Page 5 of An Accidental Flatmate

“You’re providing pocket money for your sisters.”

He was matter-of-fact, not shocked or staring at her as if she’d lost her mind. Migrant families had complicated relationships in a new world; interweaving obligations that stretched across lifetimes. Although unlike her, Casildo had been born here.

“I’m working and living at home, so of course, I pay board to my parents and some of that trickles into my sisters’ pockets.”

Bea was happy with the explanation, part truth, part understatement of the century. And she had no intention of telling Casildo Hariri that as long as she was contributing to her parents’ mortgage, key money for a rental apartment was a distant fantasy for her.

“Why are you still living at home?”

None of your business.

“Sorry, I shouldn’t have asked that. But it looks like we both need a little respite from our families and don’t have the ready cash to pay for it.” He’d gone all serious and broody. His brood was sexy; her brood looked like she was straining to lay an egg.

“What are you suggesting?”

CHAPTER TWO

In his head, Cas talliedthe facts and impressions he’d gleaned about Beatriz in the years since he’d met her. A hard worker, reliable, super calm, generous in sharing her knowledge and experience with her colleagues and, unusually in their circles, she wasn’t a party girl. He liked that she was quiet, but not a mouse, genuine in an industry with a lot of show ponies.

Attractive qualities in a flatmate.

She attended the official functions but didn’t spend her nights propping up bars or wining and dining with her girlfriends. Come to think of it, he hadn’t heard her speak of any close friends apart from Anna. Like him, she hadn’t brought a date to Anna and Hunter’s wedding.

I was best man, so I had an excuse.

Admit it, bro. You haven’t dated seriously for a few years.

Some betrayals, like being hunted for his family’s wealth, tended to leave lasting scars. Although, with hindsight, he could admit he wasn’t blameless, and that stuck in his craw. He should have called time before his last girlfriend Monique grew frustrated enough to want to punish him. Cas had disappointed his father. Again.

Bea hadn’t been in the official wedding party and, because he’d asked, he knew for a fact her invite had readBeatriz Gomez and friend.

Okay, I was curious. It wasn’t personal. Just like I would have been about anyone joining our circle.

“First, give me a sense of your sisters’ mood.”

“Why?’

---