Page 28 of Perfect Pact

“Wonderful!” The fake smile I used moments ago is back.

“Come with me, Mrs. Michaels.” Alice leads me to a vacant office.

“Ms.” I sigh. It doesn’t matter how many times I correct people. It still never catchs on.

Alice doesn’t even acknowledge me.

“Please, have a seat.” She rounds the desk and fiddles with a computer that obviously isn’t hers. “Oh my.” Alice begins to fidget. “Seems as if the computer has locked me out.

“Just turn it off and turn it back on.”

“What’s that going to do?”

I turn over the tape dispenser.Nothing.

“What are you doing?”

I ignore her, reaching for the stapler. I flip it over.Score!

“The password.” I hand it over to her. “This should work.”

I really don’t feel like helping Alice since her mom is a mega-bitch, but if this lady holds my fate in her hands, I’ll do whatever I have to—even if it means playing matchmaker between her and Dusty.

Liar.

Okay, maybe I wouldn’t go that far.

“I’m sorry, Mrs. Michaels, just a few more minutes.” Alice sits there, fidgeting with her pen, obviously more uncomfortable than I am. If I were a betting woman, I’d say she’s never done this before.

“Not a problem.”

“Okay. Here we go.” Alice takes a deep breath, folds her hands in front of her, and smiles. “Now, Mrs. Michaels, tell me why you’re here today.”

“I would like to take out a loan.”

“Business or personal?” Alice spins around and pulls out a couple folders.

“I’m not really sure. I guess I’ll apply for whichever one you think I’ll get approved for.”

Wrong answer, Beth.

I scold myself. Maybe I should’ve accepted Dusty’s help. He sounded like he knew what he was talking about. I have a design plan and know what I want to see from my business, but all the other stuff, I’m clueless on.

“Well, I recently inherited a piece property and I have a plan.”

“I see.”

I ignore her two-word answer and move forward.

“I’m working on a plan. It depends onifI can get the money.”

“Mrs. Michaels, you’re in the right place.” Alice reaches for a notebook and pen. “Why don’t you tell me about this plan?”

Maybe I should take back every bad thought I’ve ever had about Alice and her mom. Maybe she really is going to help me get this loan.

Or maybe you’ll end up in the MC Scoop.

Inhaling and then exhaling, I push down the intrusive thoughts.

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