Page 106 of A Bossy Roommate

“Because you and I know him personally.” Bradley shrugs. “We both know how much this place means to him and what he’s sacrificed.”

“Mr. Huxley has to have something to do with it.”

“Of course he does. The thing is, we need evidence.”

“What should we do first?”

Bradley looks at his watch. “Start fresh in the morning,” he says when he realizes the time. I’m startled to see it as well. My mind had been spinning so fast I’d lost track. “I’m sure you’re dying to get home. Tomorrow, you and I will go through all these files one at a time and see what we can find.” He points at a bunch of folders of Carter’s clients that have decided to not renew their contracts with Legacy Builders.

Feeling relieved that there’s some semblance of a plan, I nod with understanding. “Sounds good to me. I’m glad you’re taking over the position for now. At least I know I can trust you.”

“Likewise,” Bradley states firmly. “We’re going to figure this out.”

The elevator doorsopen on our floor and Hattie’s door is already ajar. She comes out to meet me. “I have to ask—is everything quite all right? It seems like Carter has returned home early, but he doesn’t seem to be in a terribly chatty mood, I’m afraid. And you, love, you’ve never got home quite so late!”

“Everything’s fine.” I try to rush her along while still being polite. “How’s the move going?”

At that, Hattie winces. “Ah. Actually, I’ve been meaning to speak to you about that. Bit awkward, I’m afraid… but after careful consideration, I’ve come to the decision that I won’t be moving, after all.”

Oh.

Well,of courseshe isn’t. Because why would anything go according to plan? I can’t even begin to wrap my head around anything. My mind is already consumed with other more important things.

“What happened?” I ask. “You were so excited.”

“Oh, my dear, I just thought ‘why on earth am I uprooting myself?’ The thing is, my feline companions have a distinct aversion to change—and, truth be told, so do I. Relocating to a bigger place just so I can accommodate more cats may have been rather an ill-advised idea, I must admit.”

I can understand that. Honestly, I don’t fault her for it. “As long as you’re happy, Hattie. That’s all that matters.”

“I do apologize, my dear. I’m completely aware that my decision means you won’t be able to have the apartment.”

“I’ll figure something out. Have a nice evening, Hattie,” I say, turning to unlock my door.

“Oh wait, there is another little thing I should probably tell you…”

“Can it wait until later, please? I really need to talk to Carter.”

She nods. “Of course, it’s probably of little consequence… or so I hope, anyway. It may well be quite trivial, in fact. Well, I must get on with unpacking now. But should you see Eleanor, please do convey my heartfelt thanks. It was her persuasive words that convinced me to stay, you see.”

My jaw falls open, but Hattie doesn’t give me time to respond. She steps into the apartment and closes the door behind her.

I’m morethan a little distracted going into Carter’s place. First Carter was fired—possibly because of me, because I’d entrusted Gretchen with info I shouldn’t have—and now the apartment I was supposed to stay in isn’t going to be available anymore.

My conversation with Hattie is forgotten when I walk inside.

Carter stands waiting, two glasses of wine in his hands.

“There you are! Welcome home,” he says.

The kitchen table is decorated with a large bouquet of vibrant roses and white calla lilies.

My heart skips a beat. Maybe even two. “What’s this?”

Carter looks at the table and then back at me. “Well, we have a lot to talk about, and I figured we were overdue for a proper date. The kind with flowers, good food, and not just moonlight as an added perk.”

“You didn’t have to go to all the trouble. Especially not after what happened today…”

“Yeah, I did. Come, sit down.”

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