Page 82 of Good at Being Bad (Rock Canyon, Idaho 8)

“I’m not giving you money to fix some man’s motorcycle.”

“It was my fault it was destroyed.”

“How do you know that?”

“I just do. Please, Dad. I will work in your office during the day to pay off the loan.”

Her dad quirked an eyebrow at her. “I am surprised you didn’t simply tell me to take it out of your trust.”

“In case you haven’t noticed, I have actually been trying to change.”

Her dad sat down at his desk with a nod. “I have noticed that.”

He reached into his desk and pulled out his checkbook. “Do you want me to make it out to him?”

“Actually, can you make it out to Gabe? I want to surprise Mike.”

Her father filled out the check and handed it to her. “You can go give this to Gabe, but you start promptly at eight on Monday. Don’t be late.”

On impulse, she came around the desk and hugged him. “Thank you, Daddy.”

Her father, never one to be comfortable with affection, coughed. “Yes, well, if things move beyond friendship with Mike, he is mo

re than welcome to accompany you to brunch.”

As far as blessings went, that was better than anything either of her sisters had gotten.

Mike was sitting at home, drinking a beer and watching Scorpion, when someone knocked on his door. He got up and opened it to find Gracie standing on his doorstep.

“You here to hurl more insults at me?” he asked.

“Will you let me in so we can talk?”

Mike stepped back, allowing her to pass. Smalls, upon seeing his favorite godmother, started barking excitedly.

“Hello, my love,” she said, giving the puppy a snuggle.

“You had something to say to me?” Mike said impatiently.

Gracie scowled at him. “Fine. I thought you should know that you were right. I looked over Wendy’s plan and we both agreed that becoming partners was the best way to both get what we want. The Local Bean will be moving.”

“Well, I’m happy for you,” he said.

She poked him in the shoulder hard. “The next time you are unsure about whether something might be wrong, maybe you should talk to the person it affects the most. Especially if it’s me.”

“So, I’m forgiven.”

“Until you screw up again, yeah.”

Gracie kissed Smalls one more time on the nose and then turned to leave. As she hovered in the doorway, she pulled something out of her pocket.

“This is for you.”

Mike took the card, surprised. “Rock Canyon School District.”

“I put in a call and made a deal. They use you exclusively and they get a twenty-percent discount on computer maintenance. They are expecting your call.”

Mike stared at the card. “Thanks, Gracie. This means a lot.”