Page 28 of Rip Ryder's Second Chance

His next words might turn around and bite him in the ass, but he said them anyway. “I’ve said it before but I’m here to help. We might not like it but we’re in this together. Let’s think of it as a business deal. And, of course, there’s Buddy too.”

“Buddy? Buddy Calhoun?”

“You don’t know?”

“Apparently the answer is no to whatever it is.”

“Tuck left Buddy ten acres on the south side of the property.” Rip took the ruts a little slower this time.

“I feel like I’m out of the loop here,” she said quietly.

“You’ll learn.”

“What if I decide I’m not meant for this?” She looked at him.

“Give it some time.” He didn’t meet her gaze. “Let’s not put too much into this.”

Chapter 9

Derry still wore his hair styled the same way he had back in high school, had a bright white smile and a ruddy complexion. “Sorry to bother you so late, Noelle, but I was in court all day and this was the first chance I got.”

“Can I get you something to drink?” she offered.

“I’m fine. How about we sit?” He took the chair and placed his briefcase on the coffee table.

She sat down on the sofa and laid her palms in her lap. “It must be important.”

He unclicked the locks on the case and opened the lid. “A check is always important.”

“A check?”

Derry handed her an envelope. “Tuck’s entire savings right there. Once his death certificate was filed, I closed the account, just like he asked. You might want to deposit that as soon as possible.”

She took out the check and her breath caught. “This is mine?” There was enough to not only get Noelle back on her feet, pay off all her debt, but to give her and Ollie a nice nest egg.

“You’re Tuck’s next of kin.” He closed the lid to his briefcase. “I’ll have the deed to the house transferred and you can sell after six months.” Derry stood.

“Sell?” The word fell of her lips.

“Yeah, I thought that’s what you wanted to do? At least that’s what you said on the phone.” He sat back down.

“Honestly, I haven’t decided. I feel like I’m missing a lot of information. Like the fact that you didn’t mention the six months stipulation, and that Tuck had given Buddy acreage.”

“You have the check that can be deposited and the money’s yours.”

“It’s not just about the money.” She rubbed her temples.

His thin shoulders lowered some. “Obviously, selling is up to you, Noelle, but have you considered what it takes to run a place like this? Alone?”

That word “alone” ripped through her. She knew he referred to running Bluebird but Derry had always had the knack of rubbing her the wrong way. In high school, they’d come face-to-face a few times over issues that involved his unfiltered comments that made her feel uncomfortable.

She especially didn’t like someone assuming she couldn’t handle things.

“The hands here know this place like the back of their hands. Rip is here too. I wouldn’t necessarily say that I’m alone,” she said firmly.

Derry sat back into the chair and smiled. “You always were a stubborn woman. I admire that.”

Why didn’t she feel like he wasn’t complimenting her?

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