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Trace: Okay. Have fun.
Of course he’s not going to push the issue. What happened to fighting for me? Seems to me like he’s going with the flow more than fighting to get me back. Whatever. I finally read the paper from my door.
Damn it!
It’s a notice from my landlord. Rent rates are going up two hundred dollars as leases are renewed. Mine is supposed to be renewed at the end of the month. How can he change the rate that much? How is my apartment going to essentially be worth more next month than today? I don’t know if I can swing that.
Money is a constant worry as it is. There’s so much to pay for. Bills are ridiculous, and with this happening, either I need to start a strict budget or find a new place to live. It’s not like I’m going to get a raise to match the rise in my expenses. This is all I need. One more thing to add to the already heavy weight on my shoulders.
What would be really nice is to watch the game with Lily. I grab my phone.
Me: Can I come over?
Trace: Sure.
Just like that. No hesitation. No questions. A few minutes later, I knock on Trace’s door.
“I thought you had plans?” he says as he steps aside for me to come in.
“I do. I’m just going to do them here.”
“Have you eaten?”
“Not hungry. Hey, Lily!” I crouch to pet her, squeezing my eyes closed as she sniffs my face, scared she’ll lick me even though she never has before.
“Is that why you’re here?”
“Yep.” No need to lie about it. “Come on, Lily. We have a hockey game to watch.”
“I need to finish dinner,” Trace tells me. I nod and he leaves for the kitchen. His remote is on the armrest of his recliner. Did he have a bad day? Or is that where he placed it when he came home or on his way into the kitchen?
I turn it to the correct channel, settle in on the couch, and start petting Lily as she sits next to me. The night would be perfect if I was at home with her, but no pets are allowed in my apartment, unfortunately.
“Sure you don’t want anything?” he hollers.
“I’m fine!”
Seconds later, he sits in his recliner with a plate full of food. “So, you watch hockey now?”
“Yeah. It’s a good distraction.”
He eats while I watch the beginning of the game. I stretch out on the couch and Lily stretches out in front of me. Trace chuckles. “Y’all are ridiculous.”
“Don’t be jealous that she gets to cuddle with me and you don’t.”
“I can’t help it,” he laughs.
My phone rings and it’s my mom. I haven’t talked to her in a few days, but it’s time that I do. “Hey, Mom,” I answer, ignoring that Trace is subtly paying attention.
“Brittany!”
“Dad? Why are you calling from Mom’s phone?”
“She’s in the hospital; we just got here. I think she’s had a heart attack, but they’re running tests right now.”
“What?” I breathe, sitting up. “Is she okay? What happened? I’m coming home, okay? Call me if anything changes.”
“There’s no need—”
