Page 36 of Oz Wisdom

She inhaled deeply and pushed it out as she turned the key. No time like the present. Let’s find a home.

The first apartment complex wasn't bad. It appeared to be a busy place. The rental was roomy. Kitchen and living area all in one with a bedroom and bath. Simple. Clean. Noisy.

The second stop was quieter. It was a smaller complex with a total of six apartments. It was nice. Even furnished. Still, although she couldn’t put her finger on it, it didn't feel right.

The third was near the park. She liked that fact. She could visit the park and there was a small grocery store nearby. The vacancy was the fourth in a row of rentals connected by a concrete walkway that separated the tiny houses from the parking lot. This one seemed perfect. She walked from room to room imaging how each one could be decorated. A small and narrow restroom was nestled between two bedrooms. The living room was small, but she didn't need much space. The kitchen had enough space to hold a small table and chairs. She could invite Oz over for dinner.

She eased around the kitchen. Would he come visit? Even though the meals had been simple, she had loved cooking for him. They would sit down together and discuss their day as they ate. She moved back to the living room. Plenty of space. Oz liked to chill a bit as he would say before hitting the sack. He told her that his brain needed time to decompress, or he'd be up all night with thoughts and ideas.

She thanked the landlord and returned the key.

She should go home and decide what she really needed out of an apartment to help her decide.

The evening sky began to blink with stars bringing a slight hint of the fall weather coming. She unlocked the door to Oz’s home and stepped into a lonely darkness. She had come home many days before he had arrived, but it never felt like this. She flipped on the light and instantly her gaze shot to the table. She'd rushed out this morning and hadn’t even noticed. She locked the door and walked to the display of items there. She picked up the note and flipped it open.

I hope you enjoy your time alone. No doubt you're ready for a break from my hovering. Use the credit card for anything you need for the house. And treat yourself to something too. I left you my laptop to use. Open it and look for the icon with your name. Click it and you'll find my newest manuscript. If you're bored enough to read it, I'd love to hear your feedback.

Take care and I'll be back soon.

Oz

Taylor fell into a chair and opened the laptop. Quickly, she turned it on and clicked the icon. There it was. Book three of the series she had read while on the road. She stared at the screen, unable to stop smiling. He had trusted her with his secret. Now he trusted her with this.

She hopped to her feet and threw together a sandwich and a glass of soda. She kicked off her shoes by the door and sat down to begin reading.

Eight chapters in she stood and stretched. In record time she had cleaned the kitchen and readied herself for bed. She grabbed the computer and settled in on the end of the couch, eager to know what happened. Falling straight back into the story, she read until she drifted to sleep.

Chapter 17

Taylor awoke the next morning, Oz's story still on her mind. Mostly, the female lead. She was a strong woman. Of course, she had trials to overcome from surprising situations. But she never wavered. She pushed on, tackling the opposition head on. Just like Nealy did the day they ran into each other in the ladies’ restroom. Drifter had barged in demanding Taylor to come out instantly. This man was intimidating, even to Taylor who was living with him. Yet, Nealy walked right up to him and blasted him for walking into the ladies’ room where she was with her daughter. Then proceeded to threaten him when he yelled at her. That was the strong confidence Taylor yearned to possess.

Her thoughts then reverted to her past with Nealy. It wasn't the best, although Nealy was never unkind to her. She could see that now. And she in no way wanted her friendship with Oz to affect him badly. She needed to make amends. For her and for Oz. And if she thought about it, there were others who she should ask for pardon. But today? Oz had said, one step at a time. One day at a time. This was an important step and today was a new day. Yeah. Today was the day.

***

Taylor’s heart pounded as she rapped on Ruby's door. She had spent the day here months ago. Would Ruby think her too forward in asking for help? Maybe not. Hopefully not. Asking for help was tough enough as it is. Not to mention the conversation she planned to have with her former coworker.

“Hi Taylor,” Ruby greeted, pulling open the door. "Come in."

Taylor stepped inside. "Hi. I won't keep you long.”

"I'm here alone. No need to rush off.”

Taylor paused, wringing her hands. "I actually have a favor to ask."

"I'm happy to help however I can."

"I need to talk to Nealy.”

"That's no problem."

"I don't know how to get in touch will her. Plus, I'm not sure she would want to see me,” Taylor confessed.

"She would love to see you,” Ruby said, grabbing her phone from the nearby counter.

Taylor stood patiently waiting as Ruby made her phone call.

"Hey Nee. What are you up to? . . . Feel like having company? Taylor's here with me. . . Alright. We'll see you soon."

---