Best Friend Next Door (Love Next Door Book 2) *Rough Draft*

Chapter 8

The rush of air conditioning was always a welcomed feeling. She basked in in a moment and spotted Mr. Abe's office door was closed. She started walking but heard the sound of his voice, she'd could only hear his side of the conversation so she knew it was safe to assume that he was on the phone.

"No, I'm just surprised that's all." There was heavy concern in his voice, "My only plan was to secure a future for the kids, that's all I ever worried about."

She knew she should have just walked away and had a seat but her legs wouldn't move. She planted her feet and listened. She could barely hear the floor boards shift as if he was pacing. "This is just a little hard for me to swallow, is all."She heard a sigh and then a harsh chuckle. "No that's the last thing I need to do is tell my fiancee, at least not yet anyway." Melanie's hand covered her mouth, "I just don't want her to take it the wrong way." She grit her teeth, "I know...I know she'll love me richer or poorer, but this is way to the extreme." He chuckled, "You don't know Val, Andy. She thought I was some mob boss this will put her through the roof." "Yes, I'll figure out something. Don't worry about me." He laughed, "You take care of yours and congratulations on that baby."

Shit! She thought Was Mr. Abe going broke? How was he going to pay for the wedding? You damn right Val was going to flip. The question was should she confront Mr. Abe, or tell Val, or just stay the hell out of it. She took a breath and reached for the door but it few open. Mr. Abe's dark eyes met hers and she felt like an animal caught in front of a car.

"Hi, Mr. Abe." She forced a smile.

He gave her his normal trademark charming smile as if the conversation didn't happen."Mel, good to see you." He slipped over to his key wall, and Melanie looked around the office at the family pictures some even with herself. Even one with her and Mr. Abe backstage at her first show. His arm draped over her fatherly. Her heart tensed, and she almost felt the urge to cry. He noticed the car keys dangling over her face and took them from Mr. Abe, "You're up and running, sweetpea."

Her heart warmed. "Thanks Mr. Abe. I really think I should pay you for repairs at least something. I feel kind of bad."

He chuckled, "Don't be ridiculous, I could never accept your money. You're like a daughter to me. Just the peace of mind of know you can get to where you need to go safely and being able to see your smile every so often is payment enough."

Her eyes fell to her chipped pink and purple manicure, but without a job, she couldn't think about. Mr. Abe wrapped his arms around her and she leaned her head into him. She loved his smell and his warmth. If she didn't hate Vincentville so much she'd stay just for Mr. Abe. There was just something about him that felt like home.

"So what are you getting into today?" He looked down at her with a smile.

"On my way to talk to Val about the wedding." She accidentally blurted like he needed more to stress about.

"Let me know when you come up with a budget."

Her heart tightened, "Mr. Abe, I don't want to put you in debt with this wedding."

He chuckled, "All I care about is my Valerie."

"But you make her happy. You shouldn't feel like you have to buy her love.

"I'd like to think I have her love, no cost is ever too much if it means making my girls smile."

"Well if it helps I'll smile for free." She clinched her teeth and giggled. 

He chuckled again, "I really missed you, Melanie. You should visit more often." He kissed her temple and walked passed her. "What ever the cost just let me know." He said on his way out.