“Great. We’re located on the third floor of the courthouse. Just come to the DA’s offices and ask for me. See you soon.”
Grey sighed before standing and returning the book to the clerk. “Thanks.”
“No problem,” she said.
He turned to go, dialing Avery to let her know about the latest development in his morning, when she and her entire family walked into the clerk’s office.
“Hey, I was just calling you.” He put his phone away and nodded at Andy. “Andy.”
Then he waited to be introduced to her parents. Only then did he notice Avery’s pasty complexion and panicked expression.
“Grey, what are you doing here?” she asked.
“Looking for a solution to our problem.” He tilted his head, peering at her. “What are you all doing here?”
She tugged at her ponytail and cleared her throat. “Mom, Dad, this is Grey Lowell.”
Grey reached out his hand toward Mr. Randall, who shook it without making direct eye contact. “Sir,” he said, then smiled at Avery’s mother, who remained standing behind her husband. “Ma’am, it’s nice to meet you.”
“Hello.” Mr. Randall gave Avery a quick look before saying, “We’re here to file papers to formalize some old business.”
“Well, then, don’t let me hold you up.” Grey smiled, but it didn’t ease their obvious tension. “Avery, can I talk to you for a second privately?”
“We need her to sign some papers first, then she can step into the hall with you.” Her father’s unreadable expression raised the hairs on Grey’s neck.
“Okay, I’ll sit tight outside while you take care of your business.”
She nodded at him and, two minutes later, came into the hallway.
“Well, that was awkward, but at least it’s out of the way.” Grey leaned in for a kiss hello, his lips brushing her cheek when she glanced at her feet.
Avery forced a lame-ass grin. “Yep.”
Grey tipped her chin up to look in her eyes. “What’s the matter, Bambi? You’re acting way too distant for my taste right now.”
“I’m sorry. I should’ve called you last night.” She squeezed his arm, but her hunched posture made him uneasy. “I wanted to speak with you in person.”
“I’m listening now.” Everything about her demeanor made his chest tighten. “Is your family pissed at me for something new?”
She splayed her palm on her forehead and squeezed her eyes shut. When she opened her eyes to speak, her voice raised in pitch and tone, her eyes were pleading. “Just so you know, I’m very upset about this entire situation. I can’t figure out what’s right and wrong. I can’t find solutions that benefit everyone. And now . . . now I’ve done something that makes it harder for you to recover money from Andy.”
Grey’s spine stiffened as he withdrew his chin and scowled. “You what?”
“Andy and I executed loan documents formalizing the arrangement my dad and mom made with us when we bought the house. My dad’s recording the mortgage now, which will give him priority over any other creditors who come next, including you, assuming you get a judgment lien in a lawsuit against Andy.”
Grey couldn’t understand all her legal mumbo jumbo, but he could read guilt and dread all over her face. “Slow down. What are you trying to tell me?”
“Basically, whatever remains of Andy’s equity in the house probably won’t be much more than the insurance settlement you were offered.”
Despite her palpable anguish, his muscles went rigid from his forehead to his feet, and two words escaped his throat in a whisper. “Fuck me.”
“Grey!”
He stared at her with defiance. “Don’t ask me to apologize for swearing right now, Bambi. I’ve had my fill of bad news for a lifetime this week.”
“It hasn’t been a cakewalk for me either, you know.”
“And yet you and your family have managed to come out on top, haven’t you?”
“I’m sorry, Grey.” Her eyes filled with tears. “I didn’t have a choice. I owe my parents the money. I had to sign the documents.”
“All this time I’ve been running down rabbit holes looking for options that wouldn’t hurt you, then you go and take away the only option that saves me from disaster.” He rubbed his temples. “Why didn’t you tell me first? Too busy conspiring? I was sick about hurting you yesterday. Barely slept last night. You could’ve spared me all kinds of upset if you’d have simply told me your precious house would be protected.”