Page 124 of Fair Catch

“Mhmm,” Holden murmurs dubiously, crossing his arms. “If you didn’t want to talk to me, you could’ve just said that.”

I scoff at his dramatic antics, equally annoyed and humored by them in my current state. “You gonna tell me why you called, or are you planning to leave me in suspense?”

He ignores my snark, unsurprisingly, before shocking me into silence.

“I wanted to ask you to come stay at the house with us.”

Offering me a place to live was the last thing I’m expecting to come out of his mouth, and I can’t help but gape at him.

“You gonna say yes, or just sit there and look at my pretty face?” he asks, matching my sarcasm from earlier with a smile while I struggle to form a response.

“I…Hold—”

He holds up a hand to stop me. “Before you argue or ask if I’m kidding, yes, I’m being a hundred percent serious.”

There’s not a doubt in my mind that it’s a genuine offer. I just don’t think I can take him up on it. Not without at least knowing that I wouldn’t be walking into a lion’s den at that townhouse.

Wetting my lips, I address my concerns as tactfully as I can. “Do you really think that’s a good idea? I mean, did you talk to Phoe?” I hate the way the question comes out, all insecure and helpless. And it only gets worse when I keep talking, and in turn, make more of an ass of myself. “Because we’re supposed to be taking this break tostopdepending on each other. Me moving in with you kinda defeats that purpose.”

“I just called him. He was the one who told me to ask you,” Holden tells me immediately.

It does little to assuage my concerns, though.

Sighing, I slump back against the seat and shake my head. “I don’t know, Hold.”

“You wouldn’t be putting us out, if that’s what you’re worried about. I don’t even use my room ninety-nine percent of the time.” Holden pauses before he adds, “And come to think of it, that other one percent is only when Ireallypiss him off and he forces me to sleep alone.”

I snort, having a hard time believing him. “That’s only one percent?”

“These are made-up statistics, okay? No need to be a stickler.”

My tongue rolls along the inside of my cheek, taking a moment to seriously debate this.

Mal was right about one thing at the beginning of the term: I do not love sharing one bathroom with two girls. But there’s part of me that’s hesitant to even entertain this. I’ve made so much progress this year, and the last thing I want to do is impede it by slipping into old habits.

But God, sleeping in a bed again sounds fucking heavenly.

“Do you actually mean it or is this a pity offer you’re hoping I don’t accept?” I ask hesitantly, hating myself for how helpless this entire situation makes me feel.

His whiskey eyes soften around the edges, and he leans down, crossing his arms on the opening of my window. “Here’s the thing, Kase. People generally don’t offer things unless they mean it. There’s always exceptions, and yeah, things still might be rocky between you and Nix. But we’re still your friends, and we’ll still look out for you.”

“I just don’t want you or him or anyone else to feel like they need to play white knight. I can take care of myself. Stand on my own feet.”

“You can still do that while accepting help.”

He cocks his head to the side, waiting for me to disagree.

But the thing is, I can’t.

Sighing, I hold up my hands in surrender. “Okay, fine. I’ll stay with you guys.”

“Don’t make it sound like such a chore,” Holden jibes with a laugh. “Look, I know it’s getting late, but we’ll get your shit moved in tonight if you want. Just text me the address to Mal’s place and Nix and I will meet you over there to help you load up.”

I hesitate, not wanting to be more of a pain than I already will be by moving into the house. Doing it at this time of night would be pushing the envelope.

“You really don’t have to. I can grab my stuff tomorrow after class when it’s not so late.”

“And spend another night on a couch that’s likely six inches too short for you? Okay.” He rolls his eyes before demanding, “Let. Us. Help. You.”

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