My eyes widened. She sounded completely serious.
Luke chuckled. “Slow down, Mercenary Mel. She needs clothes, not arson.”
“I’m just saying. I know what he did to you last night. Did he really propose, and you turned him down?”
I nodded.
She moaned, like she’d just taken a bite of something delicious. “I have such a girl crush on you right now. Good for you. Screw that guy.”
Luke lifted the duffel bag. “Where do you want this? Your bedroom, or…”
“Spare room,” Theo said quickly.
“Oh-kay,” Luke said, and took the bag down the hall.
“I wasn’t sure what you’d need, or what you like, but I packed some basics. And I happened to have an unopened three-pack of underwear, so I put that in, too. Theo didn’t think to ask for panties, but a girl needs to keep things fresh down there.”
“Wow. Thank you so much. I don’t know what to say.”
“Say you’ll pay it forward by telling some unfortunate girl your story when the opportunity arises, so she dumps the jerk she shouldn’t marry before it’s too late.”
I nodded decisively. “Okay. I will.”
“Good. Do you need anything else? Chocolate? Pickles? Chocolate-covered pickles?”
“No, Theo brought breakfast. I don’t think I’ve ever had chocolate-covered pickles. Are they good?”
“Oh, honey. They’re to die for.”
Luke came back in. “Anything else we can do? Do you need help getting your stuff?”
“My stuff,” I said with a groan. “I didn’t have a chance to plan this very well. Or, at all.”
“Don’t worry.” Theo’s voice was so calm and reassuring. “We’ll get it all figured out. Doesn’t have to be today. You’ve got clothes, and you can ride with me to work.”
“Oh, and I brought you some cute blouses and slacks, in case you need work clothes.” Melanie clapped a hand over her forehead. “I forgot shoes. Do you need shoes? What size are you?”
“That’s okay, I have a pair of boots with me that go with just about everything.”
“Is the guy going to be a problem?” Luke asked.
“Not sure,” Theo said.
“Based on the string of angry texts he sent me last night, I don’t think he’s going to be very cooperative,” I said.
Theo growled and met Luke’s eyes. They nodded to each other.
“You can always call the Squirrel Protection Squad if you need help,” Melanie said. “They’re not just for squirrels.”
“She won’t need to,” Theo said. “We’ll take care of it.”
Luke nodded.
“Is this your phone?” Melanie picked it up and held it toward me. “Can you unlock it for me?”
“Um…sure.” I took it and unlocked it, then handed it back to her.
“I’m putting my number in your contacts.” She swiped, tapped, and typed. “There. Now you can get in touch if you need anything. And I’m texting myself, so I’ll have yours, too.”
