mock-shuddered and then ducked back into the conference room.
Tommy stared at the card and then texted his account info.
Then he called his bank and had the money Jennifer had given him transferred into the savings account. He wasn’t going to give it back to her until after things had settled. He didn’t want to give her a reason to think he wasn’t working for her any longer.
They needed every advantage they could get.
He swiped on the contacts list and dialed his Grams.
“Tommy, it’s been forever since I heard from you. Did you end up hiring me a cabana ranch hand?” Grams chortled, always ready to tease about the good-looking guys.
“Grams, you’re incorrigible.” Tommy turned and walked down the hall to find himself out on the front porch of the matchmaking offices. “I had some good news, though. That’s why I called.”
“Well, I like good news. Are you sure it doesn’t have anything to do with a handsome cowboy?” She teased, but then waited for him to reply.
“No. It’s just that I have the money in our account to pay off our debt. All our debt.” Tommy blinked as he looked out at the falling snow.
“What? That’s a lot of money to come by so quickly. What does your girl think of all this?” Grams’ tone took on a note of suspicion.
“She... I had to give her up to do this, Grams.” Tommy sighed and glanced down, noting absently that little holes in the snow showed where some of the ice had melted and dripped under the eaves.
“That’s not worth it. You give all that money back and get that girl. She’s perfect for you, Tommy. Your mom, bless her soul, would have loved her. It’s not worth it. I’d rather live in an apartment in the city then have you lose someone like Amanda.” Grams’ tone had the hard edge of determination Tommy remembered from his mother.
“No, Grams. It was inevitable. I might still be able to get her back, but the money is because of something I did. I’m holding out hope.” Tommy straightened, pulling his shoulders back.
“Well, be that as it may. I’m going to pray for you, Tommy Declan. You need all the help you can get.” Grams’ tone was reassuring and comforting while also being admonishing all at the same time.
“Yes, Grams. I understand. Either way, our bills are covered. We’re out of debt.” Tommy readjusted his hat and watched the cars driving by on the street.
“Oh, thank you. I’m going to wait until you tell me if we have any extra and see if I can hire that cowboy. I need something more than daytime soaps to keep my old eyes young.” She laughed even harder and muttered something before hanging up.
Tommy grinned. Talking with Grams made him feel like everything was possible and that he should be focusing on the right priorities.
Amanda was his priority.
Tommy just had to somehow convince her of that.
Chapter 41
Tanya
Following after Amanda, Tanya couldn’t decide if she was madder at Tommy or herself.
Why hadn’t she noticed that Amanda was suffering? She’d been in awe at how her sister had been handling so many things so well all at once.
Of course, Tanya had sparked the breakdown Amanda had just displayed. That hadn’t been her intention. Maybe Tanya should be grateful to Tommy. Whatever shell he’d helped Amanda break out of, that had to be good for Amanda. Good for Amanda had to be good for everyone who cared about her. And apparently, Tommy cared a lot for her.
Tanya could get on board with anyone who cared for her sister, as long as Amanda would be happy with that person.
Because that’s what it came down to. Who would make Amanda happy? If Amanda wasn’t happy with herself, then no one would make her that way. And it sounded like Amanda was horribly upset with herself.
Tanya took long strides to follow Amanda from the conference room and to catch up as she ran from the room.
Looking down the hallway and glancing in each room that she passed, Tanya stopped at the kitchen and paused in the doorway. Amanda wasn’t usually an emotional eater, but judging by the puffed look to her cheeks and the chocolate frosting on her fingers, she’d found a stray box of stale donuts and availed herself of one… maybe two.
Sauntering in and scooping up the remains of a half-eaten glazed old-fashioned, Tanya arched her eyebrows at her dark-haired sister. She held the donut inches from her mouth before asking.