Page 37 of Just a Number

“Weren’t you staying with Mel?”

“Yeah, but like I said, I don’t want to overstay my welcome. It’s best I find somewhere else.”

She looks at me thoughtfully. I can’t spill the beans and tell her I made the mistake of sleeping with Mel and now she chucked me out. That would not go down well with Mel.

“What was wrong with the place you were looking at?”

“Well, for one, it was triple my budget. And when I told the guy that, he insinuated that I could work it off in other ways.” I grimace, still repulsed that the guy expected sexual favours in lieu of rent.

“No fucking way. That’s disgusting.”

Chapter fifteen

Mel

My phone rings with an unsaved number.

I answer it and raise it to my ear. “Mel Watson speaking.”

“Hey Mel, it’s Abby. I got your number from Cassidy. Hope that’s okay.”

“Of course. What’s up?”

“Alex was staying with you, wasn’t he?” I’m flustered by the question, my eyes darting across the living room to Zack. He’s gaming with mates and has a headset on. I’ve just been sitting, reading my latest book.

“Err, hang on a minute.” I say to Abby and then to Zack, “I’ve just got to take this.” He gives me a vacant nod, too busy concentrating on the screen to take in what I’m saying. I walk through to the kitchen and close the door.

“Hi, sorry about that. Yes, he was. But he’s moving into a new place today. Were you trying to reach him?”

“Oh no, nothing like that. He’s here at the bar.”

“Okay.” I know I sound confused. Has Alex asked her to call me? What on earth is going on here?

“His new place fell through.”

“Oh, gosh. I’m sorry to hear that.”

“Yeah, sounds like the guy was a real douche. The rent was way too expensive and when Alex told him he couldn’t afford it, the guy offered to exchange sexual favours to lower the rent.”

“What?” I’m aghast, standing at the kitchen counter looking out the window into the back garden with my jaw slack.

“Poor guy’s not having a great time of it.”

“No, I hope he can find something else.”

“Well, that’s why I thought I should call. He seems to think he’s outstayed his welcome with you and has to be out. But I thought if you knew what had happened, you could maybe let him stay a little longer.” She pauses and my mind is all over the place. I don’t know what to say. “I hope I’m not overstepping Mel. I mean, if there’s a reason he needs to be gone, don’t worry. But I got the impression he was too proud to ask if he can stay longer.”

“No, thanks for telling me. I appreciate you letting me know. I need to speak to my son, but hopefully, we can help him out if needs be.”

“Ah, that’s awesome. I’d offer him a place at mine, but I’m in a bedsit, no spare room or even a lounge with a couch in it.”

“Can I just ask that you don’t mention this call to him? I just need to check some stuff first.”

“Of course, no worries. Hey, I read that book you and Cass told me about. Dang, it was spicy! I’m gonna need more recommendations like that, please.”

I laugh. “Come and follow me on Instagram. I review spicy books. There are heaps of recommendations.”

“That sounds good.” She takes a note of my name to find me.

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