“Sometimes we need what we need,” he said simply. “And you’d had a bad day.”
“I had,” she mused, then added, “Your mom—your parents—would be so proud of you. You know that right?”
He’d stared at the puzzle, unseeing and lost to the montage of images blasting through his mind, but at her words he looked at her.
She canted her head to one side as she regarded him.
“Why do you look so surprised? They wouldlovethat you did what you needed to do, not only to take care of yourself but also to look out for your family. You knew that being split up would be horrific for all of you, and you did your part to prevent it from happening. Iknowthey’d be proud of you.I’mproud of you even though we’ve just met. That’s an amazing origin story.”
He didn’t realize how much such simple words could impact him. A surge of pride filled him, fueled his blood. Made him uncomfortable. “We do what we have to do. So did you,” he said, changing the subject off him and back onto her. “So what’s it going to be? What’s your next step? Any ideas yet?”
She lifted her feet to the edge of the cushion and wrapped her arms around her legs.
“Well, I need a hidey-hole and a home, so I guess those are the main goals. Otherwise I may be forced to stay here and then go home with you,” she said, as though doing so were threats.
His brain immediately searched for a solution—and found one. “I may be able to help you with one of those things.”
She stilled, looking almost afraid to hope. “For real?”
He rose and grabbed his phone from the kitchen island, shooting off a text message to his brother Dawson to inquire about the rental property Dawson owned next door to the home he shared with his wife, Sophia. Just as quickly Dawson responded.
It’ll be open and move-in ready the Monday after Easter. You have someone in mind? I’ve had several inquiries but the last app didn’t pass background checks.
Dawson went on to list the rent and other amenities which Elias read aloud to Quinley. Elias added the street and area where it was located.
“I’ll take it,” she said, without a hint of reservation.
“You’re sure? You haven’t even seen pictures of it.”
“It doesn’t matter. I need something fast, want to know my landlord isn’t a jerk or a creeper, and that works. I’ll take it.”
Elias relayed the message and promised his brother that his new renter was reliable.
This wouldn’t happen to be the woman all over the news? The one you took off with?
Is that a problem?
There was a brief lull in conversation before the three dots appeared.
Security could be an issue.
And with it being right next to Dawson’s own home, that would be a problem for him.
But it made Elias feel a little better to know his brother would be there at night in case there was trouble after her ex eventually pulled the guards.
She’s releasing a statement soon. Hopefully things will blow over by the time she moves in. All good?
Another lull. But then Dawson was an overthinker like himself, so it was expected.
Yeah. She can rent it. I’ll send the contract to your email for esig, and we’ll go from there.
You still coming to Easter dinner? Eat @ 3
Elias winced. Between his food issues and the unknown that awaited him when he got back, he wasn’t keen on making hard plans. Toss in the many questions he knew he’d face from his family and dread filled him.
Will do my best.
He left things at that and looked at Quinley, waving the phone in triumph. “One down.”
