Page 124 of Hollywood

Rick’s forehead creased. “Well, I’m sorry to hear that, Tex. We don’t usually offer that feature. It tends to create problems. You know, once you get an advance to deal with extra expenses, then you don’t have enough pay for the next month’s expenses. It can be a slippery slope.”

I nodded. “I just need to buy a little time. I’ll pick up some extra work to make up the difference next month.”

“Well, Ken sure likes you. You’ve been a great asset to Wilde Roots. You should talk to him when he gets back. He might make an exception.”

“You can’t do it?”

“Sorry, no. I don’t have the authority.” He zipped his bag for the bank closed, filled with cash from the day’s sales. “I wouldn’t want to step on Ken’s toes, anyway. He’ll be back by next Monday.”

“Okay.”

He stepped around the counter and squeezed my shoulder. “Keep up the good work, Tex, and you can ask for a raise instead of an advance, eh?” He winked playfully.

I smiled and nodded.

I didn’t need a raise. I needed an influx of cash before next week, and with Ken out of pocket until Monday, that wasn’t happening.

Shit shit shit.

My stomach turned inside out, bile rising. What the fuck was I going to do now?

I hurried to the nursery. Instantly, the scent of soil and greenery hit me. I closed my eyes and breathed deep. Invited it inside, where it soothed my frazzled nerves.

In here, surrounded by fresh life, it was easy to believe that everything would be okay. I didn’t have to think about the money my father owed me or the look on Hollywood’s face when he found out I’d failed him.

Here, I could just breathe and tend to the plants andexist. That was enough.

I got so caught up in my work that three hours went by in a blink. My phone trilled in my hand, snapping me back to awareness. I glanced at the name on the display.

Dad.

My heart jumped into my throat. Maybe he’d changed his mind and wanted to pay me back?

The time registered next. It was 11 p.m. Damn. More likely, he was drunk and wanted to ramble about how I shouldcome home and work for him again. I debated not answering, but I needed to talk to him. Needed to try to reason with him.

I picked up. “Hey, Dad.”

“Tex!” he boomed. “Come out to the loading dock.”

“What?” My feet were already moving me toward the back of the greenhouse before my mind had fully processed what this meant.

“We’re outside.”

“We?”

“Me and my new guy, Todd Birch. His last name is Birch!” Dad laughed. “What a hoot, huh?”

He was definitely drunk. I hoped Todd had done the driving. I reached the loading bay and hit the big red button that would lift the garage door. Cold wind knifed into me the moment I stepped outside.

I stood on the concrete, shivering as Dad hopped out of the passenger side of the truck. He took the ramp up onto the loading dock this time, instead of trying to climb it, only a little wobbly on his feet.

Todd stayed behind the steering wheel, looking as if he’d rather be anywhere else.

Welcome to working with my father.

“Damn, it’s cold as a witch’s tit out here!” Dad said, chafing his hands together.

“What are you doing here?”