“Stay here, I’m serious.” I’m firm in my decision. I have loved having Ellie and Fish here the past several weeks. “I mean we’ve basically been living together for like the last two months between me staying at your place and you staying here. You have a key to the apartment, Fish is settled here, most of your stuff is here anyway, we can grab whatever else you needfrom your storage unit.”
“You’re sure?” She gnaws on the inside of her lip; it’s her tell when she’s really thinking something over. “I don’t want to be a leech ya know, I want to contribute.”
“You do contribute; I’ve eaten more home cooked meals these two months than I had for the past couple of years. You’ve turned this drab apartment into a home. I actually want to hang out at home. You’ve done more than your fair share.” I smile at her, hell I really hope she agrees to this. I want her to stay, because realistically if she moves out then I have to move out with her and then I would have two properties on the market. That is not ideal.
What can I say? Apparently, I’m clingy.
“Okay, but if any time, you’re tired of me or Fish let me know and I will start looking for a new place.” She gives me a small smile.
“So, you’re staying?”
“I’m staying.”
I pull her close and kiss her.
Chapter 37
Elle
It’s a lazy Thursday evening, Archer is out with the guys and I’m enjoying the alone time with Fish. I have a sheet mask on, my hair is in heatless curls, and I’m letting my toenails dry from an impromptu pedicure. Fish is curled up on the couch next to me. My pumpkin candle is burning as the city lights twinkle in the distance through the floor to ceiling windows. I’m watching a Netflix movie that my students are constantly singing, I figured I would see what all the hype is about. I have to say. It is really good. The songs are amazing and it makes me want to start listening to more K-Pop.
I’m enjoying my evening when my phone begins to ring, I inwardly cringe. I would rather walk on hot coals than admit I accidentally left my phone on ring. I pick it up and realize why it’s ringing. My grandma wants to facetime.
I eagerly pick it up. My grandma is one of my favorite people. She lives in assisted living after she took one too many falls. She refused to move in with any of her children because she didn’t want to be a ‘burden’. I know I just saw her at the gender reveal but like I said she’s one of my favorite people and she doesn’t normally FaceTimeso this is a rare treat.
“Hi Gramma!”
“Sweetheart! Hi!” She beams; she looks great. Her white-blonde hair is stylishly cut into a bob, her glasses are perched on her nose. She’s in her favorite cable knit sweater and it looks like she’s relaxing outside, maybe in the community garden?
“What do I owe this pleasure?” I ask.
“Why I just want to check on you. Your mother said you and your siblings all got a nasty stomach bug from the party.”
I wince. I just hope the casualties were limited to us and not any of the fifty odd guests there were invited.
“I’m feeling much better, Archer nursed me back to health.”
“He’s such a good boy.” She pauses for a brief second before inquiring. “Is he there dear?”
I narrow my eyes at her through my phone screen. “Did you call to check on me, or to talk to Archer?”
“Well, I may have let it slip that you were dating Archer and then Vivienne from next door didn’t believe me so I told her I would call you up and prove that I am not the dirty liar that she keeps claiming me to be.”
“Is this the same Vivienne who claims you bribed the judges at last year’s baking contest when you won with your chocolate satin pie?”
“The very one in the same.” I hear Vivienne protest in the background. Sorry Vivienne, my loyalty lies with my grams.
“He’s not home right now, he’s out with his teammates doing team bonding. Which I think consists of pottery painting at Vi’s studio.”
Grandma beams at that. She loves Violet. “I’ll text him and see what time he is coming home.” I text Archer while keeping my grandma on the phone. “Maybe we could schedule a chat some time to help you clear your name.”
Elle: What time do you think you’ll be home?
Man Giant: We just finished glazing our pieces so Vi is going to fire them. What’s up?
Elle: Grandma is in a feud. She needs you to prove that she’s not a liar.
Man Giant: I will be home in fifteen minutes.
