Page 30 of Quake

I barely know the woman, but that sucks. Sorry to hear that.

While it’s true that I barely know her, hearing that her boyfriend, no,ex-boyfriend,cheated on her pisses me off to no end. My blood simmers with anger, and a desire to take a swing at him lights up inside me.

Just like I had with Damien. The things he’d said after Alex’s death were deplorable, and frankly, his death was too raw. I couldn’t help but react poorly at the time.And I can’t say I regret it.

Though I’m glad she’s at least okay physically. The breakup must be why she wasn’t there yesterday.

Kat

You know better than to do that with me, Gi.

Kat

Last night, you literally couldn’t keep your eyes off of her. Take it from my experience. Sometimes that kind of instant attraction is just fate.

I don’t warrant that with a response. I agree that she and Alessandro being together was by some great cosmic being; truly, Ihave to. They’re so clearly madly in love, but that isn’t what’s going on with Dr. Hughes and me.

She said no to me once, and even if she were interested, she’d find out what a wreck I am and flee for the hills.

And I wouldn’t blame her one bit.

Chapter sixteen

Lark

Sunday, March 2, 2025

“I’m so sorry I can’t make it to look at apartments with you today, little bird,” Dad tells me, looking genuinely disappointed.

“Honestly, it’s okay, Dad. I promise. It’s probably a good thing you won’t be there.” I snicker. “You’ll just tell me nothing’s good enough, and I’ll never find anything.”

He rolls his eyes at me playfully. “You’re probably right, but I’m still bummed about it. Dinner together tonight though?”

A smile stretches across my lips. “Of course, Daddy-O. Now let me get out of here before the agent cancels on me for being late!”

I rush out of the door, planting a quick peck on his cheek as I launch myself down the driveway and into my Firebird.

The engine hums to life, familiar lyrics trickling through the speakers as I make my way to the first apartment.1

***

“I’m really sorry, Lark, but this is the last one I have to show you that’s in the budget you set. I know you don’t want to have your dad help with the cost, but if you don’t like it, you really may have to consider it,” Shay says, her voice pleading as lines gather on her forehead. “I know Tiny’s a good boy, but unfortunately, most of the rentals in this area only allow one dog,” she reminds me regretfully for the third time today.

“It’s okay, Shay. I have a good feeling about this one anyway, and believe me, I’ve lived in so much worse before. My apartment with Tyler was super small, and I only got into that place because Tiny’s my service dog.”

She huffs, taking long strides toward the entry of the apartment building. “I know, and I really tried to sell that piece of info too, but ratherconveniently,all the normal places I’d suggest for dog owners are suddenly not allowing dogs, and since Rex isn’t a service animal, those places are a no-go.” Her sharp eyes convey the message that this wasn’t merely a coincidence. Tiny trails alongside us, blissfully unaware of our current housing situation.

My shoulders slump involuntarily despite how positive I’m trying to be right now. The circumstances surrounding this move may not be great, but I’m feeling optimistic. “I get it. Let’s justgo see how this place is before we go down that rabbit hole,” I tell her because there’s really no use in whining about it. It won’t change anything.

The building is tall, probably about five stories, so not anything super huge, which is convenient for when I need to let the dogs out to potty. The parking lot is located just across from the building with what looks like plenty of parking spaces available, so I can feel comfortable keeping my car parked here.

We enter the lobby and wave at the concierge, who’s sitting at the desk, reading a golfing magazine.

Once we’ve made it up the elevator to the second floor, we make our way down to unit thirty-six.Two thirty-six. That’s a good number. Even numbers are lucky for me.

She enters the door code, and there’s a click as the light flashes green. She twists the handle, pushing it open and revealing the perfect space.

My heart flutters and soars in my chest, and I feel breathless as my lips stretch into a wide grin.

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