Page 13 of The Redemption of Remy St. Claire

Rusty chuckled as he stepped toward the bedroom. “It’s a two-bedroom with one bathroom, a kitchen, and the family room. It’s small.”

“It’s perfect.” The young man shuddered. “I’ve had enough of my roommates. They need to grow up, and I’m tired of being a parent.” His expression turned serious. “I work full-time and study part-time. Keg parties hold no interest for me.”

“They aren’t coming here to party, are they?”

“No way.” The denial was swift and vehement. “They aren’t my friends. I live there because it’s cheap. Are you sure you want to sublet it for such a small amount? When Marnie told me you might have a place to rent, I was ecstatic.”

“I worry about leaving it empty. I need someone who’s willing to take it furnished and know that if things don’t work out, I might have to move back in a hurry. Despite that, I won’t leave you homeless.”

“I’ll take whatever I can get.”

“Then this is mutually beneficial. I’m moving tomorrow afternoon.”

“How about we meet Sunday morning so I can pick up the keys?” Tristan’s grin was irrepressible.

Rusty had no choice but to reciprocate. “Sounds good. Ten work for you?”

“I could hug you, I’m so grateful.” The younger man’s eyes sparkled. “I’ve been dating Marnie’s friend Olivia, and when we don’t go out, we hang out at Marnie and Jake’s. They’d never complain, but it’s got to be annoying for them.”

“How are things with you and Olivia?”

Tristan hesitated. “You know what she’s been through…”

Yeah, he did. Hell, the whole world did.

“We’re more friends who hang out. She’s not ready for anything more, and I just enjoy her company.”

Something in the man’s demeanor endeared. “That’s a very mature attitude.”

His expression turned thoughtful. “I’m twenty-four. I’ve got lots of time to settle down. Truthfully, I like her company. She’s smart and has a wickedly sarcastic sense of humor.” He glanced at his watch. “My shift is about to start. I’ll see you Sunday?”

Rusty shook the extended hand. He had no qualms about Tristan moving in, because he could rest assured everything would be safe and protected. As he ushered the young man out of the apartment, he silently celebrated his decision. Tristan’s treatment of Olivia made it clear the young man’s maturity level exceeded his chronological age. Reassuring. Of course, when Rusty’d been that age, he’d already become a father.

A predator had snatched Olivia when she was fourteen. He kept her locked in a basement for four years. Three years into her freedom, she thrived, according to Marnie. Marnie had undergone a similarly horrific situation and the two women were helping each other heal.

He was still in awe that Marnie was married and pregnant. When he first met her, she’d been skittish and her vibe precluded letting people close. She was a different woman now, and he was happy for his friend. He needed friends.

There’d been a few buddies in high school and a few classmates at the university, but none of the relationships had been true friendships. He’d say they were acquaintances. The truth was, after he laid eyes on his future wife in the ninth grade, everything paled in comparison. Theirs had been a slow but chaste courtship through high school culminating in a marriage a month after graduation. His parents had tried to dissuade him from marrying so young, but their attempts were half-hearted at best. They’d known what he’d realized the day he met her. He and Sissy Smith were meant to be together. Theirs was one of those special relationships destined to transcend normal parameters.

He had, without hesitation, married the love of his life. He’d expected their marriage to last until one of them died.

There were days…days when he felt like a widower. Days when those years of bliss could only be seen through a lens of chaos and pain.

The haze of desperation often clawed at him.

Being a single parent was a daunting task. Glancing over at Mira, who played dolls with Calleigh, the familiar ache overwhelmed him. The ache of what could’ve been. That ache was always followed quickly by a burst of pride. Pride in Mira and pride in himself. He’d kept a human being alive for three years. No small feat for a single parent.

In the kitchen, preparing sandwiches, he grimaced. Technically, he hadn’t been a single parent. Technically, there’d been another adult in the house. Since he’d done all the work and borne all the responsibility, it seemed like he went it alone. Not his wife’s fault she hadn’t been able to help.

Please bring her peace.

He desperately wanted to change his circumstances. Change Sissy’s circumstances.

Frustrated, powerless, and emotionally castrated, he cut the sandwiches in diagonal slices, the way Mira liked. Hopefully Calleigh liked them that way as well.

Pouring three glasses of milk, he shook off the dark thoughts overwhelming him.

Darkness would keep. Tonight, after Mira had gone to bed, he could brood about the disaster area that used to be his perfect life.

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