“You won’t need to worry about that. It’s a two bedroom but only one bath. With them only being babies, I think you won’t have any issue with that.”
“Heck no. Right now we are sharing the bathroom with the others. It’d be nice if it was only us.”
“You should be getting off work soon if I’m correct,” Connor stated.
“Yes, why?”
“Want to come check it out and see if it will work for your family?”
Mikie’s eyes lit up. “Hell ya! But I won’t say anything to Patty. I don’t want to disappoint her again. One place already fell through. I can’t break her heart again.”
I don’t think you’ll have to.
I’m going to get a coffee. Why don’t you go clock out now and I’ll update your boss that you’re coming with me.”
“Are you sure? I mean I can’t afford to lose this job,” Mikie said.
“Trust me. You won’t.”
Mikie nodded and rushed down the hallway with his cart. That gave Connor time to text Mikie’s boss with the update and grab that coffee. Although turning his apartment over to Mikie and Patty solved their problem that technically made him homeless. Good thing he had no intention of staying in the States any longer than needed.
Connor never even had a chance to grab a coffee, because Mikie was so excited he somehow beat him down to the lobby. It was good to see how badly Mikie wanted to provide for his family. And when they arrived at Connor’s apartment, he thought for sure Mikie was about to cry.
It reminded him of when it was just Connor and his mother in those early years. There were a few times when money was so tight that she’d get emotional when something good like this came their way. It felt really good to be in the position to pay it forward.
“You really mean it? The apartment comes furnished? Everything is staying? Even your TV?” Mikie asked.
“I’m just taking my clothes. The rest is yours. But remember what I said, my name is on the lease. You can’t be changing anything. No painting or anything. And if you decide to move out, you need to let me know.”
“Move out? Heck, I can’t wait to move in. I think I’m going to start bringing things over tonight if that’s okay with you?” he asked.
“Sure. Who do you have to help you?” Connor asked.
Mikie shrugged. “I’m not asking Patty, so I guess that means it’s just me. Unless you’re not doing anything tonight.”
You mean beside packing my clothes and moving out? Nope, not a thing.
“I tell you what, you go home and start packing your things, and I’ll be there in an hour. That’ll give me time to throw my clothes in a suitcase.”
“You’re really going to help me?” Mikie asked, and Connor nodded. “Why?”
“Life is about helping others. You helped me when I needed it. Now I’m repaying the favor,” he said.
“You paid me, remember?”
“It’s not about money, it’s the fact that you were there when I needed you. Besides, why should this place sit empty all the time? Consider it like you’re watching the place for me while I’m gone.”
“So you’re coming back. And then we need to move out again, right?”
“I’ll be back, but no. You can stay as long as you want to. Of course you are responsible for sending the money for the rent to my bank.”
“Five hundred dollars a month? For all this? I have a hard time believing that,” he said.
“That’s the price, take it or leave it,” Connor said. But the rent in fact was a hell of a lot more than that. But he knew what Mikie made. He never could afford it. And really, his salary was going to be going in another direction. To the kids.
“Oh, I’m taking it. Only a fool would turn something like this down, and despite what some think, I’m no fool.”
“Good, then I know this place will be well taken care of. Oh, how much stuff do you have to bring? Do I need to rent a truck?”