by Jamie Beck
At four thirty, he dashed across town to catch Avery at the clinic before she went home. Looking back on the first time he’d blown through these doors bracing for a confrontation, it seemed less fraught with trepidation than the confrontation about to occur. When her last patient strolled out the door, she approached him.
“I didn’t expect to see you here today.” She gave him a quick kiss, but her fidgety body language indicated her distraction. “My parents are here already, so I can’t join you for dinner or anything. My dad’s barking at me to get home.”
“I need five minutes.” He clasped her hand. “I wish I didn’t, but I do.”
“I don’t like the sound of your voice.” She narrowed her eyes. “If this is going to upset me, can it wait until next week? I really can’t handle anything else until after Andy’s trial.”
“No, it can’t wait. Believe me, I wish I didn’t have to deal with this either, but things are happening that are making it impossible for me to settle for Andy’s insurance proceeds.”
“What things?” She glanced at his knee. “Did your doctor give you bad news?” The concern in her voice tugged at his heart and burned though his stomach. Fuck.
“No. This is about business. In a nutshell, Wade Kessler’s new project cuts off our access to a substantial portion of land covered by our special-use permit, and that will wreck my business. I’m going to need time and money to come up with some alternatives.”
“How is that related to the accident and Andy?” She withdrew, her expression confused.
He drew a breath, hoping she’d understand his perspective. “I’ve been willing to consider taking less than I need—less than I deserve—because of my feelings for you. But now making that sacrifice would very likely cost me everything. That doesn’t seem fair, especially when this injury isn’t my fault.”
“I know it’s not fair. Nothing about our situation is fair.” Avery’s troubled expression dug beneath his skin. “I’m not sure what you expect me to say. Are you asking for my blessing?”
“No. I’m telling you so you don’t hear it from someone else first.” He reached out for her hands. “I came to you as soon as I realized what was happening. You know I want to keep my promise not to hurt you or drag your family through some ugly stuff. I’m hoping maybe you, your brother, and I can sit down and find a solution together so we all get what we need.”
“Well, with Andy facing jail time and life as a felon, I doubt he cares much about his financial trouble, let alone yours.” Avery eased free of Grey’s grip and ran her hands through her ponytail, her eyes darting around the clinic, her teeth worrying her lower lip. He’d rarely seen her look so flustered. “Sorry, but I warned you I’m not at my best today. I’ve got to go home. My dad’s already called me twice today. He’s got something important to discuss. I guess we’ll talk about this tomorrow, or next week, after Andy’s hearing.”
“Call me later.” When he pulled her close, her stiff body set off alarms. He tipped her chin up and stared into her eyes. “Avery, I’m still looking into alternatives. If there’s any option that lets you keep your house and me keep my business, I’ll take it. And I promise I won’t do anything without telling you first, okay? We’re in this together.”
“Thanks.” Her weak smile offered little comfort. “Listen, I probably won’t call you tonight. You know how my dad wears me down. I don’t want to end up arguing with you because I’m keyed up about what’s going on with my family. We’ll talk about this legal mess later, all right?”
“I wish I could comfort you, Bambi. If you’re upset, I want to be there for you.”
“There’s nothing you can do or say to make it better, especially given what you just told me.” She wiped her hand over her face. “I’m not blaming you. This is just a difficult time for all of us.”
He didn’t say another word as he walked her to her car. Her quick kiss good-bye left him anxious and unhappy.
Naturally, because God had it in for him, he crossed paths with Matt on his way home.
“You don’t look nearly as cocksure as you did at the jazz festival.” Matt stopped on the sidewalk in front of Grizzly’s, tucking his hands under his armpits.
“Mind your own business.”
“Contrary to your opinion, the Randalls are my business.” Matt sighed. “You don’t have to like it, or me, but you should get used to seeing me around town, and around Avery.”
Grey’s hands balled into fists, but he counted to ten in his head. “You seem to enjoy trying to get a rise out of me, but as I said before, I don’t think all the Randalls are as eager for your company as Andy.”
“I made one big mistake, but I’m not a terrible guy, and I do have history with them and this town. Maybe I’ll earn a second chance with them—maybe sooner than you think.” Matt shot Grey a two-finger salute before stepping inside the bar.
Grey stared at the door, debating whether or not to take the bait. His grandfather’s voice echoed in his head, telling him to keep his eye on the prize and not get distracted by other people’s bullshit. With much effort, he backed away and walked home, desperately hoping for a magical solution to his dilemma.
“Smells good.” Avery closed the oven door after taking a quick peek at the lasagna Andy had prepared for dinner with their parents. She glanced at the ceiling, hoping he couldn’t read the extra distress in her face. “I need a glass of wine before Mom and Dad come down.”
“Lucky you.” Andy placed the final napkin and set of silverware at the table. “I have to face Dad sober these days.”
“Sorry, but I really need this right now.” She gulped down a big swallow of Cabernet Sauvignon. “We’re all dealing with a lot these days.”
“Some of us more than others.” Andy pulled at his collar and stared at his feet, avoiding her direct gaze.
