“Yeah, he came home from work early one day and found them in the bedroom. She didn’t even apologize, just yelled at him for not texting first.”
“That’s…” There’s not a single word I can think of that would encapsulate that situation. I put down theLEGOpieces I’m holding, suddenly unconcerned with cleanup.
“Yeah, it’s pretty fucked up,” Russ says, not at such a loss. “To make matters worse, she hired some hotshot divorce attorney and took him for everything he had.”
“But she’s the one who cheated.”
“It’s a long story. Anyway, she got the house and most of the money. Chase was holding up, but then his company downsized…” Russ trails off because we both know how it ends. In the current economy, the story has become a common refrain.
“That’s terrible. How can I help?” I’m still not sure how any of this involves me. Nick senses my discomfort—or decides it’s time for his attention—and crawls into my lap, purring as he adjusts to the perfect position.
“Okay, so you can say no, but I was hoping he could stay with you.”
“Here?” My voice cracks. “In Sleighbell Springs?” It’s not exactly a priority destination. Well, unless someone’s looking for the kind of place that leaves Christmas trees up all year long and has never met a pun they didn’t like.
“Yeah. He needs a big change. And a place to stay. I was hoping you had room.”
Russ knows I have space. He’s been on the receiving end of many frustrated phone calls while I’ve been remodeling the shop’s second floor into a short-term rental.
Very slowly, I might add. With my limited funds and even more limited skills, it’s taken nearly a year. It’s nearly complete, with only a few little touches to go before I put it on the market. Tannenbaum Tales, my book shop, has been doing well, but a little extra income would give me a buffer. Plus, once the Christmas season rolls around, there are always tourists and seasonal workers looking for somewhere to stay. A cozy studio in the heart of town will be easy to market, especially for a fellow booklover.
That’s five months away, so having him here in the short-term won’t hurt anything. Other than my self-confidence, that is.
“Please? I know it’s a lot to ask, but—” I cut him off.
“It’s not. You know I’d do anything for your family.” Nick glares up at me. Probably because he knows this is a bad idea. It’s one thing to harbor a crush on someone from a distance. It’s quite another to have them in close quarters. “Of course, he can have the shop’s second story.”
Second story. I stand up quickly, pushing Nick back onto the floor, and immediately get lightheaded. It takes a few moments of grasping the counter to steady myself and make the lights stop dancing in front of my eyes. I reach for my notepad and pen. The Second Story would make the perfect name to list the studio under on the rental sites.
“It’s not too much? He can’t pay rent. Not right now.”
“Nah, it’s not ready for renters anyway. You don’t think he’ll mind that it’s a bit bare bones?”
“I think right now, all he cares about is getting away from Charlotte for a while. And me. His living with me has been toughon both of us.” There’s more to that story than Russ is giving me, but I decide not to push. Not tonight, anyway. I’ll get the story out of him eventually.
“Give him my number. He can text me to work out the details for his arrival.”
“Will do. Thanks, Nix. You’re a lifesaver.”
“Maybe having your best friend and brother in the same place will finally get you to come visit.” Two years and he hasn’t made it out once. Maybe we can finally change that.
“Yeah, school break is coming up soon, so maybe I can pull it off.”
I roll my eyes. I’ve heard that before. “Well, you can stay with…Nick, stop it.” The tuxedo cat stares up at me with his big yellow eyes, as though I didn’t catch him clawing at one of the shop’s armchairs.Again. People like to relax and enjoy a few minutes of reading, preferably in a chair that isn’t shredded to smithereens.
“Hey, I gotta go, but thanks. I owe you one.”
“Don’t worry about it. Love you.”
“Love you.”
I stand in the middle of my store, staring out the front window. Chase “The Cannon” Haywood is coming to stay with me.
In Sleighbell Springs.
CHASE
“No. Absolutely not.”