by Jamie Beck
“You’re asking me to take on a lot. Not only would I be putting an encumbrance on my land in perpetuity by recording an easement, but I’d also be taking on additional liability for your guests and property—like your vans—while they’re on my land.” Wade sat back, crossing his arms. “What if I flip the property in ten years? Buyers might not want that on the title, and that could affect the salability of the property.”
“I have to think there are ways to deal with those issues, whether with money or whatnot.” Grey rubbed his jaw, his mind racing but unable to offer solutions.
“There are liability and insurance issues, too,” Wade said. “Not to mention that I can’t have a bunch of old ski vans parked in the middle of my five-star resort.”
“The area we’re talking about is on the fringe of your property, not in the center,” Trip interrupted.
Wade nodded with a shrug. “I’d need to take a hard look at our development plans to see if we can find a spot that wouldn’t interfere with the hotel access or parking, or be a blight to the condo owners.”
“I understand that, and I’d be willing to work with you to find a parking location that is out of your line of sight.” Grey glanced at Trip. “I’ll sign whatever releases and waivers you’d need. Pay for the additional insurance rider, if need be. I’m not asking for a gift; I’m just asking for help so you don’t end up putting me out of business.”
“What if other outfits come and ask for the same rights?” Wade sat forward again.
“They won’t. I have an exclusive forest service permit, so no one else can lead anyone into that part of the mountains. Some town kids will hike back in there on their own now and then, but that’s about it.”
“You’re the only business who can take teams back in there?” Wade narrowed his eyes.
Grey nodded, wondering what else Wade was thinking.
“I appreciate the offer to give me free treks, but that’s not really enough value for me to justify giving up so much.” Wade crossed one foot over his knee. “But maybe if you give my hotel guests and condo owners a fifteen-percent discount on any tours they booked, then we’d have something to talk about. That could give me something to add as part of my marketing package.”
Grey shot Trip a questioning glance, relying on Trip to help him decide whether or not Wade’s counteroffer was affordable. Of course, if he refused, he’d be out of business. Decision made, Grey said, “We don’t have huge margins, and we’re a seasonal business, so fifteen percent is a bit steep. Would you settle for ten percent plus a one-time fee for the easement?”
Wade’s gaze drifted for a few seconds before he responded. “Let me track down my lawyer and ask him a few questions before I give you an answer.”
When Wade stepped away, Trip kicked Grey’s foot. “That was pretty smooth, my friend. Pretty smooth. You’ve got some big balls trying to negotiate when you don’t really have any power here.”
“He seems like a fair guy,” Grey replied. “Worst he could do was stick to the fifteen percent at this point. It sounds like a lot will depend on his lawyer’s advice.”
Ten very long minutes later, Wade returned. “Fellows, I can’t give you a quick answer. My lawyer’s going to look at the subdivision plans and all the other obligations and contracts we’ve got going on with this project to make sure there aren’t any conflicts. But as long as there isn’t any non-negotiable conflict, I think we can probably work something out, assuming we can come to terms on a right-of-way and indemnity. I’ll accept the ten-percent discount, too, but will get back to you about other costs that may be associated with this deal.”
“Thank you.” Grey stuck out his hand. “Can we buy you a drink?”
After two rounds of beer and conversation about the town, Wade excused himself, and Trip and Grey walked back to the office.
“Well, it’s not quite a done deal, but it’s looking good, right?” Grey glanced at Trip.
“Looks real good, Grey. I think the only thing holding it up is the lawyer shit.”
Grey’s phone rang. He looked at the screen and saw Avery’s name for the fourth time in the past hour, but he didn’t answer.
“I’m going to butt in here, because in addition to your being edgy and hyped up, I’m noticing you aren’t taking Avery’s calls.” Trip kept his eyes on the pavement as they continued walking. “What’s happened?”
After Grey described the confrontation at the town hall, Trip frowned. “I’m sorry she burned you, Grey.”
