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“I didn’t tell Logan. The little jackass was eavesdropping.” Dad sighs heavily. “Courtney came by the house on Saturday after your conversation. She asked me for a loan, but she wouldn’t tell me what it was for, so I said no.”

Saturday.

She went to my parents’ house after standing in front of me and begging for another chance with Aspen.

“How much did she ask for?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“Thirty thousand.”

“Jesus fucking Christ.”

“I wasn’t handing over that kind of money without an explanation,” Dad says firmly.

“Good.” I drag a hand over my jaw.

“You’re my son, Dean. I’m not going behind your back to finance whatever she’s gotten herself into.”

Some of the tension leaves my shoulders. “Thanks, Dad.”

“You going to talk to her?” he asks.

“Yeah.”

“Try not to get arrested.”

“No promises.”

Dad releases a long-suffering sigh. “That’s reassuring.”

I hang up and shove my phone into my pocket.

“Knox, I’m heading out,” I call toward the back of the shop.

He takes one look at my face and doesn’t ask any questions.

Good.

Because this conversation can’t wait until this afternoon.

* * *

I take the narrow stairs beside Coast Café two at a time and bang on the door to the apartment Courtney is renting above it.

Now isn’t the time for niceties.

She opens the door, her brows pulling together. “Dean, what—”

“Why do you need thirty thousand dollars?” I demand.

The color drains from her face. “I—”

“Did you forget the part where you went to my parents’ house and asked my dad for money after begging me to give you a chance with Aspen?”

Courtney glances toward the hallway before stepping aside. “Keep your voice down.”

I walk into the apartment but don’t move farther than the small entryway.

“I’m here for Aspen,” she says, closing the door behind me.