Page 62 of All the Ugly Things
“You have openings?”
“Off the top of my head, I know we have two bedrooms, one with an additional den. If you have multiple children, I would have to double check on three bedrooms.”
“Too expensive, but a den?” Her eyes glazed over and she glanced back to her apartment. “My kids could have their own room.”
The undeniable love for a mother brightened her face before she shook her head and wiped it away. “That’s too much. I can’t.”
“You can.” Before she could argue, I went on. “I’m beginning to understand you were there the other night when Lilly needed help and you waded in. For that, whatever you need from me to give your kids the best opportunity I give to you as a thank you. The apartments come furnished for the residents being displaced here, but if you don’t need it, we can move it out. Rent will be the same, I’ll ensure it.”
She glanced at Lilly. “It’s kind of you to think of me.”
Lilly blushed, as if she wasn’t used to compliments and that familiar rage I felt at the reminder she probably wasn’t, hit me. She fidgeted with the sleeve of her shirt and looked to her feet. “It was kind of you… what you did for me. I owe you.”
“You owe me nothing. Anyone would do the same.”
“No.” Lilly’s head snapped up. With conviction in her tone, she stated, “Anyonewouldn’t.”
She spoke so fiercely, so knowingly, that tightness in my chest threatened to erupt. Apparently, Samaya felt the same because her chin wobbled and she gave an understanding nod. “I’ll need time to think.”
I pulled out my wallet and handed over a business card. “My cell is on here, and with the information you received earlier so is Valor’s contact information, but if you need anything or have questions, or need help getting out of another lease you may have already signed, please call.”
“Thank you.” From inside her apartment, an unhappy scream blared followed by a little girl shrieking, “I will hit you!”
Samaya smiled. “Girls. Those who say boys are hell-raisers have never met twin girls. I will let you know,” she said to Lilly and to me, her kindness turned hard. “I’ll let you know either way.”
“Enjoy your day.”
“Thank you,” Lilly said, with all the emotion of someone grateful.
Samaya disappeared behind the door and Lilly turned pleading eyes to me. “Do you think she’ll take it?”
“She seems like a woman determined to make life good for her kids on her own, so to be honest, it could go either way.”
“Of course.” Disappointment pulled down her expression. “We should go. I’ll still need sleep before my shift at Judith’s.”
* * *
Seat buckledand ready to pull out, Lilly clung to the door handle like she was ready to jump out at the first possible moment.
“You okay?” My hand hovered over the gearshift. “You’re tense.”
“I’m fine.” She twisted in my direction and settled in her seat to look calmer. The white-knuckled grip on the door belied her other actions or her words. “I don’t get in cars much anymore. Does that sound stupid?”
“No.” My teeth ground together. Of course she didn’t. “I’ll be safe and it’s only a few miles.”
“It’s only a couple of blocks from Valor Holdings, right?”
“Yes.”
I gave her a minute and when she relaxed marginally in the seat, I slowly pulled out onto the street.
Her hand tightened on the door handle.
“You okay?” I asked.
“Yup.” It was a lie, but there wasn’t much else I could do, so I made sure I drove slower and more cautious than normal.
After a few blocks, she said, “If I take a job there, I’ll live close to work.”