“I know you’re worried about the trial, but I told you, Grey hasn’t even talked to the prosecutor. If they ask for a statement before sentencing, he won’t make things worse. You’ve done everything your lawyer suggested. I have to believe it will all make a difference to a judge. I think things will not turn out as badly as you imagine, at least not in the criminal trial.”
“The way you just said that makes it sound like Grey is changing his mind about not suing me.”
“Things are forcing his hand, but he’s still looking for alternatives, Andy.” She recalled the distraught tone of Grey’s voice as he relayed his circumstances. “He’s making every effort to avoid turning our lives upside down.”
“Well, it won’t matter if he sues us anyhow.” Andy then seemed to check himself. His cheeks turned pink as he turned his head away.
“Why do you look so guilt-stricken?” She tipped her head, awaiting his response. “Andy?”
“I hear Dad coming down the steps.” He swiped his palms across his shorts twice before rubbing the back of his neck. Their dad had made Andy nervous for most of his life. Since the accident, it had been even worse.
“Oh, joy.” Avery downed the last drops of wine in her glass and set it on the counter. “On second thought, maybe you should’ve sneaked one, too.”
Andy grimaced. “Probably.”
Closing her eyes, she drew in a deep breath and then forced a smile, mostly for her mother’s sake.
“Welcome home, Mom.” Avery hugged her mother until she heard Andy clear his throat as their father stormed into the room.
She never knew what to expect from her dad. While she didn’t think he intended to blow through their lives like a hurricane, it often played out that way. “Dad.”
Their dad had never been particularly talkative.
“Avery,” he said in response to her tremulous smile.
“How was the drive?” she asked as he gave her a stiff hug and peck on the head. A hint of cigar smoke tainted his skin. Thank God her mother had always managed to keep him fro
m smoking inside the house. But he’d never fully given up the bad habit.
“Uneventful.” It was then Avery noticed the folder in his hand.
Avery’s mom immediately began busying herself, fluffing the sofa pillows and refolding the throw blankets. Her reddening cheeks sent Avery a warning. Uh oh.
Avery craned her neck to peek at the file. “Whatcha got there, Dad?”
He opened the manila folder and pulled out two documents. “These little beauties will protect us all from that Grey Lowell.”
She rolled her shoulders and sighed. “That Grey Lowell is not an enemy combatant.”
“Avery, he’s playing Mickey-Mouse games with our finances and now he’s probably stringing you along, too.” He waved his big hand in the air. “Don’t start denying it. I’ve heard you’ve been dating the man.”
Avery glared at Andy. He bowed his head, and her stomach fell to the floor.
She’d been hoping for an opportunity to feel her parents out before dropping the bombshell about her relationship with Grey at their feet. Thanks to Andy, her dad was now staring at her as if he’d been told she’d quit the clinic to become a porn star.
Avery slid another disappointed look at Andy before returning her attention to the papers in her father’s hand. Deciding she didn’t owe her parents an explanation about her love life, she refocused on the documents. “What exactly are those papers?”
“A promissory note and mortgage.” He shook them in the air. “First thing tomorrow, we’re going to the town clerk’s office so you and your brother can sign these documents in front of a notary and then we can file them there with the deed. After that, we’ll all breathe a little easier at night.”
“What?” Avery stepped closer.
“We’re going to formalize our loan arrangement so, if Lowell gets a judgment against Andy and you two are forced to sell this house, your mom and I will get paid back first.”
Avery took the papers from her dad and looked at Andy, who merely shrugged. “I don’t understand.” She quickly scanned the first page of the note. “Did you contact a lawyer to draw these up?”
“No.” For once, her dad looked a little uncomfortable—almost apologetic. He cleared his throat. “Matt’s sister sent them over.”
Surely she’d heard wrong.
It took Avery thirty seconds or so to remember Matt’s sister, who lived in Denver, was a paralegal. He must’ve called her for advice. Why the hell was he still inserting himself in her business?
“Avery, I haven’t forgotten how Matt broke all our trust last year, but I can’t let that stand in the way of protecting my family. He’s come back and has been a real friend to your brother. He’s been watching out for our family’s interests, unlike your new boyfriend.” Her dad must’ve noted Avery’s dismayed expression. “This protects both of you, too, missy. It makes it much less attractive for Lowell to force a sale, because the money left on the table will be a lot less than what he expects.”
Avery’s mind—typically sharp—slogged through swampy emotions, unable to fit the pieces of this puzzle together. “I’m sorry. Not following. Can you explain how these will keep Grey from suing Andy?”
“It doesn’t stop him from suing, just makes it fruitless. Without them, if he gets a hundred-thousand-dollar judgment against Andy, he could file that lien against the house and then collect his money after forcing a sale. But if this mortgage is filed first, it will have priority over his judgment lien. So after the house is sold, there won’t even be a hundred grand left on Andy’s side of the table. In fact, Andy will probably be able to declare bankruptcy, which also means he’ll get to keep some equity under another law. Basically these papers mean Lowell will be no better off going after this house than he will if he settles for Andy’s insurance offer.” Her dad nodded proudly.
“This all seems unfair or fraudulent or something,” she sputtered. “I mean, Grey has a legitimate claim, Dad.”
