I was floored. “Wow. That’s amazing. Thank you in advance.”
He shrugged. “Moonlight Inn is my family too.”
Just then, my phone vibrated with a text message.
Zach (he’s straight) Kelley
My landlord went into the hospital over the weekend. He had a stroke. I got a letter today from his son saying I have to vacate my apartment by the 15th because they’re going to sell the house to pay for my landlord to go into assisted living.
“What the fuck?” I said aloud.
“What’s wrong?” Mr. O’Neil asked.
I read Zach’s text to them aloud. “They can’t do that,” Caitlin and Mr. O’Neil said at the same time.
“New Jersey has very strong tenant rights laws,” Mr. O’Neil said. “They can’t just throw him out like that, especially if he’s been paying his rent on time.”
Me
Mr. O’Neil said they can’t do that. Are you at home now?
Zach (he’s straight) Kelley
Yes. I took the day off to rest up from training.
I looked over at Mr. O’Neil. “Would you talk to Zach? I bet he’s panicking. I was going to tell him to come here since he’s off after his weekend training.”
“Sure,” Mr. O’Neil said.
Me
Come to Moonlight. We’ll get the information for you. Bring the letter.
Zach (he’s straight) Kelley
Ok. Thanks. I really appreciate your help.
Mr. O’Neil turned to Liam. “Doesn’t Marco have a brother who’s a lawyer? Maybe he could give us some advice.”
Liam nodded. He pulled out his phone and stood. “I’ll give Marco a call.”
And just like that, Moonlight’s family pulled together to help one of their own. I really loved working here.
CHAPTERTHIRTEEN
ZACH
I couldn’t decide if I wanted to cry or scream. I couldn’t believe that after all the years I’d lived in my apartment and all the things I’d done to help Mr. Peterson, the family would treat me like that. Texting Miguel had happened automatically. It occurred to me that he was one of only two people I could reach out to when I needed someone to talk to. I was surprised he was at Moonlight. Monday was supposed to be his day off. I wasn’t going to question my good luck though. Maybe Mr. O’Neil could give me some advice.
When I pulled into the parking lot behind Moonlight, I texted Miguel.
Me
Where should I meet you?
Miguel
In Mr. O’Neil’s office.
