Page 45 of Starcrossed Colorado

Sheldon swallowed, nodding.

They both looked at me.

I crossed my arms. “It’s obvious that leak isn’t new. It should’ve been addressed before. I expect a reduction in my rent for every day it’s not fixed.”

“The roofers couldn’t make it out today. And it’ll probably be a while before the damage gets ripped out and redone. This stuff takes time.”

Ashford’s scowl intensified, one corner of his mouth lifting to reveal his incisor.

Sheldon closed his mouth.

“Reduction in rent,” I repeated. “Also, there’s a leak coming from the window too. Someone was in my apartment and moved my things. I’m guessing it was you. But you put my stuff right under the window. I expect you or the landlord to replace any of my belongings that got ruined.”

The things that were replaceable, anyway.

“Did you get all that?” Ashford asked. “Need to write anything down?”

“No,” Sheldon mumbled. “I got it.”

“Good.”

I nodded sharply. “I expect to hear from you first thing in the morning with details on when the contractors are coming.”

I spun on my heel and headed back upstairs. Ashford came up behind me. Once we were inside my apartment, he asked, “Are you okay?”

I took a deep breath. “Thanks for coming with me.”

“Sheldon shouldn’t need me standing there to treat you respectfully. That’s bullshit. But I’m glad I could help. You didn’t really answer my question, though.”

I knelt to rub Stella’s flank. I could tell she needed reassurance. “Am I okay? Not really.” My head hurt and my nose was stuffy from that crying jag. My stomach ached. “Not feeling so great at the moment.”

“This is a setback,” he said. “But you can’t let it get you down. You’re the most optimistic person I’ve ever met.”

“And where did that get me?” I gestured at my barely habitable apartment. My ruined journal on the coffee table.

Ashford was quiet. When I looked over, he was staring off to the side and scowling.

“You probably need to go,” I said. “Maisie’s waiting.”

“Yeah. But you’re coming with me.”

“What?”

“I’ll help you pack up. You’re coming to stay with me and Maisie.”

“Ashford…”

“I’m not leaving you here. There’s probably mold growing in the ceiling. And there was that guy who was watching your building and might have followed you. And Sheldon downstairs. I’m not thrilled that he has a key to your place.”

“I can figure it out. You don’t want me to be your problem.”

“You arenota problem. I am sincerely sorry if I ever made you feel like one.” He sat down beside me on the floor. Stella leaned in to give him a nice, sloppy lick, and he grunted. “Come stay with us, even if it’s just a night or two. Otherwise I won’t be able to sleep because I’ll be anxious about you.”

“We can’t have that.”

“Is that a yes?”

My lips curved with a small smile. “Stella will have to come with me.”

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