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The tears broke free, spilling over and streaming down her cheeks. “The investors said no.”
“Oh, Merritt, I’m so sorry.”
She swiped at the tears, hoping her mascara wasn’t streaking down her cheeks. “I’m back to square one again.”
“That’s not true. You’ve got a great business established. You’re way past square one. It just might take you a little longer to move to the next step, but it will happen, Merritt. You’ve created amazing products, and we’re going to get them out there to the whole world.” Adelia gave her a side hug.
“I’m glad you have so much confidence about this because I’m quickly losing mine. I’ve been working and working on this company for over a decade, and I really thought this was going to take it to the next level. I really thought they were going to say yes.” Her chin quivered as she fought back another round of tears.
“Don’t lose hope, Merritt.”
But at the moment, that’s exactly how she felt. Hopeless.
FIVE
Are you going to sit there staring at me all night?” Merritt’s brown eyes appeared black in the low light of the club. “If you have something to say, just say it.”
Gus softened his expression. “I’m sorry you’re having a rough night.”
She quieted for a moment. “I’m a big girl. You don’t need to worry about me.”
“I wasn’t. Just being polite.”
Her gaze fixed on his. “That must’ve been difficult for you.”
A snarky comment popped into his head, but after seeing her cry when talking with Adelia earlier, he stifled his reply.
She took a sip of her champagne as she looked around, no longer acknowledging his existence.
“Do you want to dance?” he asked, again attempting politeness.
Her eyes widened as they met his again. “With you?” Laughter burst out of her.
“Yes, with me.” Part of him was glad his comment had made her laugh, but the other part was insulted at the rejection. “I’m a pretty good dancer.”
“I’d rather do the chicken dance on the bar.”
Gus raised his eyebrows. “I know the D.J. I’m sure that can be arranged.” He stood and walked toward the stairs. “I’ll go speak with him.”
Merritt was immediately at his back. “You wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, wouldn’t I?”
She maneuvered around him, blocking him from going down the steps, and pushed him backwards.
“Hey!” He gripped the nearby railing. Her tiny little body was stronger than it appeared, but barely moved him.
She chuckled and headed down the stairs toward their friends. He watched her move across the dance floor. Her confident, sarcastic side was such a contradiction to the emotional, teary-eyed girl he’d seen earlier.
He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop on her conversation with Adelia, but he couldn’t help that he’d been within earshot. He felt bad that she’d been denied the money to expand her business. The disappointment of hoping for something so badly and having that hope dashed in a moment was an emotion he was very familiar with, and he had an unexpected urge to help her in some way. It was why he’d shown a bit of kindness earlier and invited her to dance.
When he reached the bottom of the stairs, Adelia raced over and grabbed his hand, pulling him toward their group. “It’s New Year’s Eve!” she cried. “Out with the old and in with the new!”
“Yeah!” he cried over the music.
“This is going to be the best year of our lives. Am I right?”
“Right!”