Page 7 of Cuffed (Everyday Heroes 1)
Well, in theory anyway.
“Desi’s thinking of having another one of her barbecues again.”
My jump coordinator’s eyes light up and his lips spread into a huge grin. “Tell her thinking is not an option,” Leo says. “She needs to pick a date and commit so my stomach knows when it’s going to get treated to the good stuff again.”
“No shit.” I laugh and shake my head. Friends, food, and relaxation are just what the doctor ordered. Especially when it’s her food.
“Just promise I won’t be forgotten when the invites go out.” He holds his hands together as if he’s praying.
“I promise.”
The phone rings on the desk before me, and Leo goes back to finalizing his schedules.
“Blue Skies, this is Emerson, how may I help you?”
“Emerson! Just the person I wanted to talk to.”
“Great. Who’s this?” I glance over to Leo, who’s sitting at his desk laughing at something.
“It’s Chris Severson with Sunnyville Trust and Loan.”
“Hi, Chris,” I say as I sink down into my chair and glance at the list of reports and paperwork he still needs for the loan. Of the ten items on it, I’ve only been able to cross two off as completed, and I don’t understand what three of the remaining eight even mean or how to go about figuring them out. “What can I do for you?”
“I was just calling to see where you are with getting the information I’d requested.”
“It’s coming. Slowly.” I chuckle because I already feel like I’m drowning.
“I know the list of requirements can be overwhelming, so know that you aren’t the only one who feels that way.” Sympathy resonates in his voice.
“That’s good to know. Since I’ve never applied for a loan before, I thought I was the only one.”
“No. Not at all. Is there anything I
can help you with?”
My laugh is part mortification, part reprieve. “Really?”
“Of course. Since you decided to forego having a broker represent you—”
“Only because I know the owners of Blue Skies and they preferred not to use one,” I feel the need to explain for what seems like the tenth time. What he doesn’t need to know is the lack of a broker was my idea. I simply won’t have the extra funds to pay them their fees once the deal is done. I’m stretched thin as it is.
“No need to explain, Emerson. It isn’t always necessary to have a broker. Besides, I told you I’d walk you through everything step by step, and I will.”
My shoulders sag in relief. “Thank you. I really do appreciate it. You don’t know how much this means to me to have found—”
“No need to thank me.”
“I still feel I should.”
“How about this? How about we meet for a working dinner? It will give me a chance to review everything with you and answer the questions you have.”
“I couldn’t impose on you like that.”
“Nonsense. It’s just one of the many services I provide my clients.”
I chew my bottom lip, torn between pride and necessity. The silence stretches. “That would be great. I’d appreciate it.”
“Good. Then it’s settled.” He laughs, and I can hear a horn honk in the background. “I’m driving so I can’t access my schedule. Let me check it and I’ll email you some dates and times that will work.”
