Page 41 of Crave Thy Neighbor

In truth, I was in no real hurry to get a roommate, which is why I’ve been dragging my feet about it the last few months. I’m enjoying having such a big space to myself for the first time.

Besides, I haven’t done anything except work for the last ten years. I don’t go out often, and I don’t spend money on frivolous things. Even with the added expense, my savings account is doing fine.

“If you’re sure…”

I don’t bother dignifying that with a response.

“Right.” She wipes a napkin across her lips, then tosses it next to her plate.

“Are you not going to finish that?” I ask, nodding toward the leftover French toast.

“Just taking a break.” She sinks farther into the booth, expelling a heavy breath, and points a finger my way. “Don’t even think about reaching over here and stealing it. I will stab you.”

“That’s the second death threat I’ve received from you. And you were worried I’d be the murderer.”

“I’m still not convinced you’re not. But speaking of our arrangement…I promised Sam his own room. I wasn’t wrong to do that, right?”

“He’ll have his own room.”

Now that I’m thinking about it, maybe Maya should be the one to bunk in my library. I’d rather not have the kid’s grubby hands all over my collection.

“How old is Sam?”

“He’ll be thirteen at the end of next month.”

Her eyes light up again, this time for a different reason.

This time it’s with pure love and devotion.

“If you’re wondering if he’s a little shit, the answer is yes, sometimes. He likes to roll his eyes and whine and sometimes talk back, but in general, he’s a good kid. Quiet, keeps to himself mostly, and, barring the stray pair or two of socks, picks up after himself.”

I chuckle. “That’s good to know. I’ll make sure to watch out for the socks though.”

She tilts her head, studying me. “You’re not a kid person, are you?”

I can lie.

I can tell her I love the little fucks.

But I have a feeling she’d see right through me.

“I’m notagainstthem, but I’m not actively trying to have them either.”

She laughs. “I appreciate the honesty. I wasn’t either at first. I felt so awful because I didn’t like Sam when he was first born.I mean, Ilovedhim, but I didn’tlikehim, you know?” She smiles fondly at the memory. “Then, one day when he was particularly fussy, screaming and crying like mad, I lost my cool and screamed right back. He stopped, lifted his little barely there brows, then giggled. Something clicked for me when I heard that sound.”

Over the years, when I’ve expressed my disinterest in kids, I’ve always gotten the response ofJust waitorIt’s different when they’re yours,like I’m magically going to change my mind.

I like how Maya is honest about how her connection with her son wasn’t instantaneous.

I like how real she is.

“So, you’re against love and kids. What else are you against?”

“Onions.”

“Onions?”

“Yep.” I nod. “Fucking disgusting if you ask me.”

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