Page 87 of The Addendum

“What are you talking about?”

“It’s perfect, Ash. I’m tired of the frat-boy atmosphere of the place I’m currently living in. I was thinking about moving, but like you, living alone in this province is financially hard unless you like shoeboxes or scary basement places. You need a roommate. You have a nice place. We like each other.” I leered at her, adding an outlandish wink. “We more than like each other in several ways. Joyce moves out, I move in. It saves her money because I am available right away. Saves you stress because you know me. It’s a win/win situation if you ask me.”

“So, you want to move in together? Live as a couple?” she asked with a frown. “Are we ready for that?”

I smiled in understanding. “I can have Joyce’s room if you prefer. Be roommates with benefits. But if you’re wondering how I feel about it, yes, I’m ready. The thought of living with you, waking up with you every day, relaxing on the sofa, and knowing I don’t have to leave and go home to an empty bed or a bunch of idiots who just ordered pizza and plan on sitting up all night playing a new game they discovered? I love it.”

“You love those idiots,” she protested.

“Not as much as I love you. You’re my future, Ashley. I want to start my future now, even if we have to go slow. If I take Joyce’s room, I still get more of you.”

I sat back and picked up my water, sipping it slowly. I let her process what I said. I had already given her a lot to think about tonight, but for me, this one was a no-brainer. I loved her, and I knew she loved me. As far as I was concerned, she was it for me. Moving in only made sense, and as I had already told her, I was ready.

The question now on the table—was Ashley ready?

I could almost hear her thoughts as they raced through her head, sorting them into pluses and minuses. Weighing the pros and cons. Worrying over making the wrong decision. Finding a million questions and trying to figure out how to ask them. Desperate to simply say yes, but too afraid to accept happiness for what it should be.

She had been denied something her entire life—the sense of being safe. I understood that since I had experienced the same thing growing up in the foster system. But whereas I grabbed happiness where I found it and enjoyed the hell out of it, she was afraid to accept it—frightened it would be taken from her again. For someone so outwardly confident and self-assured, she was still the little girl inside, praying for the love of a father she didn’t have, the safety of a home she wouldn’t have to leave, and the time of a mother so busy trying to do right by her daughter, she forgot to make sure to spend time with her. Ashley had kept so many secrets hidden from her mother—the constant bullying, her worries about disappointing her, her fears of something happening to her mother and being even more alone than she already felt. It all affected her, and now as an adult, when faced with a chance at happiness, she allowed her hidden fears to override the joy she should experience.

I opened my mouth to say something when she shocked me.

“So, I would get you every day?”

“Yes.”

Her voice lowered. “Every night?”

“Absolutely. Play your cards right, three or four times on the weekend.”

Her lips quirked.

“You okay with dishes?”

“I’ll dry.”

“Laundry?”

“I know how to separate darks and lights. I even know how to put the toilet seat down and get my socks in the hamper. I’m telling you—I’m perfect for you.”

“Then pack your bags, Luc. Move in with me.”

“Yeah?” I breathed out.

“Yes.”

“I think I need to take you home—now.”

She drained her wine. “I think so.”

I signaled for the check. It was time to celebrate.

* * *

I crowded her against the door as she tried to get her key in. She laughed and elbowed me. “If I don’t get the door open, nothing is gonna happen, big boy.”

“That’s a matter of opinion. I have zero problem throwing down right here.”

“Oh my God,” she breathed.