Page 149 of Theirs to Corrupt

Choosing where to live is a tough decision. One I’m not sure I even want to make. Maybe that’s why I can’t decide.

“This one is close to transit. Makes it easy to get to U of H.”

There’s nothing wrong with this sample, and it’s right in my budget, which means the finishes are nothing special. But it’s so much better than the place Natalie and I used to share.

I wander to the window and pull back the blinds. The view is of other apartments in the complex. The good news is there is a pool and a workout room, not that I will use either.

“Is there something bothering you?”

Natalie is far too perceptive.

With a sigh, I wander back toward her and drop onto the couch.

She sits next to me, her large hoop earring glittering.

“This place is fine,” I say.

“Fine?” She raises an eyebrow.

“This will sound ridiculous…”

“Try me.”

I search for the right words. “It doesn’t feel like home.”

“I understand that.”

“Do you?” I hope so, because I’m not even sure exactly what I mean. The truth is, I haven’t had an actual home since my parents were alive. After they passed, I had believed that the house belonged solely to Axel. He repeatedly told me that and said he was doing me a favor by letting me live there.

At least right now, when I am at Link’s, I feel mostly like a guest.

Part of that is my own fault, I’m sure. I have absolutely no doubt they would welcome me back into bed with them if I showed the slightest interest. But to save myself and my wounded emotions, I’ve refused to do that.

Since the night of Axel’s arrest, my mind has been numb.

Despite that, I keep moving forward. Celeste and I have talked every day. I’ve had multiple meetings with the family attorney and my trust fund manager. Following Celeste’s advice, I hired a real estate agent to put my parents’ house on the market. No doubt the sale price will only cover the cost of the second mortgage. If we’re fortunate, I’ll have enough to cover the real estate fees.

I plan to fly back to Chicago soon to go through my parents’ belongings. I don’t want anything, except for my mom’s Christmas ornaments. Some of them I bought for her. And never seeing them again would break my heart.

Once I’ve got those, I’ll bring in an estate sale company to get rid of everything else.

Then I’ll never return to my home state again.

Axel keeps trying to call, but I refuse to talk to him. Any necessary communication can go through lawyers.

Before my conversation with Nat can continue, a couple more people walk through the door, accompanied by an apartment representative. Quietly she tells me that if I want the last available one-bedroom unit, I may have to act quickly.

“I understand.” But I’m not ready to sign a contract.

Why, I’m not sure.

“How about a coffee?” Natalie suggests as we walk out into the sunshiny day. “We can head to the Heights. Maybe wander around while we’re there.”

With the number of places that Link dragged me to before our wedding, I’m not sure I will ever enjoy going shopping again.

“Or maybe we can have an early dinner? All this has made me hungry.”

“Sounds perfect.” I haven’t been eating well, and even my new clothes are starting to get a little too big on me.

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