Page 17 of Living Hell

He had every reason to dislike me. I remembered his dream. He wouldn’t stop talking about saving his money and buying a place when he became an adult. We even discussed living in that imagined house together.

My cheeks warmed at the memory. We were foolish kids.

“Just stay in the house. I’ll meet you for lunch, tomorrow. We can start hashing out a plan. In a day or two, my lawyer can find the person who sold the house and we can get this all cleared up.”

Babette ended the call. She was never one for goodbyes.

One or two days. I could do that. I could tolerate Tyler until then.

Austen was sitting in a leather chair with his hands in his hair and I worried for a moment that he might try to pull it out. Tyler had his back to us.

“Is everything okay?”

“Nope.” Tyler shook his head but didn’t turn around.

I waited for more, but nothing came. “Will someone explain what’s going on?”

Tyler whipped around and I stumbled back from the heated irritation I saw in his eyes. He pointed at Austen. “That man wants me to pay you rent to stay here.”

That was a surprise. Austen moaned and leaned back in the chair, staring at the ceiling. “Until this thing is figured out, we need a solution that legally puts you in good standing.”

“It makes sense. Maybe we both could do something like that? My agent mentioned that—”

“No, not a solution. This is my house. I worked with a realtor and put in an offer. It was accepted two months ago. I had an inspection and the closing date was set for yesterday. I signed the legal documents and here I stand. The key is jangling in my pocket.” He shoved his hand into his jeans pocket with speed and caught a finger.

I winced watching him. Tyler groaned and tightened his jaw. For a few seconds he didn’t move.

“Are you all right?” I stepped forward, but he staggered back.

“No. You don’t get to do that. You don’t get to trick me with your concerned act. This isn’t your house,” Tyler pointed to Austen with the hand which wasn’t crippled in pain, “or your house. It’s mine. That means I sleep in my room tonight with my blanket tucked around me.”

Oh, he was losing it.

“Tyler . . .” I said and reached for his shoulder.

He tensed from my touch but soon relaxed.

Looking back at Austen, I said, “Can you give us a few moments to discuss this?”

“Gladly. Maybe you can talk some sense into my stubborn friend. I’m going back to Fire and Ice to get my dessert. Call if you need me, Tyler.”

I almost forgot the diner was still here. That made me happy. Debbie and her husband were some of the few people in town who were good and honest and treated my mother with respect.

Since I was in town, she would be upset if I didn’t stop by and say hello. I made a mental note to swing by for a visit.

Tyler grunted and nodded but never said to goodbye to his friend. Once Austen left, I wrapped my arms around Tyler’s waist.

“What are you doing—”

“It’s okay. No kittens died because this house had two owners.”

Growing up, Tyler never had many long-lasting friends. He was fun and carefree, but when something stressful would happen in his life a darkness fell on him where no one could get through. He lashed out and lost friends because of that darkness.

But I understood why he was angry. Maybe that’s why he let me in when the shadows grew around him.

“This is my dream,” he said with a raspy whisper.

“No puppies were killed because we both refused to leave.”

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