Page 39 of Where We Call Home

“And you are?” she asked, turning her full attention to Rhodes, eyes gleaming like he was some kind of dessert.

“Rhodes Dunn,” he said with a polite wave. First and last name? Really? I fought the urge to roll my eyes. But, then again, when I’d put my last name in his phone, he had something to say.

Theo 1, Cassie 0.

“Let’s get started,” I interjected, ushering us toward the building before Cassie could keep ogling Rhodes.

The first apartment was a one-bedroom, and calling it small was generous. There wasn’t even space for a crib in the living room. The outside was dismal—dead bushes, scattered trash, and a broken fence. The inside wasn’t much better: an open floor plan with a kitchen overlooking the living room, one bathroom with a stand-up shower, and beige walls reminiscent of a Wendy’s Frosty.

“This unit has one bathroom and a stand-up shower only. The beauty of this is the exposed brick wall.” Cassie walked to the wall in question and slapped it like a used car salesman. A brick wall was the least of my concerns.

I glanced around for signs of in-unit laundry. No luck.

“Um, is there a washer and dryer?” I asked hesitantly.

Cassie shook her head. “But there’s a brand-new laundromat just down the road! Top-of-the-line machines. If I had to use it, I wouldn’t even mind!”

Right.

I needed in-house washing for all the clothes I would have to wash between spit-up and other fluids.

“Before you decide,” Cassie added quickly, “there’s an amazing walk-in closet! It’s big enough for both of your clothesandthe baby’s things.”

Both of our clothes?

Cassie’s eyes ping-ponged between Rhodes and me, likely piecing together a scenario.

“You two are together, right?” she asked, gesturing vaguely to my bump.

Our simultaneous responses tangled into a jumbled mess.

“Oh, yes!” I blurted.

“No,” Rhodes said at the same time, his tone firm.

The air between us grew heavy as we exchanged a quick glance. What had possessed me to say yes? Was it to make myself seem more stable to Cassie—or to stop her from making eyes at Rhodes? Either way, it was a mistake.

Rhodes, to his credit, recovered quickly. “Sorry,” he said smoothly, clearing his throat. “Yes, we’re together. I didn’t hear the question.” Without missing a beat, he reached for my hand, lacing his fingers through mine like it was the most natural thing in the world.

The warmth of his touch sent a jolt through me, and my hand instinctively settled into his. It felt easy. Right. Like our hands were puzzle pieces meant to fit together. He gave a small, reassuring squeeze.

“You two are adorable together!” Cassie gushed.

I didn’t want to let go. For a moment, the act felt real—too real.

“I’m sorry, Cassie,” I said, forcing my focus back to the task at hand. “This place won’t work. I really need in-unit laundry and a bathtub.”

Cassie nodded, her bright demeanor unshaken, and pulled an iPad from her messenger bag. “Give me one second!” she said, tapping away on the screen with her long, manicured nails.

As the silence stretched, I became hyper-aware of Rhodes’s hand in mine. I couldn’t bring myself to pull away, even though this was just for show. On the outside, I played it cool, however, inside, I was buzzing with nervous energy.

“I found one!” Cassie announced, breaking the tension. “It’s on the other side of town, but I think it will be perfect!”

Perfect? I wasn’t so sure about her definition, but at this point, what did I have to lose?

We left the apartment and agreed to follow Cassie. I watched her stroll down the street and climb into a brand-new BMW, sleek and spotless. My chest tightened. She probably thought I was pathetic—a mom struggling to afford rent for even a half-decent place, dressed in donated clothes, and certainly not driving a luxury car.

Rhodes cleared his throat, standing with the passenger door open, waiting. I shook my head to snap myself out of my thoughts as he helped me climb in.

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