Chapter 23
CHAPTER 23
APRIL
A knock on the door brings me back to consciousness. I’m not sure how long I’ve been asleep, but I’m still exhausted.
“April?” a voice sounds through the barrier.
“Yes,” I call out, pulling myself into sitting, catching my head on the upper bunk. “Ow,” I rub at the sharp sting. Something I’ll have to remember.
I stand up and make my way across to the door.
I scrub a hand over my face before opening it. I must look a fright, hair unkept from allowing it to free dry, tear-stained cheeks. The tightness of my skin gives that part away.
“Hi, April,” Abigail says. “Sorry to wake you. There are two men downstairs asking after you. Dawn is talking to them. I wanted to give you a heads-up. I know you didn’t say there was an issue with anyone, but we can never be too sure.”
I smile at their thoughtfulness.
“Do you know who they are?”
Who would think of looking for me here? I haven’t spoken to Samuel or my foster mum. I doubt Daniel even told him I called by.
“One is Caleb Frazer,” she says, trying unsuccessfully to suppress a giggle. “The other, I think he said his name was Samuel. That he’s your best friend. Normally, we send people away, however, as you’re here because your home burned down.”
My heart constricts at the memory. I nod. What on earth is Caleb Frazer doing here? Does he want to accuse me of sabotaging his building now? Going to claim I burned it to the ground?
“I know them both,” I sigh. “Let me just…”
“April? Are you here?” I hear Samuel’s voice, and he sounds frantic.
“It’s okay, I’m coming,” I call, glad it’s only early evening, and I’m not waking up any other residents. I can’t believe I’ve slept the whole day.
I hear the hammering of feet on the stairs as Samuel’s towering frame appears from around the corner.
“You can’t go up there,” Dawn’s voice shouts after him.
“Hey, Baby Girl,” he says, scooping me into his arms and squeezing me so tight it forces the air from my already bruised lungs in a whoosh.
“Samuel,” I say, tapping his shoulder, sucking in a deep breath as he releases me, sending me into a coughing fit.
“Sorry,” he rubs my back as I try to gasp for breath. Abigail reappears with a glass of water.
“Here,” she says, placing it in my hand. “Sip it.”
I do as I’m told. The dry feeling in my throat eases, along with the cough.
“You had me worried, baby girl,” he says, grabbing my chin and inspecting my face. I’m not sure what he expects to see. “I’m sorry about Daniel. That man can be such a dick. ”
Ah, so he knows. I know my friend, and that will tear him in two.
“I’m fine,” I say, pulling my face away, not wanting the scrutiny.
I look over his shoulder to find Cal standing behind him, his eyebrows drawn together. His eyes lock on me, and I squirm under his gaze. He opens his mouth as if to say something but closes it again.
When a couple of the other doors on the floor open and close, Dawn appears as if by magic.
“Gentleman, you’re not supposed to be up here. This is the ladies’ floor,” she says sternly behind me.
I turn towards her. “Sorry, Dawn,” I say. “We’ll move downstairs.”
“Lock up your things before you go,” Abigail reminds me, patting my arm.
“Don’t bother,” Caleb interjects. “Grab your stuff. You’re coming with us.”
I freeze, not knowing what to do. If I leave now, I could lose my bed, and I don’t want to risk that. After Daniel’s reaction this morning, I don’t want to cause issues for Samuel. Their apartment is one bedroom, and I’m not sure I could cope with the snide comments. I can’t face being where I’m not wanted right now.
“I’m fine here,” I say. “Just let me put my bag away, and maybe we can grab something to eat.”
As if on demand, my stomach growls, echoing around the enclosed hallway.
To hide my embarrassment, I turn and re-enter my room, grabbing my bag off the bed, before moving towards the lockers in the corner.
“Come on.” Caleb’s hand lands on the handle, his skin touching mine. “You’re coming home with me,” he adds, his tone soft, as if trying not to spook me .
My head snaps up, and my eyes lock with his. He takes in my face, and I feel heat flood my cheeks. Heaven only knows what I must look like. While he’s here, not a hair out of place, looking perfect as always.
“Why would I do that?” I ask.
“Because your home and business has just burned down, and you’re homeless. I have an apartment with multiple spare rooms. I’m offering you one.” He shrugs as if what he’s telling me is no big deal. Why on earth would he offer me access to his space? It’s not like he owes me anything, we had sex… Since meeting me again I’ve been nothing but a thorn in his side.
I shake my head, but I’m aware of movement in my peripheral.
“Please, April, don’t be stubborn. Stay with Caleb. I’ll feel much better knowing you’re safe,” Samuel pleads.
Cal tugs on the bag in my hand, and I let it go. I’m not standing and fighting with him. I’m too tired.
“I have a bed here,” I say, looking between the two men.
“You can free it up for someone who doesn’t have the option of their own room,” Cal says.
He looks completely out of place here in his designer clothes and expensive shoes. Not that the hostel is shabby. It’s relatively put together. A few scuff marks on the walls, but the bathrooms were clean and tidy. No mould or black sealant. No peeling paint. It’s well-maintained. “This is a Frazer subsidised hostel. Think of my apartment as an… extension of this place.” I want to laugh out loud. I can’t even imagine the luxury a man like Caleb Frazer is used to. I’m surprised he’s not squirming at being here. But then again, he’s surprised me with the snippet of information he’s just let slip.
I turn to Abigail and Dawn, who are standing by the door. Dawn nods. “The Frazer Foundation keeps us running. It’s why we always have a waiting list for beds come evening.”
I squirm at her words. She’s telling me outright that I shouldn’t be selfish and should free up my bed.
“If I go, will my bed be taken?”
She looks embarrassed as if she realises what she’s just said. “That’s not what I meant,” she adds.
“But it would?”
She nods, the colour in her cheeks highlighting her awkwardness.
“Fine,” I say, turning to Cal, who is trying to keep his smug expression at bay. If I’m honest, I’m too tired to argue.
“Let’s get out of here,” Samuel says, wrapping an arm around my shoulders and walking me to the door.
I notice Mr Ted on the bed, half hidden in the sheets. I break free of his hold, snatching him up before stuffing him in my jumper, out of sight.
“Don’t say a word,” I say to both men as they go to open their mouths. Samuel wraps me in his arms and kisses the top of my head before leading me down the stairs and out of the door.
“Not saying a word,” he says, giving me a squeeze. “But I’m glad Mr Ted survived.”
His words bring tears to my eyes.
So am I.