Page 41 of Holding You
“Couldn’t Declan just buy a place for three months?” Sadie asks. “I know he mentioned looking for other places to rent, but buying a place wouldn’t be out of the question, right?”
“That’s a complete waste of money, even for one who has it.” Grace smiles. “But I see what you mean.”
The thought crossed my mind as well, but there is a reason he’s smart with his money, and his financial choices are none of my business.
“Is he paying rent?” Brooke asks.
“Yes, he will be once I decide how much.”
I figured that since I don’t have a mortgage or rent myself, I’ll just have him split bills with me and then add on an amount for wear and tear.
“Good.”
Shay grins. “Soooo, you’re doing something that a friend would do and helping him out.”
“We are not friends.” I tilt my drink to her. “Just enemies who now happen to be roommates.”
“Eh,” Sadie volleys her head. “Is it still enemies when you are the only one who thinks that?”
“Declan knows we are enemies.”
“I think Declan has no idea why you don’t like him and just goes with it so he doesn’t piss you off more.”
“And why don’t you like him? Have you ever actually told us?” Grace asks.
I take another sip and then shrug. “I have my reasons.”
“And they are …” Sadie encourages me to go on.
“I was always second-best to him in school while growing up, and then he moved back to Lovers the same week as me, which is weird in itself, but when he came back it was all,oh, what a good dad and he’s so successful and his daughter is so lucky because he’s so amazing and oooh, he’s so hot. Blah, blah.”
The girls just stare at me.
“So … you don’t like him because everyone else loves him.”
I grab a cracker from the tray and lean back.
“I mean, it’s a little more than that.”
“Okay …”
The room fills with silence again and I can’t stand it.
“I’ve done things to be proud of, too.” I toss my hands up in frustration. “I brought Max back here, and I have my business, and I’m … a good mom. I?—”
“You’re an amazing mom, Ruby,” Shay cuts in. “I hope to be like you when it’s my turn.”
“Me too,” Sadie says and reaches for my hand, squeezing it.
“I could never balance my life the way you do with a kid and a job. Alone. It’s impressive,” Brooke adds while Quinn and Grace nod.
“They’re all right, Ruby.”
“Well … I …” My eyes well with tears. “Thank you. I guess it’s just nice to hear it. When we were in Boston, Colt’s family constantly reminded me of the things I did wrong. I guess it’s just nice to hear that I’m doing something right. Something good.”
“Do the boys not say anything?” Quinn asks.
“My brothers?”
