Page 164 of Severed Rivalry
“Would you be willing to rent it to a friend of mine?”
“I don’t see why not. Do I know her?”
“Him,” she corrects.
“Okay. Do I know him?”
Something I’ve said piques Cian’s interest, and he sits next to me, his hip at my waist.
“Before I say more, know that I wouldn’t ask if I didn’t trust him.”
This is not making me feel better.
“Okay…” The word is slow and cautious and certainly communicates my hesitancy.
“A friend needs a place to stay. And some stability. His family is, well, like yours was… Let’s just say they’re less dependable. I will cosign his lease if that makes you feel better.”
“No.” I can’t help the pause or the question that follows. “But why would he need a cosigner?”
“He’s solid, Sariah. I promise you that. But his background doesn’t include having an easy life. A good reference from a landlord would go a long way for him.”
“You know him from your work at the center?” I ask.
“Yes. He’s a good kid. He just needs a break.”
“What’s his name?” I don’t know why I ask. I’m fairly certain I’ll know.
“Freddie.”
Just as I suspected.
I look at Ci and return my focus to my call. “Who is he to you, Rosie?”
“I see myself in him. He’s one who can make it. I had Randy. He has me. He’ll make it, Sariah. I know he will.”
“And if I say no?”
“Then I’ll ask you to rent your house to me, and I’ll give him mine. But I’d be disappointed. Because you know what it’s like to need someone to look out for you and how incredible it is to have someone trust you when you’re at you need it most.”
Damn. She’s turning the screws hard.
“Can I meet him before I agree?”
“Sure. Today?”
“Let me talk with Cian and see how we can make this work. We haven’t even moved out and there’s Renée to think about.”
“Talk with him and call me back.” Then she adds, “It’s important to me.”
“You’reimportant to me,” I offer in return. “I’ll call you back in a bit.”
I click off and drop the phone in my lap, closing my eyes and dropping my head back. “Do you want the good news or the bad news?”
“Why do I feel like it’s always bad news?” Cian asks.
“In this case, it’s both… Or neither. I have no clue.”
“Angel, the suspense is killing me. Tell me.”