“You warned me not to jump in so fast, but I really thought . . . well, it doesn’t matter. I thought wrong.” Grey unlocked the office door. “I’ve got to keep my eyes on this business and do whatever I can to avoid disaster. I hated to give away that discount, but I couldn’t think of any other way. You think we ought to talk to Kelsey and get her help with Wade? They seem tight.”
“Not yet. Let’s see what happens. I’ve got a good feeling.” Trip sat in his usual chair, across the desk from Grey. “I actually have an offer of my own I’d like to discuss. One that will also help alleviate the financial strain of the business debt.”
“Bring it on.” Grey sat forward.
“I want to buy a stake in Backtrax and be your partner. I know I’d only promised to come for a year or two and help you get things going, but this place has grown on me. Funny how your injury forced me to get more involved . . . and I liked it. Anyway, I know what you put into the business, and what is still owed. If I come up with a hundred-fifty grand and cosign the loan guarantee, would you make me an equal partner?”
Grey whistled. “Where are you coming up with that kind of cash?”
Trip shifted in his seat, averting his gaze. “I’ve got money.”
“You mentioned that before, but never said how.” Grey didn’t mean to be rude, but he couldn’t help it. He’d known Trip for four years. Never during that time had Trip won the lottery or lived like a guy who had access to six figures at the drop of a hat.
Trip slid deeper into his chair and pushed the brim of his cowboy hat back. “Family money, but I’d rather not get into details, if you don’t mind.”
Grey held up his hands. “Sorry, and hell yeah, I’ll take your money and make you my partner. Honestly, Backtrax wouldn’t still exist if you hadn’t taken over when I got hurt.”
Trip flashed his gigantic grin at Grey and stuck out his hand. “Thanks, buddy. You won’t be sorry.”
Grey shook his hand, but then sat back, brow furrowed. “I have to ask you something. Why didn’t you make this offer sooner, especially when you saw me struggling with Avery? Might’ve made things with her a lot easier for me.”
“For one, I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit myself completely to life here in Sterling Canyon. Also, getting my hands on that money will open some doors I’d rather keep closed, but I don’t want to get into all that with you. As for Avery, well, that just wasn’t my responsibility, was it?” He frowned, his gaze distant. “Sounds bad, I guess. Sorry if I let you down.”
“Don’t apologize.” Grey flicked a paper clip. “Looks like you were right to have your doubts about her commitment, too.”
“Doesn’t make me happy.” Trip’s earnest tone made Grey glad for his loyal friendship.
Avery dreaded going home that evening. She’d avoided Andy and her dad’s calls this afternoon, but she couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. Her blood pressure practically exploded when she saw Matt’s car in her driveway.
After snatching her purse from the front seat, she slammed her car door closed. She stood in the driveway and rolled her shoulders twice, trying to alleviate the tension in her muscles.
When she finally came through the front door, her mother greeted her with a nervous smile, much like she used to greet her husband when he’d come home after work. “Oh, honey, you’re finally home.” She patted Avery’s arm and quietly said, “I kno
w it’s been an upsetting day, but we have some relatively good news to share.”
“Good news, Mom. Really?” Her mom winced at Avery’s sharp tone as Avery glanced around the room. Her father was suspiciously absent, but Matt’s gaze homed in on her. Had he heard about her and Grey’s falling out? “Not that anyone cares much about my feelings lately, but I’d rather not discuss family matters in front of Matt.”
“Avery.” Matt approached her. His sheepish expression only made her want to toss her purse at his head. “I heard about what happened at town hall. I swear, I was only trying to help your family.”
“If that were true, then you might’ve come to me before going to my dad. Your sneaking around makes it pretty clear you were just exploiting the situation to try to get between Grey and me.”
“No. I didn’t come to you because I thought you’d accuse me of using the situation for my own benefit. But that’s not the case. I told you before, I’ve always cared about you, and your family. I just wanted to help make sure you didn’t all suffer because of Andy’s accident.”
