Page 27 of Full Strength

I got into my car and dropped my head to the steering wheel.

I knew she wasn’t going to be happy about me paying her rent, but I hadn’t expected her to kick me out. Okay, maybe I had but I hoped she wouldn't.

When she was sick, she was so willing to let me help. It was refreshing and I pushed things too far. I knew it was her pride I’d hurt, which was probably the worst thing I could do. She was a head-strong, independent woman and I’d thrown money in her face. I knew she was sensitive about it. I knew it and I went ahead and did it anyway.

She wouldn’t accept help from the one man that truly owed her, so why did I think she would take it from me?

Wishful thinking.

I also knew I would do it whether or not she got mad at me. I saw a way for me to really help her, not just pick up some food or bring over a cake. She was past due and likely to be evicted soon. I’d prevented that, not to mention I’d do that for any of my friends.

The difference is money was a sore spot for her. She was a single mother determined to do it on her own, and I’d taken that away from her.

I slammed my fist against the wheel. There was no winning. Either I ignored the letter and went about my business knowing she had that hanging over her head, or I’d take care of it for her and face the consequences. There was only one option I could live with.

I started my car and headed home. I had a few hours to take a nap before the game. Maybe I’d wake up and find that she’d miraculously forgiven me.

I doubted it, but a guy could dream.

As I pulled into the parking garage below my condo my phone lit up. I picked it up and saw a text from Emma telling me to call her immediately.

Great. This could only be more bad news.

I pulled into my spot and called her back.

“I can’t believe you did that.”

I groaned. “She already told you?”

“Yes, and I can’t believe you didn’t tell me she needed help.”

I froze. She wasn’t mad at me for violating Addi’s privacy? “I just saw the letter last night.”

She sighed. “She’s pissed, as you know, but I’m happy you did it.”

“Really? Could you help her feel the same?”

“Give her some time. You know how stubborn she can be, but honestly I would have done the same thing if I’d known.”

“You would?”

“Of course. She’s my friend and we watch out for each other.”

“Maybe I should have said you did it.”

“See, this is why you should have told me first. I would have taken the fall and said it was repayment for all the babysitting she’s done.”

I rubbed my hand over my face then through my hair. “I don’t know if she’s going to forgive me for this one, Emma.”

“She will. I’m on your side and I’ll help her see you were just helping her. You didn’t hurt her, but you bruised her ego. That’s repairable.”

It didn’t feel that way when she gave me the look of betrayal. I was pretty sure she was burying me alive with her eyes.

“Just focus on tonight's game. I’ll try to get her to come around.”

“Thanks, and she and Eli are sick, so if you can check in on them later, I’d appreciate it.”

She laughed. “Of course, I will. Bye Grant.”