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“How… how much?” she asked.
He quoted her a price that surprised me—a building like this in the city could go for almost twice that amount. But I saw her shoulders fall, and she sighed before looking at Danny.
“Not right now. The mortgage plus staffing before I’m an FNP would be a little more than I’m ready for. And no, I don’t want to ask anyone, so neither one of you better tell Prime and Em. They’ve done a lot for me already,” she ordered softly.
Danny paused, looking thoughtful, before trying again. “And Granny and PawPaw?—”
“You know farm life is up and down. And they’re older. I don’t want them dipping into their savings or retirement fund for me.”
“Ev, maybe I can—” her brother began.
“No. Everett, no. Whatever you have is for you, and you are not taking on debt for me. I love it, but everything in God’s time,” Love insisted, touching her brother’s shoulder.
“Shiii, a piece of nice commercial real estate like this, for that price? I’ll buy it,” I inserted myself right into their conversation. Three pairs of eyes turned to me. One honey-brown pair flashed hurt before going blank. I watched as a fake smile curved her lips.
“Montréal really is into real estate development. If he sees something in the property, you should… you should probably give him Whit’s number,” she said, her voice low as she crossed her arms over her chest.
I watched as Love’s gaze dropped to the floor. She wanted this building bad as hell. Shorty really had no clue. I unlocked my phone and started typing, putting my PA Melissa on research duty. If everything checked out, I really would grab this joint up. Danny walked closer and handed Juvie a card.
“The realtor’s info. Her name is Whitney Sanders,” he explained as I typed.
“Real, you got the information you need. Danny, can we go now?” Love asked, rubbing her temple.
It was her tell. She was upset. Danny wrapped an arm around her shoulders and led her toward the door. A strange hiss sounded in the room. I ignored it, attention reverted to my phone. Then, it broke the silence again. I looked up just as Juvie widened his eyes at me. I realized this nigga had been doing his loud version of a “psst.”
“What?” I mumbled.
“When I said she was yours to fumble? This what I meant, OG. You know you buying this shit for that girl. Tell her! ‘Cause you looking real shady right now, my guy, like you tryna steal it from under her,” he whispered.
“Who the fuck told you that? And she got Danny to make her feel better. She’ll be all right.”
It was petty, I knew it. But believing Danny didn’t change my feelings instantly. Juvie sighed loudly before grabbing his forehead dramatically.
“Bruhhhh! OG! I can’t believe you right now. That little green monster got you off! You can’t see the trees for the forest?—”
I mugged his silly ass. “That’s not how that shit goes, Julien. And you don’t know?—”
“Nah, you don’t know! Real! Da fuck! Yo’ thickums ain’t the sibling Danny wants!” he gritted out.
I frowned. “I’m sure Prime on the same kind of time behind Emory that I am behind her big-headed sister. That fool ain’t that stupid. And quit calling her?—”
He blew out another long breath that ended in a groan.
“You being real homophobic right now, my guy. I expect more out of a refined, progressive gentleman as yourself. You so focused on Thicku—uh, Everly, that you ain’t peep how them two was looking at each other, communicating with they eyes and shit. They popped up at the house this morning looking all comfortable. Probably spent the night together, my G. Think!” he said, pounding his temple with two fingertips.
I looked out the window. I was just in time to catch Danny and Everett standing near each other, their heads slightly bowed as they held a low conversation. Everett looked toward the truck where Love was sitting before looking back at Danny, worry clear on his face. Danny touched his chest as he spoke to him again. My eyes widened then shot to Juvie. He gave me an “I told you so” grill before stomping to the door.
“Everly Love! Get yo’ butt outta that truck, girl,” he yelled like he was from this country ass town.
She ignored him, of course.
“Juvie, what the hell?—”
“You gon’ sit in there pouting with them big ass lips like you don’t know this man buying this building for you?”
That had her opening the door and nearly falling her ass out. I took a step toward Juvie’s smirking ass. Laughing, he jogged off.
“Mothafucka—” I started.