“Or I’d be spending it the way I want to.” He somehow touches my hand as he grabs the subs. The simple touch has me catching on fire all over. “I’ll see you soon, Aviva.”
I’m breathless as he looks past me and says to Callie, “I’ll come check on you at the end of the week to make sure things are going good with math.”
“Thanks, Nico.”
His gaze meets mine once more, and then he walks out. I watch as he crosses past the windows toward GymMasters. My heart is pounding in my chest, and I don’t know what’s happening, but man, he’s got my blood pumping in a good way.
“I think you should give him a chance.”
I shake my head. “No. I don’t have the time.”
Truth is, I know a man like him would get bored with someone like me. He’s dripping with money. He could have anyone. He probably just feels bad for what happened today. No one like that would want someone like me. Especially when he finds out there is nothing under this shirt but two scars and a whole lot of heartache.
Someone like him? Walking perfection? Ha, yeah. He wouldn’t want me.
Chapter Seven
Aviva
“I do not understand why you are making this a big deal.”
Yes, I am being a bitch. No, I do not care. My landlords make me crazy. Dustin Sr. stands in front of me at the counter, while Dusty is stuffing his gob with a #10, Don’t You Wish Your Chicken Was Hot Like Me. It’s our take on Nashville Hot Chicken. It’s also Dusty’s favorite, so I made sure to have it ready for him when I knew he was coming in.
“I need this done. He stole over $20,000 from me.” My voice is strained, mostly because I’m trying not to cry. “I had the locks changed, upgraded my security, and bought a new safe. I really need him off the lease so that if he trespasses, I can call the cops.”
Dustin is an older man who is supposed to be giving his business to Dusty. Dustin is not impressed by me. Dusty, though… I sneeze, and he gets a boner. With his bushy brows coming together, Dustin leans on the counter. “The problem is legal, Aviva. I went into an agreement with your parents. Both of them. I was nice enough to add you on to the lease when your mom passed.”
“You were, thank you. But the thing is, it’s my business. You know it is. You haven’t had a payment from either of them in over five years. It’s all from me. Would you like to contact my dad?” Dustin looks away, shaking his head. Everyone who knows my family knows my dad is a druggie. “I need this done. To protect myself and Callie. Please, Dustin.”
I glance at Dusty, but he’s stuffing his face, ranch dripping down his jaw. Dustin looks off toward the windows, and I have a feeling I’m not going to like his answer. “I’ll do it, but your rent will go up a hundred to protect me in case your dad tries to sue me.”
This. Money. Hungry. Fuck. Hippo.
Instead of saying that, I take a deep breath. I have no choice but to make this work. I hold out my hand, and he takes it. “Deal.”
“I’ll have the new documents drawn up and sent to your lawyer. Raventorn, right?”
“Yes, Jaylin Raventorn.”
“Right. I’ll get that done today.”
They walk out without even a goodbye—or paying for the sub. Bastards. But at least that’s over. At least my dad will be off the lease. Man, it would be great if I didn’t have to deal with this. I hate that my eyes are full of tears as I dial my lawyer’s number. I went to school with Jaylin, and we’ve been close friends ever since.
“How’d it go?” she asks as soon as she answers.
“He’s raising my rent by a hundred dollars, but he’s gonna do it.”
I can hear her rolling her eyes, if that makes any sense. “He’s such a fuck.”
“I know. Listen, I won’t be able to pay you for this until next month.”
“Aviva, when have I ever asked you for money? We’re friends. You’ll get it to me when you can,” she says softly. I know she means it to be kind, but I feel like a piece of shit.
“Thank you.”
“Anytime. Can I get you to come have a drink with me this weekend? Please? One drink or six.”
I laugh along with her, even though I hesitate. I know I can’t say no. Plus, it’s been forever since I’ve seen her. “Not at a club. I’ll do the pub.”
“Sounds good. Nine on Saturday?”
“Nine? Jesus, Jay, I’m old and tired.”
She laughs. “I’ll get you the paperwork then.”
Before I can tell her I wasn’t joking, she hangs up. I do the same and lean on the counter. I can’t even remember the last time I went out. I open my laptop and navigate to my budget. I stare at it for almost an hour before I start to move some things. I hate taking from Callie’s savings, but I have no choice. I’ve crunched and crunched the numbers, but there is no other way than to take from her. I’ll pay it back; I always do. When the shop’s phone rings, I’m thankful for the distraction.