Page 33 of The Reluctant Roommate

“What about hiring an investigator to find that criminal ex-girlfriend? Find her, get your money back, and you’ll be able to get a better car, maybe your own place.”

“True. But—” Footsteps sounded from behind, then Morgan passed through the living area and into the kitchen.

“Okay, you’ve convinced me. I’ll look up investigators.”

Fiona’s face filled the screen. “Do. It. I’m still mad as a cut snake about Serena, the bitch.”

“You’ve mentioned this before. About a dozen times.”

Fiona laughed. “Think of the road trip you’ll have when you find her. A cross-country trip to beat down her door and demand your money. Do you have any idea where she is?”

“I imagine still in California somewhere. That’s where her family is. And, yeah, I tried to get her address from them, but they stalled me, then stopped answering my calls.”

“You’ll find a way. Well, you and a private investigator. And when you find her, ask her how to disappear. Because disappearing from my life is very tempting right now, at least until Iza grows out of her hormones and moodiness.”

“Good luck with that. You still haven’t. Like mother, like daughter.” Heidi pushed back her hair and blew a raspberry at Fiona.

“You are such a child. Like aunt, like niece. Between us both, Iza hasn’t a chance of maturing. Guess I’m stuck with her—and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

Morgan came out of the kitchen and held up a mug in question. Heidi nodded.

“Gotta go,” she said to Fiona. “I’m being offered coffee. I’ve got the evening shift today, so I’ll need to be caffeinated.”

“Go,” Fiona said. “Love you, Sis.”

“Love you too.” She ended the call and shut the laptop.

The kitchen smelled of quality coffee. Morgan must have made the good stuff. She accepted the mug Morgan handed her and sniffed the steam appreciatively before taking a sip. Morgan had added just the right amount of half-and-half. “Thanks. Yourcoffee is the best. I should suck up the expense and start buying it.”

Morgan had a weird half smile on her face. “And here was me thinking I could save money and buy grocery store coffee. I’ve kinda gotten used to your cheap stuff.”

“Maybe we should mix the two together and have the worst of both worlds? Expensive coffee that tastes like mud.”

Morgan smiled. “Actually, I want to talk to you about things other than coffee. Your three-week trial is nearly up.”

Heidi froze, and her gaze flew to Morgan’s face. Was she about to be thrown out? If so, there was no way she could be ready to leave by the end of the week. It would be back to the hostel.Shit, shit, and fuckity-fuck.

“I heard what Fiona said to you,” Morgan said. “About getting your own place now that you’re settled in Denver.”

Heidi shrugged. “That’s Fiona talking. But, yes, I feel settled here. I sent my application to DU today, weeks ahead of the deadline. Go me. I’ve never been so organized.”

Morgan fiddled with the teaspoon, stirring her coffee first one way, then the other.

Heidi took a deep breath. “Should I be looking for somewhere else to live?”

Morgan continued to stir the mini whirlpool of coffee in her mug. “Have you started looking for places?”

“No. I guess it’s my bad, but you didn’t say anything about moving out. I thought we were getting on well. You left me that note about cleaning up the kitchen, and I’ve tried to do better since.”

Morgan raised an eyebrow and glanced at the pile of breakfast dishes.

“Okay, I haven’t cleaned up from this morning yet, but I will. It will sparkle and shine.”

“I’d appreciate that. I’m used to my space being exceptionally clean. Tidy. I used to have a person who came to clean twice each week, but I—” A beat before she continued. “I haven’t lived with anyone since college; I’m finding it a little hard to adapt. Not just your clutter”—she pointed to Heidi’s sweatshirt and a pair of her socks abandoned on the couch—“but just having someone in my space. I wasn’t comfortable with Lula here this morning.”

“She’s my mate. And she’s the first person I’ve had around since I’ve been living here. You joined us for breakfast; you’d have been welcome to hang around after. I wasn’t trying to exclude you.”

“I realize that.” Morgan’s shoulders hunched. “I guess it’s my nature to like chilling by myself.”