Page 59 of Refurbished

“Is there something I can do?”

“No. You are so nice. I. Nobody. You are so nice.”

“Thank you?” That was the best I could come up with.

“I’m sorry. Not that long ago, I broke up with a guy who was terrible to me, and then my current roommate was supposed to be a working professional, like an office worker or nurse. The guy is nothing more than a frat bro. He parties all the time; his buddies are always there, and they are rude, messy, and loud. It’s every single night. I’m getting no sleep, and I keep finding random people in my bedroom having sex. I’m trapped.”

All of that sounded terrible. I remember what Eion said last night, and I hoped I wasn’t about to overstep. “You could rent this place. It’s not much, but it sounds better than where you are.”

“Really?” The hope in his eyes made me want to cry. It was such a small offer.

“Yeah. How much are you paying for rent right now?”

“I pay eleven hundred a month.”

“Well, it won’t be that much. Let me talk to Eion. And unless I am mistaken, it’s going to get busy around here, too. Maybe we can give you even more hours in exchange for housing.”

He started to cry harder. I let him get it out. Eventually he started to sniffle and gave me a wonky smile. Nothing else needed to be said. “Eat your breakfast. You can bring your stuff over whenever you want. Where is your car?”

“Um. Three of my roommates' buddies had me blocked in last night, and I couldn’t take my Jeep, so I found another way here.”

“Oof. Do you need a ride?”

“No. I have someone picking me up. Thank you.” He looked like he might cry again.

“Okay. I’ll let you know on rent.” I walked away before the tears returned. I found Eion dressed and scrolling through his phone. I filled him in on the situation with Zach and his roommate after his breakup. He agreed to let him rent the trailer, and we came up with a fair amount. I was glad we could help him out, since he seemed like a good man trying to get back on his feet after a bad relationship.

With Barnaby on Eion’s heel, we headed out to feed. Of course, I went right to the boys because I was addicted to the furry little guys. When I looked up the path, I could see Zach was already out with Walter. They were so cute together. I’d let him enjoy his time with his friend and text him later.

Before I entered the nursery, I stopped and looked around. “How am I so lucky to have this life?” I said to the universe.

Chapter twenty-nine

EION

Amelia greeted us at the door like she hadn’t seen us in months, even though the fundraiser was only a few days ago. Angus’s mom, a billionaire socialite and executive who managed the MacGregor trust, opened the door wearing slides, threadbare jeans, and a t-shirt covered in something that was either blood or jelly. I assumed she wasn’t chopping up a person. However, I wouldn’t put anything past her. Stepping inside, there was the scent of cinnamon and sugar in the air. “I made Danish filled with raspberry jam.”

You would think after all the time we spent together, I’d be used to the idea that she was an average woman, but it was still very difficult to accept that the amazing woman who managed a top fifty corporation was the same person who stood in front of me with flour on her cheek.

“Come here, sweet boys.” Angus and I started to move until both dogs scampered over to her. “Can I give them bacon?”

Angus and I looked at each other. “Of course, pretty sure Barnaby likes you better than me.”

“Maybe.” She said over her shoulder with the dogs on her heels. I laughed and then raised an eyebrow at Angus. He gave me a smile and shrugged; obviously, he had no power over his mother either. “Can you take these over to The Dapper Duck for East? Okay, let’s be honest, they are for Allison, but I included enough for her dad and uncle, too.”

Angus got up and kissed his mom on the head. “Anything for you, Mom.” He brought me a cup of coffee, fixed it how I liked it, and set a cup of tea on a saucer in front of his mom. Even though we had said I love yous, I knew there was so much about him that those words didn’t even cover. And watching him be sweet was one of those things. Shit.

Angus nudged me. “Eion?”

“What. Huh?”

“Welcome back.” He smiled and kissed my cheek. “Mom asked if we wanted to go over numbers from the fundraiser.”

“Yes. I am so sorry. I was thinking about how you two have made me part of your family.” That might have been too much. Clearly, my brain had not engaged before the words came out. To my relief, I got a big smile from both of them.

“You are family.” They both said at the same time. I didn’t really have words because if I tried to talk, I would cry. Angus grabbed my hand and squeezed as he slid his chair closer to mine.

“Let’s look at those numbers.” He said, then looked at me with another grin and a wink.