My heart melts at his statement, his concern and his irritation for my well-being, before twisting in fear. It’s not that I haven’t thought about it, but what other option do I have?
“Move in w-with me.”
I gasp after a second of pause. “Zane!”
“W-why not? We’re getting mar-rried soon. You’ll move in with me th-then, or…” He looks up at my apartment and then back at me with wide eyes. “D-do you want me t-to move in here? I’m s-so sorry. I didn’t th-think this through.” He swallows and clears his throat a few times, and for some reason, I enjoy his fumbling. “I can t-totally move here.”
Despite all the mixed feelings of worry, fear, and guilt, I chuckle. “How are you single?” I don’t know how many times I’ve asked him this question, and more than that, thought about it.
Zane shakes his head, as always, not believing my surprise.
“I don’t want you to move in. As you might have noticed, it’s a studio apartment designed specifically for one person. I’ll put it on sublet or something until—”
“No. You’ll have t-to give it up.”
I turn around in a flash, pulling my gaze away from the apartment to him.
Zane doesn’t take long to explain. “If anyone finds out, es-specially Zander, th-there’ll be too many questions.”
“But, Zane, after we—”
“Can we p-please not t-talk about it now?”
I nod. I, too, don’t want to think about that after period, before we have even started this journey. “Are you sure about me moving in?” I ask, grabbing the tiny thread of hope that has surrounded me since I met Zane.
I don’t think I have enough courage to fight him anymore.
What will I do if something really happens to me at night?
A spark of fear races through me, and everything inside me trembles.
Giving my shaky hands one last look, Zane steps out and circles the car before opening my door. “I’m one hund-dred percent s-sure.”
* * *
Less than an hour later, I’m back in Zane’s car with a bag full of clothes and other stuff. I turn around in my seat to check up on Tassels sitting quietly in his travel bag on the rear seat.
Zane does the same, reaching his hand behind him. “We’ll s-sort out all the rest in a few d-days. D-do you have a long-term lease?” Zane asks, but my restless mind is once again distracted by his fingers moving on the pattern of Tassels’ travel bag.
“No.” I shake my head. “I have a month-to-month agreement.”
I don’t know if it’s the tremor in my voice that prompts him, but he asks, “Ar-re you okay?” His head tilts toward Tassels and further to the trunk of his car.
I nod, looking back at my apartment. A myriad of emotions flies through me as Zane starts the car, but the most dominant is a sense of relief that washes over me. My shoulders relax against the seat, and I whisper a silent thank-you to God for sending Zane my way.
It doesn’t take long before we’re on the same narrow road, illuminated by lights that lead to Zander’s estate. My ears perk up in curiosity and a subdued hesitation as I look around.
Does Zane live in a similar grand estate?
I can’t picture him there, and even if I try, there’s an uncomfortable feeling gnawing in my stomach.
How rich is Zane? Is he doing all this because he feels pity for me?
What else do you think, Vi? You’re crazy to weave an imagination of him falling in love with you.
Zane must have noticed my curiosity as I take in everything around us, and he clears his throat. “I live in a cabin. In th-the woods. It’s noth-thing like Zander’s property.” He chuckles, and his words are a huge relief to me. But I’m surprised by the hint of embarrassment in his voice.
“If you like living in th-the city, we can find s-something there too.” When I don’t reply immediately, because I’m still in shock with everything, including this man, he adds, “Or if you just don’t like s-something, let me know.”