Page 36 of Crave Thy Neighbor

We just don’t know how to end this call.

“So, uh, what are you wearing?”

I almost spit my wine out. “What?!”

He laughs. “I’m kidding. Just thought I’d break the tension.”

“Living with you is going to be fun.”

He mutters something I can’t quite make out.

And a thought hits me.

“How much?”

“Huh?”

“The rent—how much is the rent?”

“Six fifty.”

What? There’s no way… “That seems way too good to be true.”

“Well, it’s true.”

“You’re not trying to cut me some pity deal, are you?”

“I don’t know you very well just yet, Maya, but I have a feeling you wouldn’t appreciate me saying yes to that.”

“You’re damn right I wouldn’t.”

“Then no, that’s not what I’m doing.”

“Nolan…” I sigh, closing my eyes against the tears forming. Part of me wants to argue with him. The other part is grateful. “Thank you.”

He doesn’t say anything, and I’m glad he doesn’t say anything.

I’ve been an emotional wreck for weeks now. If he were to say something, the dam barely keeping my tears at bay would certainly burst.

“So, does nine tomorrow work?” he asks.

It gives me enough time to get Sam to school and get back across town. “Yes, nine is fine.”

“Sounds good.”

“Uh…” I’m at a loss for how to end the conversation. “Good night then.”

He chuckles lightly, like he knows how uncomfortable I am. “Night, Juliet.”

A smile breaks out across my face as the call disconnects.

That night, for the first time in a long while, I sleep peacefully.

6

Nolan

Maya: I’m running five minutes late. I’m sorry.

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