“It’s a nice offer, sir, but we couldn’t possibly—”
“Actually, I already spoke to Jessa, and she agreed to my terms.”
“Terms?”
“I don’t want this to feel like charity, Nix. It’s an opportunity for a fresh start, somewhere to call your own. You and Jessa can pay me the going rate for rent, but instead of pocketing the money, I will set it against the cost of the property so you’ll be effectively buying it back off me, piece by piece.”
I sucked in a sharp breath. “You can’t—”
“I can and I will. When she left, Trina refused my help and look where it landed her.” His expression softened at the mention of my mother.
“Will you ever tell me what really happened between the two of you?”
“One day, when you’re ready to hear it, I’ll tell you everything.”
I nodded. It was enough, for now. Because he was right. I wasn’t ready. Not yet.
“Nobody has to know about our arrangement, if you would prefer it that way. I have numerous shell companies that can act as your landlord.”
“Whatever Jessa wants,” Nix said, and although I didn’t wholly like it, I understood. Michael was offering him a solution to his biggest problem. Jessa’s security. Regardless of what had happened, Nix loved her like a mother, and she’d always been one of his biggest tethers to The Row. But if she was safe and looked after, he didn’t have to worry anymore. He could finally be free to carve out his own path, chase his own dreams.
“Is that a yes?”
“Yeah, it’s a yes.” Nix slid his eyes to me, and I forced a smile. This was his decision, his life. I wouldn’t stand in the way of that.
“You will always have a place with us, Harleigh. But I also spoke to Jessa about your situation… and I want you to know that if you choose to leave DA and transfer back to Darling Hill High, I won’t stand in your way. The same goes for where you choose to live.”
“Because Sabrina doesn’t want—”
“I love my wife dearly, but you are my daughter, Harleigh, my flesh and blood. I failed you too many times already. I don’t plan on making the same mistake again. You will always have a room at the house. You will always be a part of my family. But if you need space, if you need to not be with us, I understand.”
“I… I need some time to think about things.”
“Of course, take all the time you need.” He retreated to the door. “I can’t turn back time, Harleigh, and I know nothing I say or do will ever heal the hurt I caused, but I am sorry. For all of it.”
Nothing. I had nothing.
Michael didn’t linger, the tension in the room unbearable, even after he left.
“I did not see that coming.” Nix let out a low whistle.
“No,” I whispered, my eyes still fixed on the door.
“If you don’t want me to—”
“No.” I met his wary gaze. “You should take his offer. Jessa needs stability, and so do you.”
“And you heard what he said, you can come stay with us. I definitely like the sound of that.” Nix pulled me in close, ghosting his mouth over mine.
“You’re really okay with all this?”
Because I couldn’t process everything, let alone decide what I wanted to do.
“It’s just a trailer, B. I don’t care about what it looks like or where it is. All I care about is that you and Jessa are safe and happy. The rest is just a bonus.”
“I can’t believe my father is going to buy you a trailer.”
“I can’t believe your old man offered to buy me and Jessa a trailer, and then suggested you can stay with us. Doesn’t he know the kinds of things I want to do to you in the dark?” Nix dragged his mouth along my jaw all the way to my ear. “Will you lie with me in the dark, Birdie?”