Page 8 of I'll Keep Her Safe
“He won’t charge you rent,” she adds, and the heat in my face intensifies.
“I would never stay there for free.”
Bailey shrugs. “He won’t take your money.”
“There’s no way I would be comfortable freeloading off your dad.” Even at our place here I paidsomethingtoward the rent and utilities, despite losing most of my cash to Kurt. I also cooked for everyone as often as I could and kept the place clean. Dean has been extremely generous, but I’ve contributed however I can.
“I understand.” Bailey grins. “Then you’ll just have to cook for him. He’ll be busy over summer so would probably appreciate that. Saves him eating takeout all the time.” She’s quiet for a moment, her grin fading as she adds quietly, “At least I know you’ll be safe at Dad’s.”
I huff a laugh. “You don’t have to worry about me, B. I’m fine.” Honestly, Bailey is way too protective when it comes to Kurt. Things haven’t been an issue for months now.
“Poppy.” Her tone turns heavy and serious. “I need to know you won’t end up in a bad situation because I’m leaving. I need to know you’ll be okay.”
I gaze into the concerned eyes of my best friend, softening. She has this exciting new job opportunity on the other side of the country, and instead of celebrating, she’s worrying about me.
“Promise me you’ll stay in my room at Dad’s,” she presses. “I won’t leave unless I know you’re going to be okay.”
I blow out a long breath. I want my friend to stop focusing on me and enjoy this moment. Besides, what are my options? New Jersey with a stranger, or Brooklyn with a man I’ve actually met? It might be a little humiliating, but that’s a small price to pay. It will give me the chance to launch the business and save some money to get back on my feet, then I can move into an apartment I actually like, with someone I trust. As much as it hurts my pride, this is the better choice.
And it will mean Bailey can go to San Francisco to start her new job without worrying. She deserves that after all she and Dean have done for me. I don’t want her fresh start to be ruined because she’s too busy thinking about me.
“Fine,” I mumble. “As long as you’resurehe doesn’t mind. Because otherwise—”
“He doesn’t mind.” She tugs me into a tight hug, and I squeeze her back. There’s no denying the relief I feel at knowing I won’t be homeless, even if this isn’t ideal. I can tell by the way Bailey squeezes me that she’s relieved too, and really, that’s what matters.
“Now.” I smile at my friend as we part, glad we can put this behind us. “It must be time to celebrate.”
Two days later,I load my bags and a few boxes into the back of a cab. Mr. Mathers apparently offered to come get my stuff in his truck, but I couldn’t let him do that. He’s already doing enough.
Besides, I don’t have much. Bailey’s room in Brooklyn is already furnished, and Dean owns all the furniture I was using here. All I have are clothes, pillows, a small rug, some books, and a few knick-knacks. It’s surprising how little I actually own, I realize, as it only takes me three trips down the stairs to the cab, and I try not to see it as a sign of how little I’ve come since leaving home.
“Are you sure you don’t want me to come with you?” Bailey asks as I open the back door of the cab. The plan is for me to unpack this afternoon, then she’ll come over this evening to hang with me and her dad. That won’t be awkward at all.
“No, it’s fine. I’ll see you later.”
She sighs, pulling me into another fierce hug. It’s been nothing but hugs since she announced she was leaving, but I don’t mind. At least I know she’s going to miss me as much as I’ll miss her.
“And you’ve still got loads of packing to do,” I remind her.
“Yeah.” The movers are coming first thing tomorrow. Then she’s on a flight at 10 a.m. I still can’t quite believe it.
I take a deep breath, gazing up at the building I’ve called home over the past year. I came here in a bad state, and Bailey and Dean let me take all the time I needed to heal, to find my strength again. They sheltered me from Kurt, who admittedly wasn’t always reasonable, and they made me feel safe.
But it’s time to move on.
“Oh, good. You haven’t left.” Dean appears on the stoop behind Bailey, grinning as he approaches. “It’s going to be weird without you around.”
I laugh, shoving him playfully in the arm. “Whatever. You’ll be glad to have some time alone.” Dean’s been like a brother to me over the past year, and I’ll miss him. He’s second-generation Korean American, absolutely hilarious, and truly one of the most generous people I’ve met.
He laughs kindly, slinging an arm over Bailey’s shoulder. “Nah. We’re going to miss you, Pops.”
I stare at my friend and her boyfriend, my chest tight. “I don’t know how to thank you guys. If it wasn’t for you…”
“I know.” Bailey pulls me in for another firm hug, and this time Dean joins in. “We love you.”
“I love you guys too. Thank you for everything.”
“Anytime,” Dean adds, squeezing us both.
