“Different situation,” I insisted. “Your dad was a good man.”
Merci peeled off her gloves, tossing them in the trash. “I know. But you’ll never?—”
The curtain snapped open before she could finish. Merrick, Kenna, and a guy I didn’t recognize filled the space. I shot Merci a glance to keep my private business quiet.
Merrick folded his arms, his scowl aimed squarely at me. “You know how much paperwork this means for me?” he grumbled.
“Would have been more if I’d let the girl stab him,” I offered as I flexed my bandaged arm.
Kenna gave Merci a quick hug before turning to me, her smile warm. “Merci, Hatchet—this is my brother, Everest.”
I reached out my good hand. “Nice to meet you, Mountain Man.”
Everest chuckled, his grip firm. “Nice to meet you, too, Tree Cutter.”
Merci giggled. “Nice one.”
Everest appraised Merci with a subtle, appreciative glance. My jaw tightened. He caught the flicker of irritation in my eyes—the undercurrent that said, ‘Stay out of my territory.’ Without another word, he tilted his head slightly in a silent truce.
“We’re here to spring you,” Kenna quipped. “Our favorite taco truck is nearby.”
“Business and burritos,” Everest mused. “I think I like it here.”
Merci handed me the discharge papers, and I scribbled my signature before handing them back to her. “See you next time.”
I rolled my eyes. “Just making sure you have job security.”
“I’ll get you a punch card,” she shot back. “After ten visits, you get a free ice cream.”
I grinned. “Pretty sure this is my tenth visit already. I like strawberry ice cream, by the way.”
As we left the hospital, the smell of tacos hit me before we even reached the street. My stomach growled in approval. We claimed a battered picnic table while Merrick handed Everest a folder. He flipped it open, scanning the statements.
“The profit margins look solid. Steady revenue growth before the pandemic. There’s a lot of potential here.”
Merrick nodded. “No real competition—just traditional gyms nearby. Nothing like this with space for classes.”
“Why’s the owner selling?” Everest asked.
“Retiring,” Merrick explained. “Says he wants to move closer to where the grandkids live.”
Taco sauce dripped down my hand, and Kenna caught it with a napkin before it stained the bandage. “Thanks, doll.”
Merrick glared at me.
“Sorry. Habit.” Considering the number of times he’d lectured me about using pet names on his old lady, you’d think I’d have learned.
“What about you?” Everest asked me. “You into the business side, or just the muscle?”
I huffed. “Just the muscle. I’ll let someone else handle the spreadsheets.”
“Smart,” Everest said. “Or just hire a cute admin to do it for you.”
I smirked. “Now we’re talking.”
“Or you could hire a college intern, right?” Kenna suggested with a grin.
I chuckled. “Never going to let that go, are you?”
