“Liam, I don’t think I should. You heard your brother. It might be six months before I can get back into the Blue Pine Apartments.”
“So what?”
“That’s way too long to impose on you,” I say.
“I don’t agree. Besides, when the ski lodge closes for the season, there’ll be plenty of options for you. There are way better places to live than the Blue Pine Apartments.”
“The peak season doesn’t end untilFebruary,” I say with exasperation. “That’s four months. I can’t stay with you for four months.”
He sighs, looking frustrated. “I don’t understand what the problem is. Even if it did take four months or six months, I wouldn’t mind. Plus, I’m fairly certain something would open up sooner than that. But if it didn’t, it seriously wouldn’t be a big deal. I’d enjoy the company, to tell you the truth. My house is way too big for just me. It would be nice to have someone there.”
I slump. “You’re just saying that because you’re a nice guy and you don’t want me to feel bad.”
“That’s not true.”
I narrow my eyes. “I don’t need pity. I’m sure I can find somewhere to stay.”
He huffs. “This isn’t pity. I’m looking out for a friend. Hell, I’d offer my spare room to anyone in the department who needed it. And you know what? They’d take me up on that offer. Because it makessense.”
I actually don’t doubt what he’s saying. He’s such a good guy, he would offer his spare room to any of our co-workers. I groan. “God, I don’t know.”
“I’m dead serious about wanting the company.” His eyes are warm and his tone so sincere, it’s hard not to be swayed. He must see I’m weakening because he urges, “Please, Jude. Come stay at my house. I really want you to.”
I let out a harsh breath. “Okay, but I’m paying rent.”
“No, you’re not.” He scowls.
“Yes I am.” I grit my teeth. “I was paying rent at my apartment. Why wouldn’t I pay rent to stay in your house?”
“Because I’m offering as afriend.” Irritation paints his voice. “This isn’t a money making opportunity for me.”
I lift my chin. “If you want me to stay with you, I’m paying rent. Otherwise, I’m driving down to Silver Creek to book a motel.”
“God, you stubborn son-of-a-bitch,” he grumbles. “Fine, you can paysomerent if it makes you feel better. But not as much as what you were paying.”
I laugh. “I’m paying whatever will make me feel like I’m pulling my weight. I don’t want your charity, do you get it? If I stay with you, it’s a business arrangement.”
He laughs. “No, it’s one friend watching out for his other friend, dummy.”
“And you sayI’mthe stubborn son-of-a-bitch?” I complain.
“Don’t get all riled.” He smiles. “So, are we doing this?”
I look to the sky, feeling cornered. “The second something opens up in town, I’m moving out.” I meet his gaze. “I mean it. I refuse to take advantage of your good nature.”
“You’re not taking advantage of me, but I understand you want your independence.” His smile widens and he looks happy. Maybe even relieved. “Come on. I’ll drop you off at the station so you can talk to the chief and pickup your car. Then you can follow me to my place.”
“Okay.” Resignation settles over me as I take one last look at the Blue Pine Apartments. The old Victorian sits wounded under the winter sky, her blue paint blistered, her windows dark, waterstill dripping from her eaves. The charred structure almost feels like a warning: stay too long in Golden Peak and you too might end up burned.
I tighten my grip on my duffel and follow Liam to the car.
Chapter Eight
Liam
Jude’s car follows mine up the winding road toward my place. In my rearview mirror, I can see his face through the windshield. He looks exhausted. Wrung out.
I’m relieved Jude gave in and said he’d stay with me because the thought of him driving up and down the mountain twice a day filled me with dread. I’m calmer knowing he’ll be safely under my wing. I tell myself my concern is because he’s my partner. No need to examine too closely why his well-being matters to me so much. It just does.
