"Water?"
"Huh?" I had spaced out again. With Rachel gone, every fibre in my body is on alert.
"Would you like some water?" Devan repeats his question.
"Yes please."
In all honesty, my throat and mouth feels patched. I am nervous about sharing a house with Devan. My best friend's hot brother. I hope I didn't just say that out loud.
Devan returns with a glass of water and I eagerly pick it from his hands taking large gulps until the water is finished. I realise it was a mistake to lift my gaze. I find Devan's gaze hard on me. There is something definitely harder about his gaze but I don't have time to comprehend before he comments.
"Must have really been thirsty."
"You could say."
"I could get you another glass if you want."
"Not necessary. I am good now." The lie feels almost believable except I was anything but good.
"May I?" Devan points to the glass. I quickly handed it over.
"I'll show you around if you're not too tired. Or I could just show you your room if you need to rest." he offers.
"I am actually fine. I would love the tour."
I am very excited about the tour. I am in this man's space. My mind is curious about what it looks like. From what I have seen, everything is too neat and organized for someone who spends a lot of his time on business trips. How many times does the housekeeper come to clean? It has to be quite often with how spotless each corner looks.
"Shall we?" I hadn't seen him come out of the kitchen but now that he is close, his scent wafts into my nostrils. Damn! Devan smells perfect. It's not like I expected less. Something musky mixed with something sweet.
I follow him upstairs into the rooms. The dining room is simple with an oak tree dining table but the designing makes it so exotic. He only points out the door to his room but doesn't show me the inside like the other rooms. I am not one to complain if he is not ready to share his personal space with me. The message is loud and clear that it is out of bounds and I love the early boundary setting. I would hate to make him uncomfortable in his own house.
Devan owns an indoor pool and a gym room. The coolest rooms in the house for sure. Maybe one of the next days, I could get a dip in. I hope he can't see my eager face.
The bedroom I am to occupy is on the other side of the house. Like the other rooms, it's big. It's clean and neat too.
"Do you like it?" Devan asks.
"It's fine." I reply. That's an understatement of course. I love everything about the room.
"Great. I'll bring your luggage up then."
"You don't..."
"I insist. What kind of a host would I be if I didn't help?"
I should fight him about the issue but I let it be. He looks more determined to win the argument than I.
"Alright." I mutter.
"Be right back."
When he exits the room, I walk further inside admiring it's simplicity and coziness. I get to own my own bathroom and a closet. How chic. It feels like a dream if I think about how the day started.
Devan walks back with my suitcase and duffel bag.
"Thank you."
"I am glad I could help. Feel free to come to me if you need anything." Devan smiles. He exits the room again leaving me to settle in.
I feel ecstatic with the turn around of things. I was homeless just a few hours ago but now I have a roof over my head. The only thing I need now is the income to get back on my feet. That means getting a better job.
I love working at Phil's diner but the money I get is not enough to pay dad's hospital bills and sustain myself as well.
The most important thing is that I have roof over my head. All I need is to focus and get a better paying job. I have been sending out applications to different companies for a while. I am just praying I get lucky one of these days.
My thoughts are interrupted with my phone ringing. I quickly search through my bag and find it.
Nurse Mia
My heart immediately skips a beat. Her calls don't always come with good information.
"Hello." I answer softly.
"Hey Nellie." Mia's voice is just as soft.
"How is he?" I ask my voice wobbly.
"He has not been eating well. He is restless too." Mia explains. I sigh.
"He keeps asking about Kelly." she adds. Something tugs on my heart. He is asking about mom. I thought he knew what happened to her. Was it the side effects of the chemo?
"Please take care of him." That's all that I can manage.
"He is responding to chemo very well lately."
"That's a good thing, right?" I ask hopefully.
"Yes."
"Please take care of yourself Nellie."
"I will."
"Have a lovely evening."
"Thank you."
I can feel the tears in my eyes when I hang up. How did one person deserve so much pain? The last time I visited dad in the hospital is still engraved in my head. The strong man I once looked up to was starting to wear out. The cancer was taking it's toll on his body even if he wanted to look strong.
He had wiped my tears away and cracked many jokes so that I would laugh. I had felt absolutely fine for the shortest time until he winced in pain. He shrugged it off like it was nothing but the evidence was staring direct at me.
When I had walked into the doctor's office, his words were my breaking point. The cancer had spread to his other organs. He had a few months to live, to call me his love. The doctor had not stopped me when I sobbed like a baby before him. He was kind enough to hand me tissues to clean my face and blot my nose.
I couldn't look at dad the same way. I avoided his gaze like a plague. My smile didn't reach my face. If he noticed, he didn't say anything. He had to get better. He was a strong man. He could fight through it.
He made me a promise that had would fight till the end. I promised not to worry myself so much. I can't count the times I have broken my promise. I have constantly been in fear especially when I receive calls from the hospital.
Most times it is about his condition, other times it is about the bills. The bills that are becoming more and more impossible to pay. I had blown every single coin on my credit card. It was becoming worse. I have to find a solution.
It's when a tear falls down my hand that I realise I am crying. It had to get better. I don't know how but it had to.