Page 13 of Faithful

“There’s a really cheap place downtown where you can get a great set for half price,” she said to me earlier when we were carrying my belongings out of Gavin’s house. “I can go with you tomorrow.”

Paul, who she avoids calling her boyfriend but who’s surely fulfilling those duties perfectly, nodded in agreement. “Yep. It’s supposedly wholesale, but my buddy has a hookup there, so they’ll sell some stuff individually if he signs off.”

And that’s how it was decided I’d be getting a new bedroom set.

As soon as we reach the property, Paul steers his truck into an empty spot by the curb next to the side entrance closest to our unit. Leigh rushes over to the apartment to unlock the door while we grab a couple of boxes and start moving.

Thirty minutes later, we’re seated on the single piece of furniture currently occupying our new living room–a comfy corner set Leigh already had her boy toy move here from the old place. There’s a twelve-pack of Rainier on the floor, each one of us nursing a can.

“You’re up for a challenge?” Paul asks, reaching for his second beer. “We still need to get the rest of her things.” He brushes his palm against Leigh’s thigh.

“Yeah.” I nod, then add, “As long as you two don’t start making out in front of me.”

Leigh cackles.

“Disgusting.” I stick my tongue out.

“Put that thing away, Watson.” She shoves her fingers into my mouth. I recoil and somehow, two seconds later, we end up in a brawl on the couch with Paul gawking at us like we’re two hyenas fighting over food.

“She can be worse,” I tell him when I finally wiggle my way out of my friend’s grip on my jaw. “Much, much worse.”

“It’s not too late to dash, handsome.” Leigh grins at him and straightens up.

“Just let me know when you’re done fooling around.” Paul shrugs and empties another beer.

He seems chill and I sort of like him for her.

We spend the rest of the day transporting Leigh’s things from the old apartment to the new one.

Paul, who apparently has an early golf match with his father, leaves us shortly before ten, and we continue to organize and unpack until the place finally starts looking more or less livable.

It’s past midnight when Leigh and I finally retreat to our respective rooms.

I sleep on the floor. It’s definitely uncomfortable and my entire body hurts when I wake up, but this is the kind of pain that I’m willing to endure to separate myself from Gavin.

The following morning we go to see about that furniture and by the end of day two, I’m the proud owner of a simple queen-sized bed, two nightstands, and a modest dresser.

I also get a different phone provider and have them port my existing number because I’m convinced that Gavin somehow knows about Kai and me. Call it paranoia, but I’m not ready to lose the little I have left. Even if that little is a secret.

Then I stop by the bank and apply for a new credit card.

At the end of the weekend, I’m completely broke with thirty-six dollars and twenty-seven cents to my name and my next paycheck still several days away.

I don’t think I’ve ever been this grateful for a nearly full gas tank.

Oh, the little things.

They do matter when you’re no longer rich.

* * *

K: u r horrible at decor

That’s the text I get from Kai after I send him a photo of my room post-purchases, the bed being the main focus.

So?

K: just stating the obvious

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