Page 26 of Perfect Pact
Chapter 5
Beth
Debt-free. The words hit me so hard in the chest, I struggle to hold back the tears as I walk out of the accountant’s office with the receipt in my hand. Not only am I debt free, I have a $10,000 cash deposit in my account.
Mr. Jacobs said he wanted to make sure I never went without cable again. Since he couldn’t pre-pay for a lifetime of cable, the money was deposited into my account to cover a lifetime of Dateline—reruns and all.
It’s not just the money, but the fact that we knew those little things about each other. That’s one thing I’m going to miss the most: always feeling like I had someone in my corner.
Even though I grew up in Mason Creek, I always felt a little bit like an outsider, and I think that’s why I liked Mr. Jacobs so much. He gave me a place to belong. Free of judgment.
And now, he’s given me a gift bigger than I could have ever imagined.
The barn is more than wood and beams. It’s an opportunity. One I intend to take full advantage of—right after I enjoy another new perk of my financial status.
Coffee. Not just any coffee. Coffee I can afford without having to push back a utility bill.
Blinking back tears, I step into Java Jitters and pull myself together. It feels so good to know I’m gonna buy my first guilt-free cup of coffee and raspberry lemon tart.
Apparently, Hazel and Hattie have made up. They’re sitting by their normal table, looking out the window, chatting like nothing happened.Some things never change.
I try to conceal my smile and look away, almost embarrassed at my level of happiness—another perk of not being broke and stressed out I guess.
The line is long, but thankfully it’s going fast. My anticipation builds the closer I get to Jessie, the owner working the counter.
“Welcome to Java Jitters! How may I help—” Jessie glances up. “Hey, Beth. I almost didn’t recognize you all dressed up and looking sophisticated.” She twirls her finger at me. “Fairy Godmother pay you a visit?”
“Ha! I guess you can say that. I have a meeting today.”
“Let’s get you on your way then.” Jessie points to the pot brewing behind her. “The dark roast is brewing, but—” she winces, “—I’ve got some bad news. I’m out of tarts.”
“No—no way!” I stand on my tiptoes to get a better look behind the counter.
I glance up at the clock, wondering if it’s later than I thought. How can they be out of them this early? I’ve never had a problem snagging a tart at this time.
“You literally just opened an hour ago.”
“I’m sorry.” Jessie points over to the table where none other than Dusty Jacobs stands, passing out a box of my tarts to the Mason Creek Ladies Auxiliary! “He bought them all.”
“Of course he did.”
“I’m sure Joy has some more at the bakery,” Jessie suggests, knowing the Sweet Spot probably has a rackful.
“I don’t have time. I have to be at the bank,” I whine. My sunny day is now sporting a raincloud.
“Oh? For your meeting?” Jessie raises her brows. “Anything good?”
I’m careful not to say too much since there are prying eyes and sassy, gossiping ears perked up, waiting for the next scoop to publish.
“I hope so.” I cross my fingers.
Jessie does the same as the barista hands her my cup. “Here’s your coffee just the way you like it.”
“Thanks.” I lay a couple dollars down on the counter.
“Nope. It’s on—”
“Jessie, I’m not going to let you buy my coffee.”