She jumped, slapping a hand to her chest.
“Sorry for yelling,” Samiah said. “But being polite wasn’t getting me anywhere.”
“Sorry.” Taylor grimaced. “I’ve kinda been holding all of that in for a while.”
“Yeah, I could tell. You do realize this isn’t some competition, right?” She took Taylor’s hand in hers. “Your decision to go back to school shouldn’t be about competing with anyone else. You have to do it because you believe it’s what’s best for you.” Samiah pointed to her chest. “I’m ready to cheer you on, Taylor, but only if this is what you really want.”
“You will never hear me say that I actuallywantto go to school,” Taylor said. “But I want the things that having a degree will provide. I guess I have to decide if I’m willing to do what it takes to make that happen.”
Samiah waved her fists in the air. “This is me with my pom-poms.”
Taylor sensed her old fears and uncertainties creeping up on her, but she couldn’t deny the other feeling that began to take root. For once, the terrifying panic she experienced at the thought of going back to school had legitimate competition: hope.
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
As she hoisted her foot up another step, Taylor was grateful she’d thought to watch those YouTube videos about climbing stairs with crutches. She was an asshole for ever taking for granted her ability to walk up this one flight unassisted. She’d never do it again.
But it was worth this arduous effort for the chance to sleep in her own bed. She missed her little postage stamp of an apartment.
Okay, so she would give up this apartment in a hot minute to live in Samiah’s gorgeous high-rise condo, but there was something to be said for having your own space and not feeling like a freeloader. And even though Samiah hadn’t said anything, after five days at her friend’s place, Taylor felt as if she was on the verge of outstaying her welcome.
Especially after Daniel unexpectedly returned home early from a job out of town. She refused to stick around and listen to sex noises coming from Samiah’s bedroom. Or, even worse, prevent Samiah from being able to make any sex noises because she felt uncomfortable getting busy with her cute boyfriend while a houseguest slept in the next room.
When she finally made it to the landing, Taylor noticed a slip of paper hanging from the clip next to the door where the property manager left notes for residents. She unfolded the flyer and had to struggle not to lose the breakfast taco she’d picked up on the way home.
YOU MUST VACATE BY TOMORROWwas printed in bold and all caps across the top.
“What the hell? I paid the rent!” Taylor screeched.
But as she read further, she realized this wasn’t an eviction notice. Disbelief rendered her motionless.
Toxic mold had been discovered in the HVAC systems of several buildings in the complex, including hers. By order of the county health department, all affected buildings were required to be treated. Residents must vacate their apartments for the next three weeks.
“You mean I paid rent only to have to leave this damn apartment anyway?”
According to the note, the property management company would provide a stipend to cover the cost of living at a nearby hotel. At least she would have a place to stay, but still . . .
She entered the apartment and made her way to the sofa. Moments after she sat, there was a knock at the door.
“Shit,” Taylor hissed underneath her breath. “One minute.”
She used a single crutch to make her way to the door. She opened it to find her downstairs neighbor, Rob, holding a foil cake pan wrapped in cellophane.
“I figured it was time I returned the favor,” he said. “It’s store-bought, but still pretty good.”
“Aw, Rob, thank you,” Taylor said. A store-bought cake wouldn’t give her the satisfaction of baking from scratch, but she appreciated the gesture.
“Did you hear about the mold?” Rob asked.
“Yeah, there was a note waiting for me when I got here. I guess I’ll see you in three weeks,” she said.
Rob brought the cake into the kitchen for her before leaving. Taylor was tempted to serve up a huge chunk but eating her feelings would do her no good right now. She had to figure out what to do about her sudden homeless state.
When she returned to the sofa, her phone chimed with a FaceTime call from Jamar.
“Hey,” she answered with a heavy sigh.
“Damn. Did you get a dog and have it die on you while I wasn’t looking?”
