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“Ms. Winters. There’s been no mistake, I’m afraid. I’m sorry to inform you that the extension you were promised has been canceled. You see, no extensions are being granted at this time. There was a terrible mix-up at the office and I was left uninformed. In fact, you should have received that envelope much earlier than yesterday. By the time the change in policy from the head office came through the pipelines, it was too late and the wrong notifications were sent. And in your case, delayed. As you can see it was a clerical mistake. I’m sorry for any inconvenience.”
Fuck me.
She couldn’t believe the words coming out of his mouth. Inconvenience? Sorry? This man got to go home at night and sleep like a fucking baby, his job as secure as a bug.
Anger seeped into her veins. She wanted to wrap her fingers around the fat man’s throat and shake.
No. She couldn’t think like that. He had a job to do and it wasn’t his fault she couldn’t pay.
But still, this went beyond any inconvenience and toppled her over into pure panic mode.
“I see. How long do I have then?” She fought to remain professional. “Is it true, I have the end of the month?”
For a brief second, she considered throwing herself at his feet and begging but what good would that do?
“I’m afraid so. I’m only sorry I couldn’t get here sooner to tell you or at least get that notice to you when you should have had it to give you more time.” He continued unaware of the war of emotions that battled for head room in her brain or how close he was to getting throat punched. “You must make your payment by July thirtieth. We close at five sharp that day.”
That put a lump of coal in her stomach.
She mentally computed the numbers. The first deposit Marshall had made would go to reserve the venue, invitations and other expenses she would incur. She wanted to couple it with Stewart’s last payment, but she had to be realistic. Client needs came first.
As per their contract, the second payment would be in a couple of days for the catering, floral arrangements, and rush bonuses. The last payment and largest, came the day before the event. Every last cent would go to the bank, but that was fine by her.
It would cut her deadline close.
But she trusted Marshall and trusted herself to complete the job. What could possibly go wrong there?
“Mr. Siggs. There’s no reason to worry. I’ll be by your office on the thirtieth with my full payment.”
His eyes widened with the same surprise she felt as he stood and shook her hand. “That’s good to know, Ms. Winters. I must be going. There are many more clients I must visit.”
How much of this town owed the bank, she wondered.
That brought up another thought. “Uh, Mr. Siggs, before you go, might I ask why you were at Banners Brides?” She threw her hands up and explained quickly before his furrowed brow could lead to an auto shut down of her question. “They have so many clients it’s hard to see them having trouble. I just want to know if I can help in any way.” Not really, she just wanted to know any weakness her rival had, but her quick explanation seemed to hit a note with the banker.
“Not everything is as it seems, Ms. Winters. I’m sorry I can’t say much more.”
He didn’t have to. “I understand. Please send my regards to Mrs. Siggs.”
He nodded and she walked him to the door, making sure he collected his hat on the way out.
“Good day, Ms. Winters.”
Juniper turned on her heel. “Well, then.”
“I heard. Sorry I didn’t mean to eavesdrop. It is kind of quiet in here.”
Callie crossed the shop floor to her.
The tiny bell over the door rang. Callie cranked an eyebrow over her shoulder as Juniper turned expecting either one of her employees or Marshall. No such luck. Instead, it was like theNightmare that never ended.
Berry red lips peeled back in a snarling smile in her doorway.
“Banners,” she whipped coolly. “What the hell do you want?” Juniper crossed her arms over her chest and waited. If she were honest the two were enemies long before they set up shop across from one another. Stacey, the school’s head cheerleader had a crush on the star quarterback who happened to be completely blind to this fact until said football player bypassed Banners and asked Juniper out on Valentine’s instead. In front of the entire school. The result was an instant enemy for life.
Note to self: Next time you need to go shopping for a business local, don’t let your gran do the picking. Always scout out the territory first.
Willowy and curvy in all the right places, perfectly curly hair that never had a bad day, tall and every man’s sex dream in stilettos. Everything Juniper was not.
