“Do you want a …wedding?”
“Holy no!” I shake my head. “Do you?”
“No. Um. No.” He sits back in his seat, then pointsahead. “This is my house. There’s a long drive, pull all the way in.”
I follow his instructions, mentally going over the multiple ways a conversation with my mother could go, and trying to decide which would cause her the least pain.
I come to a stop and study Roman’s small house. Smooth, rounded logs form the four outer walls of the box-ish cabin. There’s a wooden porch out front with one rocking chair. This is either a place where someone goes to live rustically for a week or where someone goes to murder woodland creatures without getting caught. There must not be another house for miles …
My throat tightens. “Is there electricity?”
Roman smirks, running a hand over the bristles of his chin. “Yes.”
“Indoor plumbing?” Oh, please let there be indoor plumbing.Please.
Another huff. “Yes, Stella. A functioning kitchen, a small living room,twobedrooms?—”
Two. He made a point of that, didn’t he? I guess that means snuggling with Roman is out.
“And an enclosed back porch. There’s even one bathroom with running water andeverything.” He sets his hand to the door handle, giving me a small wink.
I have to admit, I am relieved to hear we have running water. At first sight of this rustic little place, I wasn’t sure. “Wait. What about a dishwasher?”
“Oh.” He sighs, swinging his door open and letting in the crisp November air. “Sorry. No dishwasher.”
I exhale, relieved, because this just might work. “Perfect.”
Ten
I stepover the threshold and peer around the small front room.
“I’ve just moved in,” Roman says. He’s watching me as if waiting for my reaction. “I couldn’t until I had approval from my coach. I told my coach about us right after the game—well, after we spoke.” He swallows, his expression nervous.
There are boxes everywhere. No doubt the man moved in today—just like me. “I remember you saying that.”
Roman runs a hand over the bristles of his short beard. “Nothing is put away yet.” He is set on stating the obvious. “But that means we can split the space. You can put things where you want them.”
“It’s your house, Roman.” I look past him to the small fireplace. I keep reminding myself,This is exactly what I need. A win. My life isn’t falling to pieces, it’s just changing.And yet, now that I’m here, it doesn’t feel that way. “I’m just staying for … a while.”
“Right. A year? Maybe more?” he says, his Adam’s applebobbing with a swallow. He’s just as nervous as I am. So, yes, this is strange for everyone involved.
My brow furrows, thinking about what he’s said. I’ve never looked into the details of a green card. And since none of this technically affects my citizenship?—
“I’m not sure.”
“That’s okay. We can figure it out together.” Roman nods. “As long as you’re taken care of.”
I clamp my teeth down on my lip, searching the small room again. I thought this would be the great answer to my many problems, and while I’m supposedly helping Roman solve a problem too, I’m still being dishonest with him. With his kindness, the guilt of that fact hits me in the gut and doesn’t allow me to enjoy one second of moving day. But what else can I do, tell him the truth, disappoint him along with my parents? He’d never marry me then, and he wouldn’t get his cabin.
“I didn’t realize I’d have a roommate when I bought the place. But there’s plenty of space. Don’t worry.”
Roommate. Huh. Have I ever disliked a word more? Probably. I didn’t love it when Joan saidfired. Or when my landlord saidevicted. Somehow,roommateis now in my top three of most disliked words. I’m not sure why. That’s what Roman and I will be … husband and wiferoommates.
“Ah, let me give you a tour.” Roman throws out a hand. “The living room.”
I follow him past more boxes than this space has room for. Then into the tiny kitchen. I’m not sure we’ll have space for a table in here.
“And the kitchen,” he says. “It’s small but functional.” He hisses. “Again, no dishwasher, but there’s just the two of us.” He’s still trying to convince me that this little havenhe’s purchased is good enough. When, in all actuality, it’s more than I could ask for. It’s giving me a home and providing for my needs as I am currently without a paycheck.
