Chapter 16
Taylor sat in the center of her bed cross-legged and unfolded a newspaper. She had been working for more than three months now and saving every penny. At least every cent that she didn’t give Oz for rent. And that was minimal. She occasionally bought groceries, but he kept everything so well-stocked while she was working that there was little she could find to contribute.
She scanned the paper for affordable apartments. Price first. Then location. Then details. If she budgeted correctly, she could find something small and Oz could have his privacy back. How good would it feel to be on her own again? The letters blurred before her eyes and she closed them. The freedom to do what she wanted when she wanted. No one breathing down her neck if she sang in the shower or if she just needed a quiet moment.
Taylor’s eyes popped. She had that now. She jumped and twisted toward the sharp rap at her door. "Come in."
A tingle radiated through her as Oz eased onto the edge of the mattress.
"Apartment hunting?"
Taylor nodded.
"I'll most likely be gone when you wake in the morning. I have to be gone for a few days. I want you to know I'm proud of all you’ve accomplished. You did it all yourself. And I have complete confidence that you'll make it on your own.” He slid an envelope onto the nightstand. "This is every dollar you have given me for rent. Take it for your security deposit or whatever you need. If you would like for me to help you find something I can do that as soon as I return.”
He leaned forward to press his lips to her forehead. “You can also stay here, instead. With me.”
Her heart. He just invited her to live with him? She jerked her head toward where he paused at the door.
"I fully back your decision. No questions asked.”
She stared at the closed door. Could he mean that? Oz never said anything he didn't mean. He would welcome her to stay here. But she had worked hard to be on her own. She liked being independent. She always had.
She folded the newspaper and placed it next to the envelope of money. Her finger slid across the filled envelope as she moved to settle under the covers. A switch of the lamp next to her and she closed her eyes. Why did she feel like a teenager again trying to figure out life? She liked being independent. She had been dreaming of having freedom to make her own choices and here she was with decisions to make. Instead of being happy, she was stressing over the possible outcomes.
This living arrangement was a sweet gesture to help her get her life back together. She had learned to budget her money for the cost of rent. Now Oz returned her money and offered her the option to stay. Was his offer temporary? Was it permanent? Did she want it to be permanent? She had sworn she’d never fall for another club member. That club or any other. She did once and her life turned into shambles. Maybe that wasn’t a fair statement. She had trusted her sister and parents, too. And neither of those turned out well, either. Maybe she was the problem.
A tear slid down her cheek.
No. She wasn't the problem. Oz had not betrayed her. He had been her rock. How many times had he told her she was better than she imagined?
Oz’s voice filled her mind. “You’re a beautiful intelligent being with a heart too large for your own good.”
She brushed away the tear. Like he always said, take one day at a time. Tomorrow would be a new day with a new outlook. She could decide then.
***
Taylor batted her hair from her face as she unlocked her car door. She settled behind the wheel and tossed her purse onto the passenger seat. Normally, she would drive straight home. Well, straight to Oz's home. But today the idea didn't appeal to her. She stared ahead debating what to do. She glanced at the folded paper peaking from the top of her purse. Her lips twisted as she stared at the red circles.
She inhaled deeply and pushed it out as she turned the key. No time like the present. Let’s find a home.
The first apartment complex wasn't bad. It appeared to be a busy place. The rental was roomy. Kitchen and living area all in one with a bedroom and bath. Simple. Clean. Noisy.
The second stop was quieter. It was a smaller complex with a total of six apartments. It was nice. Even furnished. Still, although she couldn’t put her finger on it, it didn't feel right.
The third was near the park. She liked that fact. She could visit the park and there was a small grocery store nearby. The vacancy was the fourth in a row of rentals connected by a concrete walkway that separated the tiny houses from the parking lot. This one seemed perfect. She walked from room to room imaging how each one could be decorated. A small and narrow restroom was nestled between two bedrooms. The living room was small, but she didn't need much space. The kitchen had enough space to hold a small table and chairs. She could invite Oz over for dinner.
She eased around the kitchen. Would he come visit? Even though the meals had been simple, she had loved cooking for him. They would sit down together and discuss their day as they ate. She moved back to the living room. Plenty of space. Oz liked to chill a bit as he would say before hitting the sack. He told her that his brain needed time to decompress, or he'd be up all night with thoughts and ideas.
She thanked the landlord and returned the key.
She should go home and decide what she really needed out of an apartment to help her decide.
The evening sky began to blink with stars bringing a slight hint of the fall weather coming. She unlocked the door to Oz’s home and stepped into a lonely darkness. She had come home many days before he had arrived, but it never felt like this. She flipped on the light and instantly her gaze shot to the table. She'd rushed out this morning and hadn’t even noticed. She locked the door and walked to the display of items there. She picked up the note and flipped it open.
I hope you enjoy your time alone. No doubt you're ready for a break from my hovering. Use the credit card for anything you need for the house. And treat yourself to something too. I left you my laptop to use. Open it and look for the icon with your name. Click it and you'll find my newest manuscript. If you're bored enough to read it, I'd love to hear your feedback.
Take care and I'll be back soon.
Oz
Taylor fell into a chair and opened the laptop. Quickly, she turned it on and clicked the icon. There it was. Book three of the series she had read while on the road. She stared at the screen, unable to stop smiling. He had trusted her with his secret. Now he trusted her with this.
She hopped to her feet and threw together a sandwich and a glass of soda. She kicked off her shoes by the door and sat down to begin reading.
Eight chapters in she stood and stretched. In record time she had cleaned the kitchen and readied herself for bed. She grabbed the computer and settled in on the end of the couch, eager to know what happened. Falling straight back into the story, she read until she drifted to sleep.