“What?” My voice is pitched a little higher than it normally is.

“Yeah, I just found out we have termites. A lot of termites. To deal with the issue I am basically going to have to gut the innards of the building. I can’t have anyone living here while I do that. Safety hazard.”

“Termites? This building is mostly concrete. Even if there are termites, it shouldn’t cause a big enough problem that I have to move.”

“Do you want to test that theory? Because I don’t. I’m not in the mood to settle a lawsuit because you refused to leave and the building came crashing down on your head.”

To be honest, I kind of expected this. I do not believe for one second that the building has termites. A developer has been buying buildings in the area to turn into condos or something. It was only a matter of time before they got to Mason. That’s why he’s kicking us out. I’m sure he was offered 10 times the value of the building in cash.

“Fine, when do you need me to be out by?”

“We have to start work immediately. If you can be out by the end of the night, that would be perfect.”

“The end of the night?! That is such short notice!”

“Well, the termite guys will start work later on tonight. So you need to be out by then. If you’re worried about your rent, I’ll be happy to reimburse you for the last month you paid.”

“I don’t care about the rent. I care about where I’m going to sleep tonight.”

“I’m sorry, but I can’t help you with that.”

He turns around and walks out of my apartment.

All of a sudden, I’m terrified.

Where do I go?

I could crash with Laura or Jamie, but they still live in my parents’ world. If I did that, word will get back to them quickly and they’ll think they won. I can’t deal with the I told you sos.

I guess I’ll figure that out. Right now, I have to pack my stuff and get out. Luckily for me, I never really put down roots here. I never even decorated. My apartment has just always been a glorified storage room where I lay my head at night.

It doesn’t take me long to pack up my belongings.

Before I know it, I am on the sidewalk in front of my building with nowhere to go.

I sit on one of my four suitcases, trying to figure out what options I have, but I can’t come up with anything. I take my phone out of my pocket and start scrolling, looking up cheap motel rooms in the area. The only ones I can find on such short notice are way too sketchy for me to even seriously consider.

I can’t believe this is my life.

I can’t believe this isstillmy life.

I thought that by now I would have been making some headway, but instead I’m sitting on the side of the road like a homeless person.

When am I ever going to catch a break?

At this point I might as well give up and go back home with my tail between my legs.

Suddenly, I burst out into tears. And not cute, dainty tears either, but violence sobs of despair. I know I’m drawing a lot of attention from pedestrians walking by, but I literally couldn’t care less.

I’m not much of a crier, but right now it feels like the world is falling down around me. I’m overwhelmed. I don’t know how long I cry, but I am jolted out of my misery when I hear a deep timbre call my name.

I lift up my tear-stained face and the first thing I see are Reid Harris’ eyes watching me through the window of his Bentley.

“What’s wrong?” he asks.

I hurriedly wipe at my eyes and try to smile. “Nothing. I’m fine.”

He switches off his engine, climbs out of his car and walks around to me. “Clearly, you aren’t fine. What’s going on?”