Nick cursed under his breath.
“Oh?” Mandy looked at him. “I see. No. Yes. Of course, I understand. I’m so sorry to hear about Shelley. Yes. I will. I’ll see you later.” She disconnected the line and stared at her phone for a moment, then turned to him. “I’m sorry, Nick. I think I’m going to have to get a few more quotes. You know what it’s like being married to a lawyer.” She shrugged. “Have to dot all those i’s and cross those t’s.”
“Of course, I understand,” he said, knowing that the deal was lost.
“I’m really sorry.” She ushered them toward the door. “I do hope we’ll be able to get lunch,” she said to Gillian, but her tone made it clear she was just being polite. As soon as they stepped onto the porch, the door closed abruptly behind them.
“What was that?” Gillian asked, looking confused.
“The sound of my business dying.”
“I don’t understand. She was fine until she got that phone call. Who was on the phone?”
“Belinda Reaves.”
“Never heard of her. What does she have to do with you?”
He sighed and ran a hand over his face. “It’s a long story.” And one he wasn’t sure he was ready to share.
She wheeled herself toward the drive. “Well, then I guess you better get started with it.”