It’s huge and bigger than my place. The walls smell of fresh paint and look pristine. Morning light streams in through the open curtains, making the apartment bright and sunny. The walls are a warm yellow, not blinding, but soft and vibrant.
He just happened to have an extra apartment available.
I shouldn’t ask questions, but the rent for this place must be a fortune. Why does he have an apartment just lying around?
Was it for his mistress?
No, it’s not like he’s married.
It seems too good to be true.
My phone buzzes, startling me. I pull it out of my purse and glance at the screen. There’s a message from Jace and a missed call from Harper.
Why is my stomach bubbly and in knots with Jace’s message? It’s like I’m in high school all over again.
So, what do you think?
I assume he’s asking me about the apartment. But I might as well make him spell it out.
About…
He answers me right away.
The apartment. Is it okay?
I just walked in the door. I haven’t even had time to explore it, but the place is fully furnished and gorgeous. I’m in love.
With the apartment.
It’ll do.
He doesn’t answer me. There aren’t even three dots to indicate that he’s texting me back.
Did I just insult him?
I drop my bag by the front door, slip out of my shoes, and examine the place thoroughly. Since no one is here to give me a tour, I do it myself.
The apartment is a two-bedroom with more than enough space. It’s twice the size of my last place, and I’m sure the rent is four or five times more than what I was paying.
I head into the kitchen for a glass of water. I open the cabinet, and the place is fully stocked with dishware. I’m not surprised. The rest of the apartment is furnished.
Out of curiosity, I open the fridge. I don’t expect to find anything. There are a few bottles of water, some condiments on the door, but nothing perishable.
I run the tap and pour myself a glass of water. I know it’s not a hotel, and I won’t be charged ten dollars a bottle for water, but I don’t want to take what isn’t mine.
This isn’t my home.
It’s temporary housing until I get myself situated or pregnant.
I grab a seat at the kitchen table and listen to Harper’s message, telling me how great she’s doing, how she’s pregnant, and that she misses me and to give her a call.
I want to call her, but what do I say? How do I explain this arrangement without sounding crazy? I dial her number but don’t hit send. She’s my best friend, but would she understand? I hadn’t told her that I was homeless. While she knows about John and Austin, she doesn’t know about Luka and the mafia.
It’s better if I don’t say anything. Worrying her won’t do either of us any good.
Maybe it’s best kept a secret.
And I don’t want to take advantage of the situation or of Jace. He’s being nice, and while it’s because he wants me to be the surrogate for his baby, I have to tread carefully.
I text Jace one simple word.
Thanks.
He starts typing, and I’m holding my breath, waiting for his response to come through.
Whatever he typed, he must have erased the message, because the three blinking dots vanish.