“It’s not my fault he hasn’t filed a lawsuit.”
“He hasn’t filed because his doctor hasn’t made a final determination of his long-term condition, so they can’t estimate his damages. Besides, he’s been pursuing solutions that won’t affect us, like the thing with the OS. He’s also been diligently attending therapy to minimize his losses.” Avery slammed the papers on the kitchen island, her voice rising. “He stands to lose everything if he can’t ski and climb again . . . all because of Andy! This move feels like we’re taking advantage of his good will and delay.”
Her dad’s face turned as red as a Santa suit. He spoke in a lethally controlled voice. “I’m not taking advantage of anything. I’m simply formalizing the loan that already exists. I’m doing what I should’ve done from the start—protecting my family. You should be worrying about all of us instead of him, young lady.”
Avery glanced around the room, hiding the tears clouding her vision. She loved her home. All her memories—old and new—lived there with her. Her dreams for her future had always been played out in these rooms. Being forced to sell the house to strangers so Andy could pay Grey would hurt, but she didn’t want to see Grey lose his business either.
Her mother continued to avoid eye contact, while Andy suddenly looked relieved for the first time in a long while. A sense of betrayal twisted through her lungs, but she’d deal with him later. First she had to get her head together.
Was her father right? If he’d paid a lawyer when they’d made the transfer, loan documents would have been signed and recorded long ago. The debt was real, not phony or newly trumped up. Following her father’s orders enabled her to keep all her equity after a sale without feeling guilty about her parents being shortchanged, which set her up better for finding a new place. In fact, as a debtor, she probably couldn’t ignore her father’s demands anyway.
Bottom line, she owed him his money.
Would this feel so wrong if Grey were a stranger? Did that matter? Morals were supposed to be static, not something tied to personal feelings. Yet she couldn’t untangle the doubts clouding her reasoning.
How could she, when she’d just left Grey knowing how hard he was working to find a solution that wouldn’t hurt her? When, every time she thought of him, she envisioned his smiling face beholding her like she was some kind of superwoman. When he’d been honest, unselfish, and full of good will since the day they met. We’re in this together.
“Fine. I can’t argue with you, and I do owe you the money, but I want to talk to Grey first, as a courtesy.”
“No, Avery. We’re doing this tomorrow, and I don’t want to risk him finding some kind of eleventh-hour loophole that will trump my move.”
“What could he possibly do between now and tomorrow morning?”
“What if his lawyer can file something to stop us? I don’t know, and I don’t want to know. It’s not worth the risk.”
“Maybe not to you, but what about me? Dad, I want to be the one to tell him . . . before it happens. Otherwise, I look like I’m sneaking around stabbing him in the back.” She cast a pleading look at her mom. “He deserves better from me.”
“What about what I deserve from you?” her dad asked, his hurt tone burying her in guilt. “Didn’t I sell you this house at a discount when I could’ve easily gotten more money—and been paid in full—on the open market? Weren’t you the one who wanted to hold on to this house for sentimental reasons? Don’t you owe me, your father, more consideration than you owe Grey Lowell? Don’t your mom and I deserve to retire in peace, without financial worry?” He shook his head, sighing. “Please don’t argue with me. Not now, when we still have so much going on with your brother’s trial. What I want—what I expect—from you tonight is your loyalty to your family, not to Grey Lowell. He’s not your husband. He’s not even your fiancé. For all you know, he’ll be out of your life a year from now. Don’t put our whole family’s future in jeopardy because of your infatuation.�
��
Trapped! If she forewarned Grey and he did find a loophole, her family would never forgive her. If she didn’t, Grey might never forgive her, either. A lose-lose situation.
“How will I face Grey with this latest maneuver?” she mused aloud.
“Head held high, like I’ve always taught you,” came her dad’s quick reply.
Chapter Twenty-One
The next morning Grey licked the remains of two chocolate-glazed donuts with sprinkles off his fingers before opening the door to the town hall. He squinted at the directory in the lobby, searching for the location of the town clerk’s office. Adler had told him he could search the public land records to find maps of the property in question. If any easements or rights-of-way existed, they’d be noted in surveys or land descriptions. Of course, Grey’s disability meant reading those maps could very well turn into mission: impossible.
Grey strode down the musty hall thinking about what he had at stake. Matt’s smug face and remarks had run through his head all night and morning. He’d tried to ignore the idiot, but his gut warned him to prepare for bad news. When he’d called Avery last night, the call went straight to voice mail and she hadn’t returned the call—a first since they’d starting dating a month ago.
He shook his head, needing to focus on the task at hand. A middle-aged woman behind the counter smiled as he approached.
“Good morning,” he began, reaching into his pocket to retrieve the paper with the property information Trip had finagled from Kelsey. “I’m hoping to take a look at any surveys and subdivision plans filed in connection with this property. Can you pull them for me, or show me how to find them?”
The kindly-looking woman took the paper from him and studied it. “Give me a minute.” She disappeared behind a few rows of books. Moments later, she returned carrying a large book with Grey’s notepaper stuffed in its pages like a bookmark. “You can sit over there and take a look.” She pointed to a metal table pushed up against the wall.