“Wes, come on in,” Shawn said, appearing in the lobby with his file in hand. He barely glanced at him as he entered, and Wes was desperate to read the guy. The last meeting, the man had barely been able to contain his fangirling. But that day, the manager wasn’t giving anything away as he gestured for Wes to take a seat, and then he sat behind the desk.

Good news? Bad news?

Wes sat back in the chair and crossed one ankle over his knee…then he sat forward again.

“So, we’ve reviewed your application and all the supporting financial paperwork…” Shawn paused. His professional demeanor that day was freaking Wes out. Was the guy nervous about telling one of his former idols bad news?

“Come on, man. Just tell me. Did I get the loan?”

Shawn’s wide smile reappeared as all pretenses vanished. “You got the loan,” he said, sounding almost more excited for Wes than Wes felt himself.

Wes’s heart pounded in his chest as he tipped his head to the right. “Sorry, you know I have trouble hearing in one ear. I thought I heard you say I got it?”

Shawn nodded. “You heard right. Congratulations, Wes. I know you’ve been struggling to get things back on track in recent years, so I’m happy we were able to help you with this part.”

Wes released a sigh of relief. “Thank you.”

“We just have a few trees to sign, and then you can be on your way,” Shawn said with a chuckle, opening the file.

“None of this is electronic yet?”

“Maybe in big city branches, but here we’re still old-school.”

“I’ve been accused of that myself,” Wes said, accepting the pen to sign the documents.

Twenty minutes later, he left the bank, feeling as though he were floating down Main Street. An amazing night connecting on a physical level with a woman he was crazy about and now the first real steps at achieving his career goals.

He reached the office space for lease and, taking out his cell phone, he dialed the broker’s number on the For Lease sign. With any luck, he was getting his office space back, and this time, he wouldn’t lose it. No matter what sacrifices it took.

Three rings and then voicemail.

Wes left a message and then texted Sarah.

Loan was approved! Be ready at six. We’re going out to celebrate.

He beamed as he headed toward his truck. Life was certainly looking up.

…