Page 49 of The Handy Men
Paige looked down at it in disbelief. "Are you sure about this?” She attached her card reader to her phone.
Barbie nodded. "I'm sure. I'm sorry for how things went down. You seem like a really nice person, and you shouldn't have had to find out about the affair the way you did."
Paige swiped the corporate card, half expecting it to decline. But it went through. And just like that, she had twenty-five thousand dollars that she hadn't had an hour ago. "You're all set. If there is anything I can do to make your event go smoothly or if you have any special requests, please let me know."
"Just one. Can one night be lasagna night? I haven't stopped hearing about your lasagna since Fred and I got engaged. Apparently mine doesn't cut the mustard and I want to try it for myself."
"I think that can be arranged."
"Good." Barbie held out her hand and Paige shook it.
That was not how she had expected the night to go.
15
The week was the longest in Dean's life. While he was thrilled to meet his son and have Brendon get to know Jack and him, they both missed Paige. It had gotten so ridiculous they would make up excuses to check on the inn just so they could catch a glimpse of her. Jack even suggested sneaking in and clogging up the toilets.
Even if they had any questions on whether Stephanie could replace Paige in their hearts and lives, there was no longer any doubt. Stephanie was glad to get free babysitters and some extra cash. When they made it obvious that sex was completely off the table with her, she was petulant, but came to terms with it after several hard rejections.
"Where have you been?" Jack asked him when he walked into their house on the mainland.
"I took the ferry over to the inn. I put Boardwalk and Park Place on her pillow." Dean couldn't stop thinking about Paige and how she had become as important to him as Jack. He knew Jack felt the same way. He had caught a glimpse of her as she took care of her guests. Paige looked beautiful and completely in her element. She hadn't called them once this week and she hadn't returned their calls. It worried him. But her parents were leaving today and they could finally get back to their lives together.
"Subtle," Jack said. "I spoke to the bank today. They approved the mortgage."
Dean grinned. "I knew they would."
He pulled out his phone and texted Paige. His fingers were trembling. Call me when you find it.
She texted back: Find what?
That did it. He was glad she had broken the silence.
They were back on the island later that day spending time with Brendon when Paige texted back. Why are there Monopoly properties on my bed?
Dean grinned and showed Jack. He texted back: We landed on your property. We wanted to pay up. So we mortgaged some assets. I've got $60,000 for you.
His phone rang. Jack fought him for it, but Jack got distracted when Brendon joined in trying to grab the phone, and Dean took the call outside.
"Paige?" he breathed, needing to hear her voice.
"You didn't have to do that. I can't accept your money."
"Paige, we're dying here without you. Fuck the island. Fuck the townspeople and fuck your parents. Pay them back and let's get back to normal. I miss you. We miss you so fucking much."
She gave a hiccupping cough. "What about Brendon?"
"Everything's fine. We're not going through the courts. Stephanie for once in her life is being reasonable. We need to see you."
Paige was quiet a long time, and he started to panic.
"I'll come to you guys tonight," she said. "Dune Street, right?"
“Right.” He let out a huge sigh of relief.
"I missed you guys, too," she said. "But I'm not taking your money."
Dean wasn't sure what that meant.