Avery looked away, unable to decipher the truth anymore. She’d been worn down, turned inside out, and depleted. “Well, whatever your motives, you’ve seriously interfered in my personal life. This is the second and last time you’ll ever hurt me. I won’t order you out of this house when everyone else seems happy for your company, but if you care about me at all, you’ll leave now.”
Matt sighed, cast a quick look at Andy, and then conceded. “We’ll talk later.”
“We won’t be talking later. If you want to stay in town, I can’t change that. If you and Andy have picked up where you left off before California called your name, so be it. I’ll even thank you for giving my parents and Andy some peace during this difficult time. But I do not want to hang out with you, confide in you, or do anything else with you. So please, quit provoking Grey with your comments about me, and stay out of my way, okay?”
“I’m sorry.” He set his glass down and turned to Andy. “I’ll call you tomorrow.”
The minute Matt strolled out the door, Avery whirled around and asked her mom, “Where’s Dad?”
“Upstairs, packing.” Her mother was tugging at the cuff of her shirt, glancing between her two children.
“Packing?” Avery crossed her arms. “He’s buttoned up the finances, so now you’re leaving before Andy’s hearing?”
“Avery, don’t talk about your father that way. He’s a good man. He’s worked hard his whole life to take care of all of us. I know you’ve got issues with him, and with me, but enough is enough. I didn’t raise you to be so disrespectful to your parents.” She squared her shoulders in a brief show of strength, but her eyes darted to Andy. “As for Andy, there isn’t going to be a hearing. His lawyers finally negotiated a last-minute plea agreement with the prosecutor.”
“Really?” Avery’s head hurt from trying to keep up with the events of the day. “How did that happen?”
Andy stepped forward. “Apparently Grey spoke on my behalf. Told the prosecutor about how I’d been going to AA, talking to teens about drinking and driving, even mentioned the icy roads and stuff. His statement, combined with the pressure the DA has in terms of its schedule, and the fact that it’s my first offense, convinced the prosecutor to structure a felony plea that will be reduced to a misdemeanor after one year of parole, assuming I don’t screw up during that year. The judge will have to approve the recommended sentence and add fines and community service, but since they usually go with the prosecutor’s recommendation, I probably won’t go to jail.”
“Grey helped you even after I hurt him?” Her thin voice hung in the air.
“He did.” Andy grabbed her hand. “I called to thank him, but he didn’t answer, so I left a message. I guess you haven’t spoken with him?”
Avery shook her head, tears pooling in her eyes. “He won’t take my calls.” Her throat ached.
Andy hugged her tight. “I’m sorry, sis. Really, I am. I’ve done nothing but bring trouble your way for the past few months while worrying about myself.”
Her mother’s sniffle caught her attention. “Don’t cry, Mom.” Avery drew a deep breath. Who the hell had she been to judge her parents’ marriage, or her mom’s choices and happiness? Thirty-three years of marriage was a better record than Avery had when it came to love. “Listen, I’m sorry I snapped at you. I didn’t mean to be disrespectful. And I’m glad for Andy’s news. I know eventually things will look brighter for me, too, but right now I’m wiped out. My head is pounding. I just need to be alone for a while.”
Her mother hugged her. “Go rest. I’ll call you when dinner is ready.”
Avery kissed her mom and then went directly to her room. The sun had lowered, casting amber light around the space. She lay across the bed, remembering being there with Grey only days ago. Wrapping her body around a pillow, she let the warm tears spill down her cheeks.
An hour later, she’d made a decision—one that required her brother’s consent.
She sat up, brushed the hair off her face, and steeled herself for another family meeting. This time she would do the right thing no matter what they had to say.
Four days later, Avery left Kelsey’s office. Tonight she had one last chance to make up with Grey.
When she parked her car, she could hear a somber classical piano tune drifting through his open window into the evening air. Clutching her bag and folder of papers, she kept her face lifted toward the window as she walked around the side of the building.
She nearly ran into Trip when he came through the side door with Shaman. He leveled her with a malevolent glare. “Haven’t you done enough damage yet?”
