Twist of Fate (Kings of Chaos 6)

“Is that something you’d want to do?” Xia asks cautiously. She’s a big girl, but she’s had a lot of disappointment recently.

“I think it’d be fun,” I reply.

She beams, and I know I’ve answered correctly.

“Finally I won’t be outnumbered,” Andy mumbles.

It’s easy to imagi

ne myself in their inner circle. It’s muddling my feelings about club life. Here among strangers, I’m finding a place I fit in. How long will that last when the truth comes out? It’s a question I have no way of answering.

Xia’s laughter rings out, and I can’t take my eyes off her. Whatever I need to do, I can’t lose this. It’s been a life preserver in a rocky ocean. With her at my side, I have a shot at being a better man.

Chapter Five

Xia

Wiping my hands on my black pencil skirt, I force myself not to fidget. Today’s the day I go to speak with a banker about getting my own business loan. I have money saved, but I’d be a fool to spend it all starting up my truck. There are so many expenses. I need a partner. Since my family isn’t willing to do it, I’ll go the usual route: a banker. My business plan is solid, and I have a good reputation on my side. It’s become painfully obvious as I prepared for this that too much of my life is tied into someone else’s dream.

“Xia Foley?” The broad-shouldered blond with closely cropped wheat-colored hair and brilliant blue eyes is young. With his high cheekbones and cupid’s bow lips, he looks more like a model than a banker. Maybe he is. This is California. Everyone wants to be something else.

“You got this.” Jas squeezes my hand, and I find myself eternally grateful that God saw fit to put us in each other’s lives.

‘Thank you’ I mouth. Rising, I place a smile on my face.“Good morning.”

“Good morning, Ms. Foley. My name is David, and I’ll be helping you today.”

I follow him inside the small office and school my features to hide my unease.

“Tell me, how can our bank assist you today?”

“I’m looking for a business loan. I want to start up my own food truck business. I’ve worked up a plan and listed my references. I’ve already helped operate and open two other trucks. My father is Chef Richard Foley, so I know a thing or two about running a successful food business.”

“The owner of Fresco?”

“That’s the one.”

“I see.” His face relaxes, and a knowing spark fills his eyes. He’s heard of my father, so he knows I’m not completely broke or a clueless.

Please let that help me.

I hand him over the business plan. “I’ve worked up a business plan with expected growth and a detailed study of the current market. I’ve also mentioned I’ll be bringing a substantial amount of money to the table.”

“May I ask why you aren’t getting the loan from your father?”

“Certainly. It’s not a monetary issue. I’m trying to cut the umbilical cord, branch out on my own, and create a new legacy for the Foley family.”

“I see.” Time stretches as he pulls up my account information and we go over the paperwork. After everything is submitted, the waiting game begins.

“We’ve got everything in, and you’ll know within sixty to ninety days if it’ll be approved. I must say, you did your homework, which will definitely work in your favor. The food industry can be unpredictable, and the more evidence you show of how you plan to lead your business to success the better. Off the record, Ms. Foley, I hope you get it. Magical Munchies sounds like it’d be a delicious, trendy, and unique place.”

“Thank you, David.” A number of emotions swirl inside of me like a brewing storm. I’ve cast the die, the wheels are in motion, and there’s no backing out now. I have to tell Shayne. Of all the things we’ve shared recently, this secret is one I’ve kept to myself. After shaking David’s hand, I step out of the office hopeful, and concerned about a completely different set of problems. I requested this day off, and they pulled a worker from Fresco to take over for me. It was a good test for Shayne, and a moment away for me.

Working in close quarters and dating has filled my life, my head, and my heart with him. The time away is meant to bring clarity. I can’t think straight when he’s that close.

As I return to the waiting room, Jas stands. “How’d it go?”

“I have no clue, but we’ll find out in a month or so.”