“We got so much accomplished today. I couldn’t have done it without you,” Cleo tells me.
“Of course. It was nice getting out of the house for a while.”
“And child-free,” Cleo teases as she bumps her shoulder into mine.
“I love my daughter, but it’s healthy to spend some time away from each other. Spending time with adults and having actual conversations is good for the soul.”
We step into the elevator, and I hit the button for the floor we need.
“I never thought of that,” Cleo says as she leans against the railing. “Why are we coming here again?”
I smile and roll my eyes. “When Tristano was in town, he took it as his personal mission to turn Declan’s apartment into a home. He bought him bedding, made sure he had a full set of dishes, and bought him plants.”
“I’ve never met Tristano, but I’ve heard he’s a character.” Cleo laughs.
“You have no idea. Anyway, when he was talking to Callum about business, he asked him if I could stop by and water the plant. He’s worried that Declan will kill it.”
“Why didn’t he just buy a fake one then?”
The elevator comes to a stop, and the doors open.
As we step out, I tell her, “Callum asked the same thing. Tristano told him that a plastic plant wouldn’t fit the aesthetic he was going for.”
We come to a stop in front of the door, and I open my purse, instantly finding the key and letting us both in.
“Man, no wonder Tristano helped him out. This place is sparse,” Cleo says as she looks around. “Surely my brother pays him enough to fully furnish this place.”
“It’s not our place to judge,” I say over my shoulder as I head into the kitchen.
There is an empty glass drying on a rack.
Perfect.
I grab the glass and fill it with water.
“Although I will admit it is a little sparse.”
Cleo taps her finger against her chin. “Maybe after the craziness of the holidays, we should come in here and put some photos on the walls or something. I wonder if Kado’s place looks like this too.”
“I’m sure you could ask him, and he would tell you, but I’m not invading anyone’s home and forcing something onto them that they don’t want.”
Cleo sighs. “You’re right.”
It only takes me a few moments to water the plant and put the glass back.
“Is that it?” Cleo asks as I walk back toward her.
“Yep. Now we can head home.”
“Awesome, I want to be there before they start delivering everything.”
As we step out of the apartment, the door across the hall opens, and a woman steps out. She pauses when she sees us, and a frown covers her face as she looks between us and Declan’s place.
“Who are you?” she demands.
I feel Cleo tense next to me, and I place my hand on her arm. I can tell from her aura she doesn’t mean us any harm. She’s just looking out for her neighbor.
“We’re friends of Declan’s.”
