Page 33 of Give Me a Reason

We had a wedding that day, but on Sunday, Finn and Ireland insisted on coming with me to my apartment. I’d ridden with Ireland everywhere on Saturday because my car was still there. My shoulders were tight with tension as we walked up the steps to the apartment.

I unlocked the door and swung the door open as we stepped inside.

Finn fiddled around with the door and lock. “It’s no wonder someone broke in. The lock is a disgrace.”

I didn’t respond because I agreed with him. There was no exterior door, either, to keep intruders out. I knew that when I moved in, but I couldn’t afford the pricier places closer to town.

The place was trashed. If there was a TV, it would have probably been stolen. There was nothing of value in my apartment. My one splurge was my laptop, and I kept that with me at all times.

I steeled myself for the bedroom. My clothes were rifled through as if they were looking for something of value, maybe cash or jewelry hidden underneath.

“Is there anything missing? Your insurance will want to know,” Ireland said from behind me.

“I didn’t have renter’s insurance. There wasn’t anything of value.” I didn’t like admitting it, but it was true. There was no electronics, jewelry, or cash. Any cash I had, I gave to my parents for groceries. My meager savings was in the bank. I wasn’t dumb enough to leave anything here.

I ignored the look they exchanged and grabbed the garbage bags from under the kitchen sink and filled them with my clothes. I didn’t have the money to buy a whole new wardrobe, although I’d be buying new panties and bras. I didn’t even want to think about a stranger touching those.

Ireland helped me with the bathroom things, and Finn grabbed some boxes from the car to pack the kitchen.

“I really appreciate you letting me move in.”

Ireland crouched next to me. “It worked out for the best.”

“Can you let me know how much I owe you?” I needed to rework my budget. Odds were her place was more expensive than my current one, and we hadn’t discussed rent or utilities.

“Don’t even worry about it. We can work that out later.”

I appreciated their help, even if I didn’t like letting people in. I needed them.

Later that afternoon, we walked out with the last of the boxes and bags, and I vowed never to live anywhere like this again. I’d felt safe last night when I’d slept in Ireland’s guest room. I needed to make sure I was in a good situation before I helped Iris out. I needed to start taking better care of myself.

I didn’t like to think about it, but what if I’d been home? Would they have hurt me? I barely suppressed the shiver as we packed the trunk. Ireland stayed behind to lock the door.

“You never have to come back here again. You’ll be safe at Ireland’s.”

I laughed, and it felt like a release of tension. “How did you know what I was thinking?”

Without a word, Finn pulled me in for a hug, and my eyes stung. “Want to get lunch?”

I pulled away from his strong arms and warmth, avoiding his eyes. “I’d love to.”

We dropped my car and my stuff off at Ireland’s, and then Finn drove us to Max’s for lunch. Finn explained to Max what happened on Friday night while the hostess led us to a table. I couldn’t remember the last time I went out to lunch or had drinks with friends. It was nice, and I was ready to splurge. I needed a break. It had been a stressful few days.

“I don’t want you moving back there, or anywhere like it,” Ireland said to me.

“Don’t worry. I was already having the same thoughts.”

“Good. We’re going to have so much fun together,” she said as Finn returned to the table.

“I don’t know if it’s a good idea for you two to be roommates,” Finn said as he sat down, and I wondered what he meant. Did he realize that whatever was simmering between us was off the table now?

Ireland sipped her water. “Why?”

“You two will probably get into all kinds of trouble,” Finn murmured as he picked up the menu.

“I never get into trouble.” I was always a rule follower in school. The fewer waves you made, the less attention anyone paid you, and I was very conscious not to attract that. I made sure I bathed, my clothes were clean, and my homework was done. Then no one would ask any questions or make any comments.

Besides, I had it better than most. My parents were loving and attentive when they weren’t working. I didn’t live in an abusive household like some of the other kids in the trailer park.

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