Offering a comforting smile, Eve gently stroked her thumb across Lola’s cheek, catching the single tear before it had the opportunity to ruin her friend’s flawless complexion.   Her attempt at using humor to lighten the situation failed miserably, but the real surprise came as Lola explained the predicament she had found herself in.   Standing as still as a statue, Eve couldn’t keep the shock from her expression as she looked upon Lola with wide, fearful eyes. Her painted lips hung slightly open upon taking in a sharp gasp of stolen air, only to let it rush out in a stream, leaving her breathless.<br/><br/>Lola’s words washed over her, stinging her with each syllable. King had bought the land? Could he do that? What did that mean for Lola’s? What did it mean for her?  Eve had worked hard helping he friend make a success out of the saloon, partially because she felt indebted to Lola and partially because she had designs to take it over one day.  But with King holding a fourth Ace up his sleeve Eve’s very future now hung precariously in the balance.<br/><br/><strong>”What does this mean for us Lola?”</strong>Eve asked. Her words cut from her tongue in a gravelly whisper, delivered wrapped in thick layer of fear. Her mind went wild with possible alternatives, each one more depressing than the last.  The only silver lining was the nice nest egg she had built up over the years. Eve’s expression warmed as an idea began to form, what if she offered that nest egg to Lola? Could they buy the land back from King? Would he even entertain such a deal? Perhaps, if he had enough incentive to go along with it King just might be willing to play nice.<strong>”I’ve got….”</strong>Eve began strong only to find  her words sticking to her tongue. It was harder than she had thought to give up years of security. No matter, Lola had left without Eve ever noticing, so for now the idea would remain mute.<br/><br/>Hugging her arms to her chest Eve felt a sudden chill in the air as a wicked shiver ran along her spine. Added to the whispers that flooded the animated saloon, Eve knew, without a doubt, that Desmond King had descended onto the main floor. She didn’t dare turn around, instead she moved slowly towards Lola. As she passed the handsome cowboy she had promised to return to, Eve was once more scooped into his arms, any notion of finding her friend would have to wait...business, after all was business. Lola’s wasn’t under Kings steely hold as of yet, and if she had anything to do with it, never would it be. So for now Eve vowed to take care of things until Lola's return, she wouldn't turn her back on the saloon nor would he abandon the best friend she had the greatest fortune to ever meet. They would get through this, they had to!  Both she and Lola had worked too long and too hard to let it be stolen by the likes of the despicable, Desmond King!<br/><br/>