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“Yes?”
“If I get this unit, I want you to take the bedroom on the other side of it. I only need two, and I think it’s important that you have a place to rest your head. You keep me safe and do a lot for me… and I know you’re never at your apartment since you’re always with me.”
Rolando smiles, but then it disappears. “Xava, I’m afraid I can’t do things that way. If I did, people would think we’re together, and I don’t want that to happen.”
“Rolando, you’re my friend. I am only doing this as a friend and have no romantic interest in you. If anyone were to even mention it to me, I’d put them right in their place.” The only person I’ve been thinking about romantically as of late is Ambros, the man who I wish I had left my number for. I’ve found myself wanting to talk to him a lot. Maybe not talk, but flirt. Flirting with him makes me warm and fuzzy inside. It boosts my confidence and makes me feel amazing. God, I strive for that feeling again. I yearn for it.
“I appreciate the offer. Will you give me time to think it over?”
I nod, but if I get this place, Rolando won’t have a choice. If I tell him he has a room here, then he’s going to have a room here. It would only make me feel that much safer as well.
Emily’s off chatting on the phone for a while, so I take another stroll through the apartment. There are unique finishes like the additional stone wall in the living area, the custom cabinetry in the kitchen, and even some feminine, unique wallpaper in the master bedroom. Overall, I think I could move right in here without making too many changes. There’s even a massive soaking tub in the master bathroom, which is exactly what I was looking for. I’d love to know more about the building itself and what sort of amenities it has, but I can wait until my sister-in-law is off the phone.
She must be talking to someone from work because the call takes a while. Either that or it’s my brother. “Do you think this could be the place for you?” Rolando questions.
I don’t even have to think about it for more than a few seconds. “Yeah, it could be. I’ll still let Emily show us a couple more places, but I really like this place. It’s unique, the building has some history behind it, and it’s in a good location.”
“Yes, well, don’t jump on it just because it’s the first place Emily’s showing you. Give the other condos a chance as well.”
“I will.” I already like this place because there’s an extra bedroom. I’m not going to lie. When I was first looking into places, I didn’t even consider having a third bedroom so Rolando could be more comfortable. Now that Emily has shown me a third bedroom, I want there to be one. Rolando has become a great friend of mine over the last year, although if I really think about it, it’s like he’s my family, too.
I find Emily still on the phone, so I take another stroll, figuring I don’t want to bother her.
“Xava, where are you?” A short while later, Emily calls my name.
“In the master bedroom,” I call back, and she comes to find me.
“So, what do you think of this one?”
“I think it’s great. I love how unique it is, and I could see myself living here.” I lick my lips and press them in a firm line as I think about how I’m going to pay for this.
“What’s the matter?”
“Nothing, really. I just don’t know how I will be able to afford to move out. I don’t have a job, and it’s not like I even know what I’m doing with school, either. I’m… ugh, I’m just so stressed, honestly.”
Emily giggles lightly. “Xava, you should know you don’t have to worry about the price. The family is going to get an apartment for you. Whether it’s this one or another we look at today.”
I’m taken aback by what Emily’s saying. “You mean to tell me that the family is going to pay my rent?”
“Rent? No. The family is buying you a place. That way, you’re not limited and can make whatever changes you want.”
I know my eyes have to be huge right now. I’m blown away, completely and utterly blown away. “Wow. I had no idea that they’d do something like that for me.”
“You’re part of the family, Xava. We’re always going to make sure you’re taken care of. We all know you found out about us way later in life than any of us would have liked. It’s the same way for us, too, and we all hated not knowing about you. Lom told me it felt like he was robbed of another sister his entire life. They… I mean, this is me assuming, but I believe they hold a lot of resentment against your birth mother for hiding you the way she did.”
“Thank you. I just… this is all so intense. I don’t know what I’m going to do. I don’t know if I should try to join the family business or if I should go to school. There are so many major life things happening right now, but I have the best support system behind me.” I’m fighting back tears. I have never felt more loved and appreciated by my family than I do at this moment.
“Shit, I didn’t mean to upset you. I’m so sorry.”
I shake my head. “No, you’re not upsetting me. It’s just nice to know that I belong here. For the first time in my life, I actually feel like I belong. I feel like an Umarova, and you all have welcomed me in such an amazing way. I adore you all. You’re even better than I could have imagined.”
Out of nowhere, my phone starts ringing, and Emily goes quiet. I don’t recognize the number calling me, but I still decide to answer it. “Hello,” I say with a shaky voice.
“Xava?” a deep, heavy Greek accent greets me. “Is something the matter?”
“A-Ambros?” I stutter out his name, completely taken aback that he’s calling me right now.
“Yes. You haven’t answered my question. Are you all right?”
