Read Online Humbled by Patricia Haley - Free Book Online

came around the corner again. His defeat was consuming him. In the presence of anyone else, he’d have mustered up a facade and pretended everything was fine. Thank goodness for Sheba. He didn’t have to present a certain image or coddle her. He grabbed her hand as she plopped down on the floor next to him.
    â€œThat bad, huh?”
    He nodded yes.
    â€œCan I help?”
    He shook his head no.
    She laid her head on his shoulder. “It’s not as dire as you think. You’re a smart man who’s successful at anything you set your mind to do.”
    Her words blanketed him like a warm covering on a cold winter’s night. “Have I told you lately how much you mean to me?”
    â€œYou have, and the feeling is mutual.”
    â€œNo, listen. I’m serious,” he said, turning to face her. “You have been a rock for me during the craziest time in my life. And not for one second have you judged me or beaten me down for the really dumb decisions I’ve made.”
    Sheba patted his hand. “Why would I beat you down? I believe in you. I always have, and you know this.”
    â€œI do, and your faith has been with me through hell.”
    â€œYou’d do the same for me,” she told him. They embraced briefly. “Now that we’ve had our mushy session, how can I help? I guess your appeal to the venture capitalist didn’t end as you’d hoped.”
    â€œSure didn’t,” he said. “This is crazy. I’m too tainted. Even the venture capitalist claimed I am too much of a risk. Can you believe it? I’m damaged goods, Sheba,” he said, smirking.
    â€œNo, you’re not, Mr. Joel Mitchell.” She braced her hands on the floor to get up.
    â€œWhere are you going?”
    â€œTo get my checkbook.”
    â€œNo, you’re not,” he said, getting up and helping her up too.
    â€œYes, I am, and you can’t stop me. How much were you asking from the investor?”
    â€œI’m not telling you.”
    â€œFine. Then I’ll write a check for twenty-five million or have it wired to your account. I can give you another ten if you need more.”
    Joel grabbed Sheba around the waist. “Seriously, thank you from the bottom of my heart, but no.” His voice was firm as his dignity kicked in. “Your friendship is the only gift I’m going to receive from you. No money, please. Let me do this my way.”
    He could tell she was determined to help. He greatly appreciated her support, but dragging her into his pit of financial chaos wasn’t an option. He valued and respected Sheba far too much to put her in a risky situation. He’d rather go without the seed money than to take it from his confidant. He’d accepted money from her once before, and the deal had gone badly. He had vowed never to do it again, regardless of how anemic his finances were. He aimed to keep his vow. Fortunately, his pride had rescued him from accepting the funds. Now reality was setting in. He had limited money and no plan on how to make more.
    â€œWhat are you going to do?” Sheba asked as they strolled toward the living room, holding hands.
    He’d pursued one idea after another in recent weeks, each leading to the same dead end. “I’m not sure, but I can’t stay here.” He felt the tightening of her hand in his. “It’s time to go home and face the music.”
    â€œI’ll hate to see you go, but I understand.” This generated a smile from him.
    She always understood. “Do you remember when we met?” he said, letting affection season the conversation.
    â€œHow can I forget? We talked for hours.”
    â€œLong before I got married.” Sorrow was hovering over him, but he clung to the positive. “I have to admit, you were this spicy entrepreneur who kept me laughing. I’d never met a woman like you, and to this day, I haven’t met another one.”
    She had