Page 33 of Silent Partner (Pine Falls 3)

I snuggled up with Oscar and tried to get lost in my show. Unfortunately, not even my celebrity crush on Zachary Levi, a.k.a. Chuck, could take my mind off my troubles. Then Jai texted me, and my mind went on high alert.

Boss lady, I’m scared.

I quickly texted back, Is everything okay?

No. The royal highnesses are over here talking like you’re leaving. Say it isn’t so.

Jai had nicknamed Carter and Giselle the royal highnesses.

What are they saying? I held Oscar and waited with trepidation for his reply.

After a few very long minutes, he responded, Is it true you want to sell them your percentage?

No. They’re threatening to sue me if I don’t.

That makes more sense. Do you want me to accidentally start a fire tonight?

Please don’t. I’m sure Giselle and Carter would find a way to make me responsible for the damages.

You know we all have your back here. You can’t leave us with the freak show. They’re talking about adding summer camp foods to the menu and letting customers roast their own s’mores at their tables. I can’t work for idiots. We will start a legal fund for you. PLEASE STAY!

I bolted up, fuming, and startled poor Oscar, who gave me a look that said I was rude. “Sorry,” I apologized to my cat.

I’d told Carter and Giselle the cutesy stuff wasn’t going to fly in Carrington Cove. The demographics of the area were all wrong. It would be one thing if they opened a place like that in Edenvale, near the college, but the people of Carrington Cove wanted distinguished, not fun. This was why we weren’t doing well now. I could never get Giselle and Carter to see that. There was no way I would now, especially if they decided to take legal action against me. This was a no-win situation. If I stayed, they would make life a living hell for everyone working there. If I gave into them, they would still make all our lives a living hell.

I’d tell you this: I would never agree to the camp food theme, which they knew.

I really appreciate your support. I don’t know what I can do. Sorry. I couldn’t tell him about Brant looking into the situation. Brant had cautioned me against mentioning to anyone but family that I was using his services. Not that Brant could wave a magic wand and make it all better. If only. But I didn’t believe in fairy tales anymore.

I leaned back in bed and sighed, so sick to my stomach I couldn’t eat another bite. I hated letting my employees down.

My phone buzzed again, and I picked it up.

DON’T GIVE UP! Help us, Obi-Wan Kenobi, you’re our only hope. I’ll never meet my girl, Priyanka, if I’m unemployed, and you know the royal highnesses will fire me.

Jai was making me feel worse and worse. I knew what he said was true. Anyone loyal to me would be gone. His Star Wars reference didn’t help either. It only made me think more of Brant and that night. Why had I kissed him? Why had he kissed me back? I couldn’t think about the best kiss of my life right now.

I blew out a large breath, making my bangs ruffle. I held up Oscar and stared into his beautiful eyes. “What do I do? How do I save myself and my employees from this mess?”

My phone vibrated and I looked down at it, sure it was Jai calling to shove the knife farther into my heart. But no, it was another heart-stabbing pain. A name I hadn’t seen on my phone in forever flashed on the screen. Brant Holland. I debated whether I should answer it or not. Although that was rude considering he was giving me free legal advice, and ridiculous since I had a deadline looming. But he made me act nervous and say stupid things about my cat. Reason won out, and with a shaky hand, I pressed the green button.

“Hello.”

“Hello,” the most beautiful voice crooned.

I sank back against my pillows and reminded myself not to be turned on by his sexy voice. I was making smarter choices now. I grabbed Oscar to remind myself he was the only man in my life. “How are you?” I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

“Better now.”

What did that mean? I still wondered if he was sick. I wasn’t sure I bought Grandpa’s story that he was in trouble. Brant seemed too smart to get into any real kind of trouble. But whatever the reason he was better, that was good news. “I’m glad.”

“How are you?”

“That depends on the second.”

“I’m sure it’s been a rough day. I’m sorry for that. But I might have some good news for you. I know it’s kind of late, but can I come over to discuss an idea I have with you?”

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