Total pages in book: 71
Estimated words: 66518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 66518 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 333(@200wpm)___ 266(@250wpm)___ 222(@300wpm)
“I hope so. It’ll be fun for sure. My models are all local drag queens, and I know they’re going to bring the sparkle.”
“That’s so cool! Do you do drag?”
“No way. The idea of performing terrifies me.”
We chatted for a few more minutes, and then he said, “They’re about to start serving breakfast in the cafeteria. Want to come with me and get something to eat?” When I declined, he told me he’d be back soon and hurried out the door.
After I checked the time to make sure I wouldn’t be waking them up, I texted my landladies. I told them about Kit’s situation and asked if he could stay in my room with me until he got on his feet, and they readily agreed. I knew they would. They were incredibly kind people who’d never turn down someone in need.
Then a thought occurred to me. I video-called Ryder and got right to the point by asking, “Are you the jealous type? Because I just invited a cute gay guy to move into my room with me.”
“I assume you’re talking about Kit. Does that mean he really was living in the studio?”
“Yeah, since the school year started in September. I had no idea.”
“That poor guy. I’m glad you’re helping him out.”
“So, you’re okay with this?”
“Of course. I trust you completely, Hal.”
That was huge. We’d both been left with trust issues after our last relationships ended, so I knew he didn’t say it lightly.
“Just so you know, I trust you, too.”
Hearing that was a big deal to him, just like it had been for me. I saw it in his eyes when he smiled and said, “Thanks for saying that.”
After class, I helped Kit pack a few of his things. He had to move his stuff out gradually, so it didn’t attract attention and tip off anyone that he’d been living there. We rode the bus across town, and when he saw the pink Victorian, he whispered, “It’s so beautiful.”
JoJo greeted us in the foyer, and after I introduced her to Kit she told me, “I talked to Embry. He officially moved out, so Kit can have his room.”
I blurted, “Oh wow, really?”
She nodded. “I knew he and Bryson were going to hit it off, and that they’d want to stay together. He came by after I called him, and I helped him pack up his stuff. Since the room is fully furnished, you should be all set, Kit.”
He looked concerned. “I can’t afford my own room.”
“Don’t worry about that,” she said. “My wife and I talked about it, and we’re giving you the student special.”
“What’s that?”
“It’s free rent for the next few months, to give you time to graduate and find a job. After that, we can negotiate your rent.”
Now he seemed stunned. “But you don’t know me at all. Why would you do that?”
“Because you’re a friend of Hal’s, and Hal is a member of our family. Each of us has needed a little help at some point in our lives, and now it’s our turn to pay it forward. Later on, when you’re in a position to help someone else, I hope you’ll do the same.”
“I will, for sure.” He grabbed her in a hug and murmured, “Thank you so much, JoJo. This means everything to me.” There were tears in his eyes when he followed me upstairs.
“This is your room. I’m right there, and the room next to mine belongs to a sweet couple named Lark and Dylan,” I said, as I pointed to the doors around the second-floor landing. “My friend Vee has the fourth bedroom, and that’s the bathroom we all share.”
“Where do our landladies live?”
“JoJo and Yolanda’s bedroom is on the ground floor. Yolanda is a nurse, and she’s at work right now. You’ll get to meet her and everyone else later tonight.”
Kit’s bedroom was on the small side, and the furniture had seen better days, but he looked around like he was in awe. “It’s so nice,” he whispered. “I can’t believe all of this is mine.”
I put down the bag I’d been carrying for him and said, “I see JoJo left some bed linens for you. If there’s anything else you need, just let me know. I’ll let you get settled, and if you want to have dinner with me, come downstairs at seven.”
He looked a little lost as he turned to me and asked, “Are you going to be in your room? You know, in case I have any questions.”
“Actually, I think I’m going to sit in the backyard for a while. If you want to join me after you unpack, go downstairs and follow the hallway to the back of the house. You’ll see the door to the yard once you’re in the kitchen.”
“Okay. Thanks, Hal.”
I dropped my messenger bag in my room before heading downstairs. About two minutes after I took a seat at the firepit in the backyard, Logan stepped out the back door of his house. He was carrying two travel mugs and some sort of bundle, which turned out to be a manufactured fireplace log.