Page 79 of An Adventure For Aster

“No,” he said. “I’m not going anywhere. I like it here. I’ve got a job I enjoy.”

“And a woman you love,” his sister said.

“That too,” he said. “I want you to come and share what I’ve got.”

She held her hand up. “I can take care of myself, but I know I might need to stay with you for a bit until I can find a job and a place. I did some research and the cost of rentals is even higher here than there.”

“But you’ll make more here. And you can rent a house here and get roommates if you want. Having roommates in a house is better than an apartment. Not trying to pressure you. You can stay with me as long as you want and not rush.”

“I’ll think about it,” she said. “I have to figure out the job market and what the pay is. You say it’s more, but is it really if I’m paying more for everything.”

The fact she was even thinking along those lines was helping his case some.

“Let's take it one step at a time,” he said. “I’m just glad you’re here.”

“Me too.”

When he pulled into his driveway, he saw Raine’s SUV already there. He’d given her a key to the back door so she could let herself in or out since she was staying with him more.

He parked and retrieved his sister’s bag from the back and then they went to the front door, which Raine had opened before he got to the porch.

Raine came out and walked up quickly to hug his sister. He hadn’t realized they’d gotten that close.

“I’m so excited to finally meet you,” she said.

“Me too,” Daphne said. “I’m sorry if I’m in the way for the next few days.”

“Nonsense,” Raine said, waving her hand. “Never think that. I’m sure you’re hungry. Why doesn’t Aster show you around and then we can get some lunch?”

Raine stepped into the house and they followed. “I know the room isn’t that big,” Aster said. “The whole house is on the small side, but we won’t get in each other’s way.”

“It’s really cute,” Daphne said. “Bigger than an apartment I’d have if I could find one.”

“As you can tell, the living room opens right into the kitchen and there is a little table to the side, but I normally sit at the counter.”

“Not a lot of rooms, but it’s roomy if that makes sense.”

“It does,” he said. “It’s not cluttered, which neither of us likes.”

“No,” Daphne said.

“There are two bedrooms on the other side. The front one is yours, the bathroom is next, and then I’m past that.”

Daphne followed him to her room and he set her bag down.

“It’s bigger than my room at home.”

“Exactly,” he said. “So nothing is changing there and you won’t have to pay rent here.”

“I’m paying rent if I move here,” Daphne said firmly.

“No,” he said. “Out of the question and you know it. I’m dead serious. I know you. You’re going to be working more than one job most likely and all you’ll do is put your head on the pillow at night. You won’t be here enough.”

“Don’t fight him on this,” Raine said. “Then you’ll make him moody. I don’t like moody Aster. I like the playful Aster better.”

“Aster is playful?” his sister asked. “Do I get to see this side of you?”

“Don’t be a brat,” he said. “You know how I am.”

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