“How about you, Riv?” I asked, hoping he wouldn’t pick the one on the far left. “Which room will you take?”
“I think I want the corner one next to yours. I liked the windows looking out to the pond, too.”
The relief I felt was immense, and I tried not to show it. “Sounds good.”
“I guess mine will be the master downstairs. The office is there as well, where she used to do her writing.” Lake looked so sad suddenly. “Fuck. I wish I’d known her.”
I got off the bed and went to hug him. River joined me in smothering Lake a little. He needed us as much as we needed him. I tried to make myself useful by cleaning at the old place, but I didn’t know my agenda here yet. It wasn’t time for that conversation now, though.
Dogs barked outside and car doors slammed.
“The cops, probably,” River said calmly when I tensed.
I’d forgotten all about the sirens that had been coming closer steadily. They must’ve turned those off at some point when they got to the last stretch of road or something.
“Let’s go get some lunch downstairs.” Lake looked at me. “You want to come with, or should we bring you some here?”
I felt twitchy and unable to decide.
“I’ll bring you a plate, okay?” River patted my shoulder.
Lake stepped after him, then asked, “How about you come get your last bag from the bottom of the stairs and unpack?”
“Okay.” Instantly relieved, I followed them and waited on the landing while Lake handed me the last of my luggage. I rolled my eyes when he winked at me.
I carried it upstairs and started to unpack.
When I took my toiletry kit to the bathroom, I realized I hadn’t checked it out yet. Yay for anxiety attacks.
The bathroom was small but not stiflingly so. See, apparently there was such thing as too small spaces too. Helpful, brain, thanks so much.
When I went to put my shower gel and shampoo in the cubicle, I noticed there were bottles there already.
“Must be Cook’s,” I murmured, moving them to the little windowsill high up. Then I picked up the shower gel again and opened it, sniffing. “Minty and woodsy.” Huh. Not a bad choice.
Mine was orange peel and cedarwood. Basic, cheap, and I really liked it.
Since the guys bought me everything, I rarely got anything expensive, and if I wanted to get something that cost more, I certainly wouldn’t start with hygiene products.
They gave me a sort of allowance, which was both a bit humiliating and handy, and definitely nothing like my life had been before November.
I frowned at the thought. At least I was farther away from Brooklyn now. Less chance that anyone would find me here.
As far as I knew, nobody had reported me missing, either, which was…telling.
* * * *
I had put away my clothes into the small closet and the dresser when River knocked on the door.
“I come bearing foodstuffs,” he said, holding a plate with an incredible looking sandwich on it to me.
I grabbed it, realizing I truly felt hungry. The stress must’ve been getting less then.
He gave me a glass of ice water, too, and I took them to the little table in the corner. Sitting on the armchair, I angled myself so that it didn’t bother me as much that I was right by the windows.
“So, Lake is already in the office. The whole cop thing outside was about some guy appearing because he wanted his goat back or something.”
I chuckled. “Well, that certainly didn’t happen back in New York.”
