Page 42 of Where We Call Home

Watching Theo’s hopeful expression flicker, I couldn’t take it anymore. Disappointment after disappointment—it was too much. She didn’t deserve this.

“Phil, buddy,” I said, forcing politeness into my tone, “could you give us a minute?”

Theo’s jaw dropped. She looked between us, clearly surprised and ready to protest, but no words came out. Phil shrugged and stepped out onto the metal platform outside—another problem. With winter coming, the slick surface was an accident waiting to happen.

Once Phil was gone, I turned to Theo, determined to address the disaster unfolding in front of us.

“What the hell was that about?” she snapped the moment we were alone.

“You can’t live here,” I said, cutting straight to the point.

“Excuse me?” Her eyes flared as she crossed her arms and cocked a hip. “Who are you to tell me where I can and can’t live? It’s within my budget, and it has everything I need.”

She was fiery, but I wasn’t backing down. “I’m telling you—you can’t live here. The locks are a joke, the cabinets are one sneeze away from falling apart, and your unwanted roommate? He scurried across my boot a few minutes ago.”

“Oh, yeah?” she shot back, sarcasm dripping from her tone. “Well, this is my last shot. I don’t have a choice. I can’t afford that second apartment we saw yesterday. I thought about it all night and don’t even start on the first place. This one has a washer and dryer, a bathtub, and it’s within my budget.”

“There’s a cockroach living here, Theo,” I countered. “Where there’s one, there are more. And you’re miles from anyone who can help you if something goes wrong.”

“Who gives a shit?” Her voice cracked as her frustration boiled over. “It’s not like anyone would care anyway.”

“I care,” I said, softening my tone. “But bottom line? I can’t let you and the baby live here.”

“Oh, great,” she scoffed, throwing her hands up. “What’s your brilliant solution then? I’ve spent hours combing through listings, and this is it. This is all I’ve got.”

She wasn’t going to like my answer, but I said it anyway. “Move in with me.”

Her eyes widened in shock. “Move in with you?” she repeated, disbelief coloring her voice. “Rhodes, how could you possibly think that’s a good idea?”

“You’d have your own room. The baby would have her own space. My locks work, my cabinets aren’t a death trap, and I can promise you, there’s not a single cockroach in sight.”

Theo stood rooted in place, her arms crossed tight, radiating tension. I stepped closer, gently placing my hands on her upper arms. I needed her to understand just how serious I was.

“You can’t live here, Theo. I don’t care if it’s within your budget. Come live with me. Save your money. Find a place you and the baby truly deserve.”

Her expression softened, the rigidity in her posture melting as my words sank in. I could see the war waging in her mind, her pride clashing with practicality.

She deserved better than this. She deserved safety, comfort, and stability. Her mother’s house wasn’t an option—there wasn’t enough room, and with her mom’s hectic work schedule, it would be too much for everyone.

I could help. Iwantedto help.

“Let me think about it,” she finally mumbled, her voice quiet and uncertain. “That’s a bold move, pun intended.”

I let out a small laugh, relieved she hadn’t immediately shut me down, and released her arms.

“Fair enough,” I said, smiling. “Now, how about we get out of here? I feel like I need a shower just from standing in this place.”

Slipping my arm around her shoulders, I guided her out of the sad excuse for an apartment.

“I kinda liked Stan, though,” Theo replied, not pulling away from my embrace.

“Stan?” I asked, confused.

She smirked. “The cockroach. I named him Stan. Which means, yes, I saw him and still decided to look around.”

“Desperate times, huh?” I muttered, shaking my head in disbelief as we stepped onto the metal platform.

Theo shrugged and nodded.

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