A few beats of silence ticked by.

“What does that mean?”

Christi smiled. “Hang on to the pot you’re holding. Your dream fund is on the cusp of being replenished. The restaurant is yours.”

Three seconds passed.

Four.

Five.

“Hey—are you still there?” Christi glanced at a couple strolling by the display window, but they continued past the front door. Good. Hopefully the store would remain empty during this private conversation.

“Yeah. I’m here. Just trying to process your bombshell. It’s not computing.”

“The money will be in your account by Monday at the latest. All you have to do is give me the wire transfer instructions.”

“Okay. Wait a minute. I’m sitting down.” A chair scraped against the floor. “Now back up. Start over.”

“The restaurant is yours.”

“I heard that part—which is why I think I’m in an alternate universe.”

“Nope. This is for real. Getting the money for you was why I made this trip. I didn’t say anything because I knew it was a long shot—but my gamble paid off.”

“Still not computing. You didn’t have a spare dime when you left here three weeks ago. I want details. Where did you get the big bucks I need?”

“Someone from my past loaned it to me.”

“Male or female?”

“Male.”

“What sort of strings are attached?” Suspicion underscored her question.

“There aren’t any. Or not the kind you’re referring to.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means the so-called strings are all in my favor. The loan came with a job offer as a nanny. I can also keep my part-time job at Eye of the Beholder and dump the sports bar gig you told me I shouldn’t take anyway.” No way was she telling Tasha that one of the strings had been a requirement to bare her soul.

“So who is this guy?”

“Someone I knew long ago.”

“How come you’ve never mentioned him?”

“It’s ancient history.” Same words Jack had used—and the veracity of her response was as questionable as his had been.

“If you haven’t kept in touch, why would he loan you such a large sum of money?”

“I caught him at a vulnerable moment. He needed a nanny fast and I needed a loan. We were able to help each other out. My timing was perfect.” For once in her life.

Tasha gave a long sigh. “I appreciate the offer, Christi—but I can’t take your money.”

“It’s not my money. It’s yours. A small repayment for all you’ve done for me—and for being my friend.”

“You don’t owe me anything. Friendship doesn’t come with a price tag.”

“Maybe not—but I do owe you. Not only have you been my lifeline these past few years, but I was behind the wheel in the accident that wiped out your dream.”

“That wasn’t your fault.”