I can do three hundred. But no lower.”
I turned to Liam and grinned. He squeezed my waist again and winked down at me. I turned back to Antony, determined.
“Two-fifty,” I said back, trying to be as steely as possible.
“You’re robbing me,” Antony said, glancing up at the ceiling like he was praying. “Two hundred and seventy-five. Final offer.”
I glanced at Liam, who was silently laughing beside me. I turned back to Antony, nodding.
“Deal.” I held my hand to Antony like I’d seen businessmen do onDragons’ Den. Antony accepted my hand and shook it.
“I was swindled, but it’s a deal. Liam, get your girlfriend out of here before she repossesses my house too.”
“Yes, sir,” Liam said, smiling down at me. Pride shone on his face.
I beamed back. For the first time in my life, I didn’t feel like a fuck up. I didn’t feel like I was just one decision away from ruining my life or someone else’s. I felt strong and capable. I felt motivated and driven. And as we lifted the sideboard into Liam’s van, under his warm gaze, I felt like I could do anything.
TWENTY-EIGHT
Liam’s To-Do List
Buy Kat a new to-do list
Buy Kat some ADHD-friendly snacks
Plan a date with Kat
Convince Kat to stay
Get a life
