Page 42 of Dagger

I set my phone down and push myself off the bed. Today is going to be different. I make my bed, tucking the blankets neatly, then head to the bathroom for a shower. The warm water wakes me up, washing away the remnants of sleep and some of the doubt lingering in my mind.

After dressing in a simple pair of jeans and a loose sweater, I check my phone again. There’s a new message from the landlord.

Any time today works. Just let me know when you’re on your way.

I smile and type back a quick reply, thanking them and saying I’ll stop by in the afternoon.

Feeling lighter than I have in days, I grab my keys and head out, walking up the path to Sophie and Tank’s place. Sophie’s at the kitchen island when I peek through the glass door, her hair piled into a messy bun, a cup of coffee in her hand. She sees me and waves me in with a warm smile.

I step inside, the familiar scent of coffee and something sweet greeting me. I’m going to miss this. The easy mornings, the comfort of having Sophie so close. But it’s time.

“Good morning,” she says brightly.

“Morning.” I lean in and hug her, and she sets her coffee down to hug me back.

“What’s up?” she asks, sensing there’s more to my visit.

I glance around the room, then meet her eyes. “Can you and Tank come with me today to look at a place?”

Her eyebrows shoot up. “What kind of place?”

“A house,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual.

Her expression shifts, confusion giving way to something sadder. “What do you mean? You’re thinking about leaving?”

I sigh, hating the look on her face. “Come on, Soph. You know this place isn’t big enough for me and the baby. I need more space.”

She shrugs, her shoulders slumping. “I know,” she says quietly. “I just thought... I don’t know. I hoped you’d stay.”

I step closer, putting a hand on her arm. “I don’t want to leave you,” I say honestly. “You’ve been there for me througheverything. But I have to think about what’s best for him.” My hand moves instinctively to my stomach.

She nods, blinking quickly like she’s trying to hide tears. “I know,” she says again, her voice softer this time. “I just... I’m going to miss you.”

“I’m not going far,” I remind her. “And you’ll still see us all the time. You know that.”

“Yeah,” she says, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, you’re right. Okay, we’ll come with you. Tank’s out back, but I’ll let him know.”

“Thanks, Soph.”

She squeezes my arm and smiles again, a little brighter this time. “You’re doing the right thing, you know. For you and the baby. You’re stronger than you think.”

Her words hit me harder than I expect, and I nod, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Thanks,” I say, my voice a little hoarse.

“Alright,” she says, clapping her hands together. “Let’s go check this place out.”

As she heads to get Tank, I glance down at my phone one more time, looking at the pictures of the little house. It might not be perfect, but it could be a start. A place for me and my boy to call home.

Sophie hands me a steaming cup of tea as I settle into the chair across from her at the kitchen island. The warm ceramic feels good in my hands, but I can’t shake the tension from my shoulders. She watches me closely, her head tilted slightly, her expression curious but cautious.

“So,” Sophie starts, leaning on the counter. “Do you want to talk about what happened with Dagger last night?”

I sigh, blowing gently over the tea before taking a sip. “I don’t even know where to start.”

“Start wherever you want,” she says, her voice gentle but steady. “I’m here. No judgment.”

I set the cup down, my fingers tracing the rim absently. “He came over, said he wanted to fix things, but it didn’t go the way he probably hoped. I told him I wasn’t going to sit around and wait for him to figure things out.”

Sophie raises her eyebrows, surprised. “You said that? To Dagger?”

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