I pull into the driveway, seeing a handful of other cars here that I don’t recognize. I grab the folder before making my way to the front door, which is unlocked. I follow the sound of voices down the stairs to the basement.
When I hit the bottom step, six pairs of eyes swing my way. They’re all sitting around a poker table. Except one man who is dressed all in black. He’s in the corner with his arms folded over his chest.
“Eden.” My father pushes back his chair. I can tell by the look on his face that I’ve at least achieved the element of surprise. That’s one thing I have on my side. Plus, he looks as though he’s busy entertaining, so that might work in my favor as well.
“Is that your daughter?” one of the men asks as his eyes slide up and down me.
“Yes, but I’m not sure why she’s here.”
“If you want to buy your way back into the game you can throw her in as collateral.” All the men start laughing. My stomach knots.
“I’ll be back.” My father grabs my elbow, and I jerk it away from him going back up the stairs. I’m pissed that he didn’t tell that man to fuck off or something. I think I’m more upset because I wouldn’t put it past my dad to consider the offer. Nothing is safe when it comes to his addiction. His first love has always been gambling.
“What are you doing here?” he hisses at me. I can tell from his bloodshot eyes he’s been drinking. What happened to his rule of never drinking when you gamble? He’s falling apart, and I don’t want him to take us with him. It’s why saving The Daily Drip is crucial to me at this point. I need to make sure Ryan is safe from my father.
“I just need you to sign off on some stuff for the shop,” I say vaguely, holding the folder up. He snaps it from my hand, putting it down on the table in the hallway before opening it. I will myself to remain calm even though I am anything but that. I’m surprised when he scribbles his name down quickly without reading the documents. He shoves them back into the folder before thrusting it back at me.
“Don’t just show up here. Call before you come next time.”
“Sorry.” I take a step back from him.
“Go.” He nods toward the door, not even asking how Ryan is doing. Whatever. I turn, heading out. My emotions get the best of me, and I slam the door behind me. He’s such a dick. He turned into this man not long after Mom passed away. He always loved to gamble, but now he’s taken it to a whole other level. He acts like he’s the only one that lost her.
I pull out of the driveway relieved that he signed the paperwork. I shouldn't be so mad. I got what I wanted, after all. A freaking forty percent increase! That’s crazy. If he comes sniffing around after the fact I’ll just show him how much better we are doing.
My excitement is short-lived when my car starts to make a weird clicking noise. The lights on my dash all begin flashing. “Shit. Don’t you do this, Betsy,” I plead with the car, but it’s already slowing down. I pull off to the side right before it dies.
I drop my forehead to my steering wheel, not sure what to do. This isn't going to be cheap. I’m not sure the car is worth saving at this point. I fish my phone out of my bag, and Miles’ card falls out, landing on the seat. I pick it up, and before I can talk myself out of it, I’m calling him.
“Hello?” Miles answers on the first ring.
“Hey,” I say back.
“Eden. Is everything okay?”
“Not really. I’m kind of broken down on the side of the road.” I sigh. Why am I putting this on him? He’s a stranger, but for some reason I trust him. “I’m sorry. I shouldn't have called you.”
“I’m already heading to my car. Share your location with me.”
“Are you sure? I think I need a tow truck. I should call for one. Maybe they’ll drive me home?”
“Let me handle the tow truck. I know someone.” I let out a small laugh. How does he always know what I need to hear?
“Okay,” I agree.
“Lock your car doors and stay inside, Eden.” I reach over, hitting the button to do exactly that. “Share your location, and I’ll be there before you know it.”
“Thank you, Miles.” I already feel better knowing that he’s coming to get me.
“Anything for you.” My heart flutters. Miles is turning out to be my knight in shining armor. He’s too perfect to be real. But I’m going to let myself enjoy it while it lasts. Nothing this sweet lasts forever.
Chapter Seven Miles
I pull over behind the tow truck and park. Eden is sitting in her car like a very good girl. I shoot a smile in her direction even though she can’t see it before making a beeline to the tow driver.
“This car’s got rust on it,” he says in disbelief. “How old is it?”
I squint at the late model German car. It does look like it’s on its last legs. Eden climbs out and joins us.
The tow truck driver, Tim, gives her an appreciative once-over. I clear my throat. Loudly. They both look at me. I shake my head at Tim in warning. There’s a small smile dancing around Eden’s lips, which helps to assuage my irritation at tow truck Tim leering at her.
“Why don’t you go sit in my car,” I suggest. “It’s cold out.”
“It’s eighty,” Tim chirps.
It’s like he wants to get beat down.
“It is cold,” Eden agrees hurriedly.
