“Messy stuff?”
“Yeah, you know.Feelings and shit.”
“I think she means the expectations and boundaries would be clear,” Gwen clarified.
“That’s what I said.”
“It’s a good idea,” Chloe said, “messy stuff aside.”
“Then what’s the problem?”
“I still can’t afford it.”
“You haven’t even seen his rates yet,” Bailey protested.
“Well, unless he charges the state minimum wage, it’s a safe bet.”Chloe reluctantly handed the phone back.“Besides, I’d have to pay for two, and Ireallycan’t afford that.”
“We’ll cover it.”
Chloe stared at Bailey.“What?”
“We’ll cover it,” Bailey repeated.“Gwen and I.”
“You can’t afford it either,” Chloe protested, then paused.“Can you?”
Bailey shrugged.“I’ve got some money socked away for a rainy day.”
“So do I,” Gwen put in.“Besides, I won’t have a rent payment soon.”
Chloe perked up.“You’re taking the job?”
“Of course I’m taking the job.I’d be silly not to.”
Chloe leapt up and flung herself across the sofa to smother Gwen in a hug.“We’re going to be neighbors again!”
“Don’t spill my coffee!”Gwen cautioned, holding the to-go cup aloft.
“Mycoffee,” Bailey reminded her sourly.
“Get over it,” Gwen advised.
“Can we get back to the topic at hand?”Bailey demanded.
Chloe sat back on the sofa with a wince and reached for the hook on her bra.“This fucking thing.I’m not taking your money.”
“What else am I going to spend it on?”Bailey wanted to know, and batted the bra away when Chloe flung it at her.“I have everything I need.”
“I was saving up for a deposit and first month’s rent on my own place.”Gwen sucked down the last of Bailey’s coffee.“I don’t need that anymore, so you might as well take it.”
“I’d never be able to pay you back,” Chloe protested.
“It’s a gift,” Bailey told her.“A birthday gift.”
Chloe shook her head.“I couldn’t.”
“You can.”
“I shouldn’t.”
