Gold star on the punctuation.
Evelyn will probably throw a fit, but until I get home, that’s Owen’s problem. Chloe and Phoebe will need somewhere to go if Daniel confirms my suspicions. And our house makes sense.
I could pretend I don’t know why I care so much—why I can’t just separate myself from her problems. But deep down, I want to matter to her, to make up for stupid choices made in my youth.
Too bad I can’t just blink the damage to her studio away.
Whenever I close my eyes, I see her hauling ruined blankets and props, refusing to let me help.
Which is why I don’t want to tell her—yet—that I’m footing the bill for the restoration process. Something tells me that would be hard for her to accept.
With that thought, I open my truck door to get out, and another text comes in. As soon as I see it’s from Daniel, I close it again.
Daniel
She’s got bad drywall damage. I think there’s been a slow leak behind the wall for a while.
She wouldn’t have known.
me
How bad?
Enough that there’s a slight bulge in the master closet wall. Clothes hid it.
We didn’t poke around. Figured the drywall might crumble.
You think there’s more?
There’s also a soft spot in the apartment hall ceiling.
So that’s a yes.
That’s a heck yes.
Can your girl come stay with you?
My heart stutters in my chest. One, because Chloe hasn’t been “my girl” in a very long time. Two, because I really love the way that sounds, and I’m not ready to deal with what that means.
How soon?
We need to check things out ASAP.
Depending on the amount of work, some of this may have longer shipping times.
Holiday season.
I’ll make arrangements.
She’s lucky to have you.
Debatable.
BTW, her landlord’s voicemail is still full.
Probably called five times in the last couple of days.
You’re just full of good news.
