Page 28 of My UnTrue Love
Clementine nodded, pleased with him for taking the high road.
It was justinfuriating!
Bill probably owned nothing but that lousy guitar! His entire retirement fund was probably a tin cup for panhandling. He was probably planning to steal all Clementine’s belongings and sell them for cigarettes.
Johnny took a deep breath and pulled out the big guns. “We’ve always been a team, right? Ever since we were kids, it’s beenJohnny and Clementine.”
Bill’s shoulders went rigid. The idea of Clem being connected to anyone else seemed to piss him off.
Excellent.
“We’ve been friends for a long time, Johnny.” Clem agreed. “But we can’t be a team, anymore. I have to think about myself, now.”
Johnny’s jaw sagged open in shock.
Bill’s breath whooshed out. The bastard was so relieved that he looked a little dizzy.
Clementine kept talking to Johnny. “I appreciate you wanting to look out for me. Really. But I’m happy with Bill, and I’m going to move in with him.”
“You’d rather live in some squalid apartment than here with me?!”
“Bill’s apartment isn’t squalid.”
“Of course it is.” No place reputable would rent to coyotes. “I’ve seen that building, Clem. There’s muddy water in the pool and it’s got fifteen shades of clay on the walls.” Adobe architecture wassoout of fashion.
“It’s bohemian. Like a haven for artists. His neighbor plays the fiddle, and I think he hasrealtalent.”
Even the coyote side-eyed that claim.
“Bill and I are headed in the same direction.” Clementine went on, filled with confidence. “So, I’m moving in with him, even though I feel guilty about imposing.”
“No imposition.” Bill had never sounded so cheerful. “I’ve been wanting a roommate.”
“Then why don’t you already have one?” Johnny snapped.
“I’ve been wanting therightroommate.” Bill’s gaze glinted. “And now I’ve got her.”
Johnny developed a sinking feeling in his stomach. In that moment, he knew if he let the coyote take Clem away, everything would be ruined.Everything. He made a split-second decision, born of desperation.
“I can cover all of October’s rent here at the house.” He blurted out.
Bill’s jaw tightened.
Clementine’s lips parted. “Really?”
Why did she sound so surprised? What, like he couldn’t be just as nice as Bill? Like he didn’t havewaymore money and a way kinder nature? It was insulting.
Although honestly, was itJohnny’sfault she hadn’t been pulling her weight in the band? No. But whatever. He’d cover her expenses for a few weeks, if it kept her from moving. He wasn’t going to let the coyote win.
“Yes, really. You can pay me back, once you’ve landed steady work. I meansomeone’sgotta hire you, sooner or later.” Johnny forced out a chuckle. “You didn’t think I was going to make you pay rent while you were looking for a job, right? I should’ve told you that before.”
“Yeah, you should’ve.” Bill intoned.
“It was so obvious that I didn’t think Ihadto mention it.” Johnny snapped back, convincing himself that he’d always meant to make the offer, even as the idea appeared in his head for the first time. “Clem is my oldest friend. Of course, I’ll help her out.”
Clementine’s eyes lost some of their distance. She clearly felt gratitude for his benevolence. That was more like it! “I appreciate the offer, Johnny. Truly.”
“Great! So then we can…”