His anger pulled her up short, but she tipped up her chin. “I’m here to see Grey, not trade barbs with you.”
Shaman sniffed her legs and whimpered. She was grateful for the distraction, because she was too wiped out to argue with anyone. After scratching Shaman behind the ears, she stood and tried to sidestep Trip.
“I think you need an attitude adjustment.” Trip moved sideways to block her attempt to scoot by him. “Grey is a good guy with a big heart—one you tore to pieces. If you think I’m going to stand by and let you take a second stab at him, you’ve badly misjudged me.”
Avery’s shoulders slumped. “I’m here to fix things, Trip. I promise, I’m not going to hurt him again.”
“Fix things?” Trip’s voice kicked up a few decibels. “You think you can fix things now? It’s too late. Turn around and go home, back to your family and your white knight, Matt What’s-His-Face.”
“You can’t keep me from talking to Grey.” Avery placed her hands on her hips, now ticked off. “This is a silly standoff, especially out here on the sidewalk. It’s not up to you to decide whether or not Grey talks to me.”
Grey popped his head out the window. Apparently their argument had made its way inside. “Trip, I don’t need a mother hen.” He glanced at Avery, and her heart sank at the hollow look in his eyes. “Let her in.”
Her. No Bambi. No Avery. No smile. Let her in, spoken in an abject tone. Avery drew a deep breath and met Trip’s stony gaze. “Excuse me.”
Trip shook his head and muttered, “You’d better be worth it.” Then he whistled at Shaman and walked toward the park.
Avery started up the steps when Grey opened the door at the top. He stared at her but said nothing. The muscles in his jaw and chin were drawn and clenched. The ice in his eyes practically froze her in place. Everything about him stood at odds with the casual stance he’d adopted by leaning against the open door.
When she got to the top of the stairwell, he stepped aside and waved her inside. After closing the door, he leaned his back against it and folded his arms, waiting.
“Can we sit?” She fumbled to push the words through her closed throat.
He gestured toward a chair, but didn’t follow her.
She would’ve been completely without hope had she not noticed the slight glistening in his eyes. He remained glued to the door, gnawing at the inside of his cheek.
She cleared her throat. “First, I came to thank you for what you did to help my brother. It was unexpected, under the circumstances.”
“Unexpected?” he barked. “Even though I told you on several occasions that I wasn’t out to hurt anyone.”
“You did.” Avery glanced at her hands, which were tightly clasped in her lap. “But after what happened, I assumed you’d change your mind.”
Grey raised a hand in the air and let it slap against his thigh. “Proving how little you’ve ever understood about me. I don’t go for revenge. I just let go.”
Her hand clutched the spot on her stomach where his cutting remark had landed a solid punch. “I’m sorry I doubted you. I’m sorry about all of it, Grey. Truly, I never wanted to hurt you.”
“Betray me, you mean?” His narrowed gaze, so unlike most of the looks he’d ever cast her way, appeared to be closing the door on any hope of reconciliation.
“That’s fair, I guess. I had to sign those papers because I owe my parents the money, but I should’ve called you first. My dad bullied me, and I was torn between loyalty to him and you. Either choice would hurt someone, so I chose my dad. But not because I didn’t care about you, Grey.” She looked at him, pleadingly. He, however, remained rigid and removed.
“That’s why I’m here—so you know how much I care. To prove it, I’ve made a decision.” Avery pulled the papers from her purse and set them on the table, her voice quaking slightly. “Andy and I are going to sell the house. Kelsey thinks we can list it at close to six hundred thousand, although it won’t sell at that price. Still, even once we pay back my parents, there should be roughly two hundred thousand dollars left. I don’t know if that will end up covering all your losses, but it’s the best I can offer.”
Grey’s cool demeanor shifted as he studied her. Neither of them spoke for a minute or two. He held her gaze as he pushed off the door. When he came within three feet of her, he stopped and rested his hands on his hips. “And where will you live, then? If you give me your money, you won’t have anything left to buy a new place.”