Page 125 of Torn
“Then yeah, I did have to do it. Open the envelope.”
Swallowing, I slice the envelope open with a knife and inside I find a check for fifty thousand dollars, made out to me. I stare at it, the zeros blurring in front of me. I’ve never seen a check for this much money in my entire life.
“What is this?”
“A check.” He leans back against the wall.
“I can see that. For what?”
“For you. To fix this mess you’re in.”
Shaking my head, I shove the check across my desk toward him. “I can’t take your money, Ash. I appreciate it, but I can’t.”
I take another bite from the sandwich, which I will accept. But not money.
“You need the money, Tor. Don’t be stupid. It’s a loan from my inheritance. I don’t need it. My family wants to help you.”
Fifty thousand dollars would fix so much. I could get this place back in order, get out of debt, finally have a little money for myself again to eat and be normal.
“Asher, I can’t.”
“You can, and you will. You wrote the first songs that are making me money, Tor. You think I forgot that shit?” he asks. “No, I fuckin’ didn’t.”
“I get royalties. That’s enough.”
“It’s not. Your father left you a business that was in a hole, man. He didn’t have any life insurance. For four years you’ve been working your ass off trying to take care of everyone and keep this business going. This shop can be great but you have to get out of the hole first or else you’re just spinning your wheels. I can’t watch you kill yourself anymore. Especially when I have the means to help you.”
“Ash—”
“Shut up and take the money. My dad has a friend who’s a business and marketing consultant. He’s coming on Friday to help you get a business plan together.”
I finger the edge of the check. I’ve never taken money from anyone before. But he’s right—I’m sinking like theTitanic.
“I don’t know when I’ll be able to pay you back.”
He shrugs. “I don’t care if you ever do. I just want to help. You’re my best friend. I don’t expect or want anything back.”
KENZI
Tor and I see each other whenever we have the chance. On the days I’m at his house, he comes home for his lunch break and we eat lunch together. Sometimes I stay until he comes home after work and we have dinner, talk, play with the pets, and make love.
I’ve been getting quite a few orders for handwritten wedding invitations, and hand-lettered tattoo designs, all by word of mouth. I’ve also been volunteering at the shelter as much as I can, and the veterinarian who takes care of the sick pets there hired me to do something that is very close to my heart. When her practice has a patient that passes away, they make an imprint of the pet’s paw in ink on notepaper, and she has me write a small, inspirational poem about eternal love on the bottom of the card, and I add the pet’s name and dates. Then it’s sent to the owner for them to keep. I personally think it’s very sweet.
Today is Sunday, and Tor’s out riding and having lunch with my father. We haven’t seen each other for three days due to just work and life stuff getting in the way, and I’m missing him a lot. To keep my mind busy, I’ve taken on the project of organizing all my pens, papers, and ink when I get a text message.
Tor
I miss you.
I miss you more ;-)
Tor
Can you meet me at my place tonight? Around six?
Yes.
Tor