She walked into the bay and he watched her take in the cramped space, the ancient equipment, the oil stains that had probably been there since the 70s. To her credit, her expression didn't change. It's small, she said. That's a generous word for it. But it's yours for now.
Something shifted in her expression. What does that mean? Ethan glanced at Sophie, who was pretending not to listen while very obviously listening. Nothing. Just business stuff.
Dad's shop is closing, Sophie said matterofactly. The bank is taking it. Sophie, what? It's true. I heard you on the phone.
Viven looked between them and Ethan felt heat crawl up his neck. This was not the impression he'd wanted to make. Desperate mechanic, failing business, eavesdropping daughter. It's not closing, he said firmly. We're just having a rough month.
Three rough months, Sophie corrected. I count the envelopes on your desk. Why do you Never mind. Go back to your homework. But homework now.
Sophie huffed dramatically, but retreated to the office, though she kept glancing through the glass with obvious interest. Ethan turned back to Vivien, who was still standing in the middle of the bay, looking at him with an expression he couldn't quite read. "Sorry," he said. "She's going through a phase where she thinks being brutally honest is a personality trait. " "She's not wrong, though, is she? " "About which part? " "The bank, the foreclosure. " He could lie. Should lie probably, but what was the point?
60 days pass due, he admitted. They want payment by end of month or they start proceedings. How much do you need? I'm not That's not why I told you. I didn't say it was.
I asked how much you need. Ethan shook his head. Vivien, I appreciate the offer, but I'm not taking money from someone I just met. It wouldn't be a gift. It would be a loan or an investment in a three-star auto shop in Georgetown.
That's a terrible investment. Let me worry about my portfolio. She walked closer and he caught that same expensive perfume from last night. How much, Ethan? 15,000 to catch up and buy some breathing room.
She didn't even blink. That's nothing. It's everything to me. I know. Her voice was soft.
That's why I'm offering. Pride and desperation war in his chest. Pride was winning, but barely. I can't. If I take your money and the shop still fails, then we'll deal with it then.
Vivien pulled out her phone. What's your bank account number? No, Ethan. No. He said it firmly enough that she stopped.