Page 71 of Good at Being Bad (Rock Canyon, Idaho 8)

“Because you’ve said you wish that you had less responsibilities at the Bean, and this solves that.”

“I already paid for the space,” Wendy said.

“That’s okay, because Gracie’s lease is up for renewal, so she is free to move.”

“Excuse me, who says I want to?”

“I feel like you’re missing the point. You two can help each other achieve your goals without ruining the other. If you can’t see that, then fine.” Mike grabbed his keys off the desk. “I am going to see a man about my motorcycle, so if you ladies don’t mind, I would like to lock up for lunch.”

Gracie picked up her pizza and the two women walked ahead of him. Gracie opened the lid on the sidewalk and held the box out toward Wendy. “Want a slice?”

“I’m on a low-carb thing but…yes, please. I am so hungry.”

“Want to finish this at the Bean? Mango iced tea on me?”

Wendy hesitated for a half a second before nodding. “Sounds good. I’ve actually never been inside your shop.”

“You’re going to love it.”

Mike smiled and finished locking up. Then he drove to Gabe’s custom shop, parking directly in front of the office.

When he walked through the door, he knew it was bad from Gabe’s expression.

“I guess it would be too much to assume you can slap a bandage on and all will be well?”

Gabe shook his head. “I am so sorry, man. She’s going to need a complete overhaul. It’s going to be an easy ten grand, and that’s with the friends and family discount.”

Well, that was it then. There was no way he could do that, not now. Business might be picking up, but he couldn’t put himself in more debt.

He nodded. “I appreciate you looking at her. What do I owe you?”

“It’s on me. I just hope you find the son of a bitch and make him pay.”

“Yeah, me too.”

He got back in the car and had a message from Ellie.

What did Gabe say???

Mike knew she was going to feel like shit if he told her the truth.

She’ll be golden.

Oh, good! I will pay for all the repairs.

NO! This wasn’t your fault.

Yeah, it is! If I hadn’t been at your place, they wouldn’t have broken in.

He needed to change the subject. Are you going to come over tonight?

I promised Jenny a girls’ night out. Rain check?

Sure. Have fun.

Mike?

Yeah?

---