Page 2 of Protecting Vera

Having a mortgage-free house made a huge difference in his life. He thought about getting a roommate since there was an extra bedroom, but on mornings like today, he liked having the place to himself.

Way too early, his phone rang. He thought about letting it go to voicemail, but it was his sister. She’d saved his life after his not-so-lovely marriage, so he answered because he still owed her.

“What’s up, Frizz?” His sister’s name was Caroline, but she had brown curly hair that went super frizzy in the humidity. She no longer got upset at the nickname, which made him love her even more.

“I need a favor. It’s big, and if you say no, that’s okay, but I’d owe you big time.”

Hop sat up, wiping his hand over his face. Frizz sounded serious, much more serious than she usually sounded. “What do you need?”

“Do you remember Vera?”

“No.”

“She was my roommate in college.”

“I don’t think I met her.”

“Yeah, you were deployed then.”

“What do you need from me? I stayed out late partying, and I’d like to go back to sleep.” He could almost hear Frizz rolling her eyes as she sighed.

“This is a huge favor. She needs a place to stay, somewhere her ex can’t find her. A place he would never think to look. She works from home, so she doesn’t need to get a job out there. She just needs to lie low until he moves on to someone else.”

Hop swung his feet over the side of his bed and blew out a huge breath. “Really? This is the favor you call in? I mean, it’s huge, but I do owe you my life. Just a sec.” He put the phone on mute as he used the bathroom, then brushed his teeth. He clicked off the mute button and sighed again. “Can you send me more details? She knows I’m not an option for a relationship, right?”

“She’s sworn off men. Also, you aren’t her type. She won’t be a bother. She’s an excellent cook, and she likes to clean. It would be just a few months until he gives up and decides to pester someone else.”

“Jesus, Frizz. I guess it’s okay. Send me her information, and I’ll call you later. She isn’t some crazy stalker type herself, right?”

“She isn’t. She just made a bad choice when it came to guys. You know how that is.”

The reminder of his failed marriage hit him hard. “Ouch. You vouch for her?”

“Yes, dear brother. She was the good roommate who helped me get my spending and drinking under control.”

“Oh, that was Vera?”

“Yeah. Mom met her. She talked about her all the time.”

“Okay, if you trust her, I’ll trust you.”

“Thank you, Ben. You’re a lifesaver.”

He chuckled. “So are you.”

They were both quiet for a moment as the past washed over them. That night, he’d been so close to letting it all go, and Frizz had talked him into facing the future and choosing life. He didn’t admit to others how close he’d come to losing it because his ex had cheated and left him. He really felt like a total loser back then. Frizz had built him back up, helping him see he had value. When he’d been ready to quit BUDs, he’d remembered his promise to Frizz. He owed her everything and couldn’t give up on something he’d wanted so very badly.

They’d been close growing up. Having only their mom around meant they had to pitch in more than their friends. After that night, they’d grown even closer. If Frizz trusted Vera, he would, too.

“I’ll call you about the details later,” Frizz said before she ended the call.

He sighed, realizing he was up for the day. The house needed a deep clean, so he guessed that was next on his agenda. At least he had a place where Vera could stay. He just hoped he didn’t live to regret this act of kindness.

CHAPTER THREE

Vera liked Frizz’s idea, but she wasn’t sure she really wanted to live with a stranger, and though Ben was Frizz’s brother, he was a stranger. She had few options. She could move to a different state, but with her name on a lease or mortgage, Logan would find her.

If she lived with Frizz’s brother, she wouldn’t have her name attached to the address. And California was far enough away. She felt like this could be her best escape plan.

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