Page 74 of All Mine

“You have a lot of explaining to do,” she said, punctuated by a sassy shake of her head and pointing her ballpoint pen at me.

“I’m trying. I just need to find Lauren first. Do you know where she is?” I asked.

“Camden,” Sloane called, motioning for me. I crossed to the table.

“Is it true?” Sloane asked.

“I’m looking for Lauren. I need to talk to her.”

“She went home right after news of the results came out.”

“I just knocked on that door for several minutes,” I said, running a hand over the scruff on my chin.

“My guess is she’s ignoring everyone,” Adrian said, coming up behind me.

“Did you really go buy the land out from under Stephen?” Sloane asked, stirring her beverage with the straw.

“I’d rather talk about all this with Lauren first.”

“At least tell us if you’re going to save it from becoming a pit,” Sloane persisted.

“Between us,” I said, lowering my voice and crouching beside the table. The group leaned in. “Yes, I bought the land…” I held up my hand to hold off a rising squeal from the ladies. “But, he could tie me up for years with slap suits and legal shit.”

“But that would keep the houses standing, at least, right?” Sloane asked, leaning her elbows on the table. “Lauren would get to keep her business.”

“Yeah, it would keep all that the same over there. But this ain’t over.”

“Thank goodness. I cannot believe it. He’s lost his mind,” Sloane whispered.

“Did you know this guy?” I asked.

“I didn’t,” Sloane said. “They were separated when I moved here.”

“I did. He was an asshole back then and hasn’t changed,” Jonah said.

“That explains why he’d rarely come to town and would sneak in and out of my office like he had some secret identity.”

“Most of the locals would recognize him,” Adrian said.

“I’m such an idiot,” I stood, wiping my hands down my jeans. “This dude was shady, and I ignored the signs.”

“Well, you’re making it right,” Adrian said.

“I have to find Lauren.”

“Is it only about the sale?” Sloane asked.

“I’d rather talk to her about it,” I said, pacing. “I need to get her to answer the door.”

“If you’re going to confess your love for her, I’ll text her to come down,” Sloane said.

“I’d rather not go over what I’m going to say…”

“Oh, hush,” Sloane fussed. “It’s grand gesture time. Don’t you dare take that away from us.”

“Go on and text her,” Adrian said, gripping my shoulder. “Come on, head back over there, and we’ll work on getting her to answer the door.” He walked with me across the restaurant to the door.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen here, but I appreciate all your help,” I said.

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