“Well now, you’ll need to fill out an application. I’ve got others interested.”
“See?” I say, irritated. “I knew there was a catch.”
“No catch.” He leans a little closer. “You’re my favorite by far, girly. I’m rootin’ for ya.”
I don’t know why, but that makes me laugh. Hard. “Vic,” I say after I’ve calmed down. “We need a place to live. Tayler’s boyfriend cheated on her, so she’s got to move out. I was living in a basement with a spider the size of my fist.” I hold my fist up for reference. “This is the best place we’ve seen. We need an answer now.”
“My goodness, you do remind me of my beloved Mary.”
“Your wife?”
“Pitbull. She’s the love of my life.”
I start to giggle again just as Tayler steps back into the room. “We’ll take it.”
Oh God. My giggle turns into full-on laughter with tears. I swear I’m about to pee myself. Once I get myself under control, I look him in the eye. “Vic. Please?”
“Tell you what,” he says, scratching his scruffy face. “If everything checks out on your applications, it’s yours. It’ll take me a day or so. Then I’ve got to paint and clean.”
“We’ll do that,” I say suddenly. I know Tayler only has a couple of days left on her lease.
Tayler nods. “Yeah. We’ll paint and clean.”
“Interesting.” Vic scratches his chin again. “I’ll let you know tomorrow. Is that good enough?”
“Yes!” we say at the same time.
We follow Vic down to his home and office. Waiting in his gorgeous kitchen with granite countertops and stainless steel appliances, I stare at Tayler, whispering. “Can you believe this place?”
She shakes her head.
I’m about to say more when I see a dog the size of a small horse run right for me. I quickly push my legs out into a wide stance, anticipating the force of the dog. When she gets to me, though, she stops suddenly, sits down, and wiggles her tail, all the while looking up at me.
“You must be Mary,” I say, petting her head. Scratching behind her ears, I add, “You’re a good girl, aren’t you, love? Such a good girl.” Her head moves with my hand, seeking more rubs and scratches. I move down to one knee, the good one. “Oh, you’re such a pretty girl, Mary.” When she leans up and licks my face, I laugh and hug her. “I see what Vic sees in you, girl. I think I love you too.”
“You’re in.” Vic’s voice sounds sort of scratchy. “She’s n-never done that before.” He clears his throat. “She’s a rescue. Abused somethin’ terrible. She’s scared of everyone.” He sniffles. “But not you, spitfire. She loves you. And in my book, dogs read people way better than humans. You’re in. I’ll have the paint and supplies up there for you tomorrow. First and last month’s rent before I give you a key. You can move in tomorrow.”
I’m staring at Vic while still petting Mary. Looking down at her again, I say, “Did you hear that, girl? We’re going to be neighbors.” Mary barks, and I laugh. Standing up, I reach out to shake Vic’s hand. “Thanks, Vic.”
“My pleasure, spitfire.”
I follow Tayler out of the apartment and down the hallway. When we get to the car, Tayler turns to me. Smirking, she says, “Who are you?”
“What do you mean? I’m me.”
“You’re much more than that.”
I’m not sure what she means, but that’s okay. “We have a home,” I squeak. “Not just any home either. It’s the coolest place I’ve ever seen. I can’t wait to decorate.”
“Which reminds me. We’re going to need help moving. I doubt you and I will be able to move furniture up those stairs, especially with your boot.”
“My boot can come off any time. I’m just nervous about it.” I roll my eyes because I know I’m being a wimp. “I could call the rugby guys.” They owe me, sort of.
“Perfect. I’ll also ask Luke if he knows anyone.”
“Luke?” I arch my brow. “I thought….” Well, since I haven’t been back to work yet, I guess I’m out of the Luke loop.
“We’re friends. Nothing more. He’s still petrified of commitment. We talk. That’s all.”
