Grey shot Trip a questioning glance, relying on Trip to help him decide whether or not Wade’s counteroffer was affordable. Of course, if he refused, he’d be out of business. Decision made, Grey said, “We don’t have huge margins, and we’re a seasonal business, so fifteen percent is a bit steep. Would you settle for ten percent plus a one-time fee for the easement?”
Wade’s gaze drifted for a few seconds before he responded. “Let me track down my lawyer and ask him a few questions before I give you an answer.”
When Wade stepped away, Trip kicked Grey’s foot. “That was pretty smooth, my friend. Pretty smooth. You’ve got some big balls trying to negotiate when you don’t really have any power here.”
“He seems like a fair guy,” Grey replied. “Worst he could do was stick to the fifteen percent at this point. It sounds like a lot will depend on his lawyer’s advice.”
Ten very long minutes later, Wade returned. “Fellows, I can’t give you a quick answer. My lawyer’s going to look at the subdivision plans and all the other obligations and contracts we’ve got going on with this project to make sure there aren’t any conflicts. But as long as there isn’t any non-negotiable conflict, I think we can probably work something out, assuming we can come to terms on a right-of-way and indemnity. I’ll accept the ten-percent discount, too, but will get back to you about other costs that may be associated with this deal.”
“Thank you.” Grey stuck out his hand. “Can we buy you a drink?”
After two rounds of beer and conversation about the town, Wade excused himself, and Trip and Grey walked back to the office.
“Well, it’s not quite a done deal, but it’s looking good, right?” Grey glanced at Trip.
“Looks real good, Grey. I think the only thing holding it up is the lawyer shit.”
Grey’s phone rang. He looked at the screen and saw Avery’s name for the fourth time in the past hour, but he didn’t answer.
“I’m going to butt in here, because in addition to your being edgy and hyped up, I’m noticing you aren’t taking Avery’s calls.” Trip kept his eyes on the pavement as they continued walking. “What’s happened?”
After Grey described the confrontation at the town hall, Trip frowned. “I’m sorry she burned you, Grey.”
“You warned me not to jump in so fast, but I really thought . . . well, it doesn’t matter. I thought wrong.” Grey unlocked the office door. “I’ve got to keep my eyes on this business and do whatever I can to avoid disaster. I hated to give away that discount, but I couldn’t think of any other way. You think we ought to talk to Kelsey and get her help with Wade? They seem tight.”
“Not yet. Let’s see what happens. I’ve got a good feeling.” Trip sat in his usual chair, across the desk from Grey. “I actually have an offer of my own I’d like to discuss. One that will also help alleviate the financial strain of the business debt.”
“Bring it on.” Grey sat forward.
“I want to buy a stake in Backtrax and be your partner. I know I’d only promised to come for a year or two and help you get things going, but this place has grown on me. Funny how your injury forced me to get more involved . . . and I liked it. Anyway, I know what you put into the business, and what is still owed. If I come up with a hundred-fifty grand and cosign the loan guarantee, would you make me an equal partner?”
Grey whistled. “Where are you coming up with that kind of cash?”
Trip shifted in his seat, averting his gaze. “I’ve got money.”
“You mentioned that before, but never said how.” Grey didn’t mean to be rude, but he couldn’t help it. He’d known Trip for four years. Never during that time had Trip won the lottery or lived like a guy who had access to six figures at the drop of a hat.
Trip slid deeper into his chair and pushed the brim of his cowboy hat back. “Family money, but I’d rather not get into details, if you don’t mind.”
Grey held up his hands. “Sorry, and hell yeah, I’ll take your money and make you my partner. Honestly, Backtrax wouldn’t still exist if you hadn’t taken over when I got hurt.”
Trip flashed his gigantic grin at Grey and stuck out his hand. “Thanks, buddy. You won’t be sorry.”
Grey shook his hand, but then sat back, brow furrowed. “I have to ask you something. Why didn’t you make this offer sooner, especially when you saw me struggling with Avery? Might’ve made things with her a lot easier for me.”
“For one, I wasn’t sure I was ready to commit myself completely to life here in Sterling Canyon. Also, getting my hands on that money will open some doors I’d rather keep closed, but I don’t want to get into all that with you. As for Avery, well, that just wasn’t my responsibility, was it?” He frowned, his gaze distant. “Sounds bad, I guess. Sorry if I let you down.”
“Don’t apologize.” Grey flicked a paper clip. “Looks like you were right to have your doubts about her commitment, too.”
“Doesn’t make me happy.” Trip’s earnest tone made Grey glad for his loyal friendship.
Avery dreaded going home that evening. She’d avoided Andy and her dad’s calls this afternoon, but she couldn’t put off the inevitable any longer. Her blood pressure practically exploded when she saw Matt’s car in her driveway.
After snatching her purse from the front seat, she slammed her car door closed. She stood in the driveway and rolled her shoulders twice, trying to alleviate the tension in her muscles.
When she finally came through the front door, her mother greeted her with a nervous smile, much like she used to greet her husband when he’d come home after work. “Oh, honey, you’re finally home.” She patted Avery’s arm and quietly said, “I know it’s been an upsetting day, but we have some relatively good news to share.”
“Good news, Mom. Really?” Her mom winced at Avery’s sharp tone as Avery glanced around the room. Her father was suspiciously absent, but Matt’s gaze homed in on her. Had he heard about her and Grey’s falling out? “Not that anyone cares much about my feelings lately, but I’d rather not discuss family matters in front of Matt.”
“Avery.” Matt approached her. His sheepish expression only made her want to toss her purse at his head. “I heard about what happened at town hall. I swear, I was only trying to help your family.”
“If that were true, then you might’ve come to me before going to my dad. Your sneaking around makes it pretty clear you were just exploiting the situation to try to get between Grey and me.”
“No. I didn’t come to you because I thought you’d accuse me of using the situation for my own benefit. But that’s not the case. I told you before, I’ve always cared about you, and your family. I just wanted to help make sure you didn’t all suffer because of Andy’s accident.”
Avery looked away, unable to decipher the truth anymore. She’d been worn down, turned inside out, and depleted. “Well, whatever your motives, you’ve seriously interfered in my personal life. This is the second and last time you’ll ever hurt me. I won’t order you out of this house when everyone else seems happy for your company, but if you care about me at all, you’ll leave now.”
Matt sighed, cast a quick look at Andy, and then conceded. “We’ll talk later.”
“We won’t be talking later. If you want to stay in town, I can’t change that. If you and Andy have picked up where you left off before California called your name, so be it. I’ll even thank you for giving my parents and Andy some peace during this difficult time. But I do not want to hang out with you, confide in you, or do anything else with you. So please, quit provoking Grey with your comments about me, and stay out of my way, okay?”