Page 58 of Lucky Mother Pucker

“If you found a better job, would you take it?”

“Of course. It’s not exactly my dream to sling drinks for drunk guys while they drool over naked chicks,” I joke. Leo doesn’t laugh. “But if I could find something better that paid well, I’d quit the strip club in a heartbeat.”

I start to turn to my car, but he stops me. “You should stay at the house until you find an apartment.”

I look at him. “What?”

“You and Wally should keep living at the house until you save enough money to find your own place.”

I’m stunned at his suggestion. “Leo, no. I can’t just move into your house. Where would I stay?”

“My bedroom.”

“Where would you stay?”

“The couch. Or one of my roommates’ rooms. They’re gone at their girlfriends’ places half the time anyway.”

I’m tempted to say yes, but I still shake my head. That’s too generous of him to offer up his bedroom while he couch-surfs in his own house.

“I appreciate the offer, but I can’t kick you out of your own bedroom, Leo. That’s too much.”

“You’re not kicking me out, Lucy. I’m offering.”

It’s a phrase he’s said a million times before, but it catches me off guard every time. I’m not used to this kindness, this generosity.

He steps forward. “I hate the thought of you sleeping in your car. It’s not safe. You don’t deserve to live like that.” His jaw works. “You’re my friend, Lucy. If any of my friends were in your situation, I’d offer to help them. If it were Nick or Travis or Blake living in their car, I’d move them into my place, no questions asked. I’d give them my bedroom and take the couch without a second thought. I want to do the same for you.”

I’m quiet as I process what he’s said. I can tell he’s telling the truth. I’ve known Blake for not even two weeks, but I’ve witnessed his kindness multiple times.

This is who he is. This is what he does. He helps people. He helps his friends.

Part of me almost says no. It’s the part of me that’s struggled on my own for the past two years. It’s the part of me that’s gotten used to fending for myself and never expecting anyone to lend a hand.

But the other part of me is tired. Exhausted from always scraping by. From never having any support. From never being able to land on my feet, no matter how hard I work.

But now I have a friend who truly cares. Who wants to help me.

Maybe what Leo’s suggesting isn’t just a crazy idea. Maybe it makes perfect sense.

If I stay with him for a couple of months, that’ll give me enough time to save money for my own place. I’ll finally have the stability I need to make it on my own.

No more driving around finding random places to park and sleep. No more wrecking my savings to pay for tickets whenever I get in trouble for parking in the wrong place or sleeping in my car.

“You’re sure it’s okay?” I ask him.

“Positive. I want you to stay with me, Lucy. You and Wally.”

“Okay. We’ll stay.”

He grins.

“But just until I save enough money to get my own place. Just for a few months.”

“You can stay as long as you want.”

“No, I need to have a place of my own as soon as I have the money.” I think for a second. “We’ll move out before Christmas.”

Leo looks at me. “You sure that’s not too soon?”