“Really? That’s interesting.”
Stevie winces as she sips on her coffee. “You don’t have to pretend to be interested in it. Most aren’t.”
“I am. I’ve never met anyone that does it. Can’t say I’ve ever gotten a facial.”
She smiles at me. “Well, you have really good skin.”
“And you’d know because you’re the professional.” I wink at her, causing a blush to creep up her cheeks.
“I should probably get going. I don’t want to be late.” She gulps down the rest of her hot drink. “And don’t worry. I’ll find a new place to live by the end of the week.”
“You will? Why?”
“Look, I know you didn’t sign up to have some random stranger stay with you and your son.”
I point at her around my mug, leaning into the back of the counter. “Technically not a stranger. You’re my grandma’s friend’s granddaughter.”
That earns me a smile. “Well, I’m sure you don’t want me around with your son.”
“I honestly don’t mind you staying.” It’s not a lie, but also, not quite the truth.
“Really?”
“It’d be nice to have another adult around here.”
Stevie snickers. “What about our grandmas?”
I roll my eyes. “Well, ones that act like adults then. Someone more my age.”
Even though having her here can be painful at times. A sexy woman that I have no right to be lusting after? Yeah, maybe I should let her leave. It’d be a hell of a lot easier on me.
“If you’re sure…”
“I am.”
Stevie breathes a sigh of relief. “I really do appreciate it. And look, if you need help with Caleb at all, I’m happy to help. I want to pay my share of rent too.”
“You’re not paying rent.” I laugh. “My gran would rip me a new one if you paid me.”
“So it’s your house, but she rules the roost?”
I burst out laughing, accidentally knocking the spoon I was using the stir the oatmeal to the floor. Oatmeal splatters everywhere. I sigh. I guess no matter what I do, mealtime is always going to be a disaster.
“You could say that, yes.”
“How about we don’t tell them? I wouldn’t feel right staying here without paying my way.” Stevie rinses her mug out in the sink before hiding it away in the dishwasher. “It might not be much, but please let me.”
There’s an earnestness to her voice that I can’t say no to. “Fine. But we don’t tell them because I really don’t want to be on the receiving end if they find out.”
“Thank you. I’ll pay you after work tonight.”
“Take your time.” It’s not like I need the money for the house, but I’ll take it if it makes her feel better.”
“See you later.”
“Bye,” I call out after her. She’s gone in the blink of an eye.
A laugh sounds from where Caleb is sitting. The look on his face is conniving, almost like he knows what I’m thinking when it comes to our latest houseguest.
