Katy drove us to the hospital, where we were allowed to sit with Tom. The old man never regained consciousness and died an hour into our vigil. At least he’d not been alone. But that was no consolation. The police came to get statements, even though it was obvious it was a natural death.
They informed us that Aiden wasn’t pressing charges, and the footage had been reviewed. Tiffany had definitely lied, but I already knew that. She was vile, and typical of today’s Karens, as they were called. The officers expressed sympathy for Tom’s death, but I knew they were empty words. When we left the hospital, the shelter was shut, and I was preparing for a long, cold night.
“Come on,” Katy said, nodding towards her car.
“The shelter is closed; I’ll head to the park.”
“You will not,” Katy retorted and began herding me. I chuckled dryly at her actions, even though there was little to laugh about.
“Katy, they won’t open the doors, not even for you.”
“We’re not going there,” she responded, bumping my hip and knocking me off balance. I caught myself and then tumbled into the passenger seat as Katy shoved me.
“Katy!” I exclaimed, exasperated. She grinned, shut the door and walked to the driver’s side. “Where are we going?”
“My place.”
“What?” I asked, dumbfounded.
“Don’t worry, Alex. Your virtue is safe with me,” Katy quipped.
“Go home with you?” I must have sounded like an idiot because I felt like one.
“Yes.” Katy started the engine and began driving.
“You can’t, Katy,” I exclaimed.
“Why not?”
“Because I’m homeless,” I replied for lack of a better reason.
Katy set her jaw, and I guessed she didn’t like that answer. She blew a breath out and bit her bottom lip. She was clearly trying to figure something out.
“Are we together?” Katy finally blurted.
“What?”
“What are we doing, Alex? I thought we were starting a relationship, but by your reaction, you have a different opinion of what’s happening,” Katy said bluntly.
“We are building something,” I insisted.
“Then what’s the problem coming home with me?”
“Because I’ve nothing to give you,” I replied quietly.
“Love and respect count for nothing?” Katy retorted.
“Of course they do. But what can I offer you?”
“Yourself, Alex. Just you is enough,” Katy murmured.
“That I can do,” Alex promised.
Chapter Six.
Katy
Upset at the scene with Tiffany, I called in for the next few days and didn’t attend work. Alex also needed me, so I called Aiden, who allowed me some emergency leave. Alex spoke to those at the shelter and explained he’d come and collect his belongings. It took some arguing, but Alex finally agreed to move in. But Alex swore he’d explain his story before he settled properly.
