Baden (Pittsburgh Titans 1)

“I don’t like it,” I say resoundingly.

Sophie looks at me in astonishment as she checks out the kitchen cabinets. This is the sixth place we’ve been to today, and I’ve found fault with every one of her choices she so diligently researched.

Sophie saved this one for last because she was sure it would be the one I’d choose. It literally ticked the box on every parameter I’d given her, including being offered at a spectacular price.

She tips her head and frowns. “What could you possibly dislike about this place?”

My brain spins with plausible excuses, and I can’t come up with a single one to save my life. She regards me with patience, but I can see a determined lift in her chin that she’s willing to defend her selection.

“I don’t like the color of the kitchen cabinets,” I blurt before gazing around frantically. “I would prefer carpet instead of hardwood floors. And… I don’t like the view.”

Sophie’s head turns briefly toward the balcony doors, through which we see a gorgeously bright, sunny day with clouds that reflect on the wintry Allegheny River.

As she regards me, her eyes narrow. “You don’t like the view? It’s like only one of the most perfect views in Pittsburgh.”

“Maybe I just don’t want city views,” I say, although really, the view doesn’t matter. But it sounds plausible. “Maybe we need to concentrate on some houses farther out of the city limits. Mountain views, streams, and wildlife.”

“And an hour commute into work,” she reminds me. “You didn’t want a long drive.”

I shrug noncommittally and move over to the balcony doors to take in what is really a spectacular view by most standards.

“Is there anything you like about this condo?” she asks, moving beside me and staring out at the river.

My neck twists to look down at her, and I grin. “This is a nice, sunny place to put the plant you brought me when you came to visit me in the hospital.”

Sophie blinks in astonishment, mouth sagging open a bit. “The plant I brought you? You still have that?”

My expression is full of chastisement. “Did you think I would kill it?”

She’s the one who shrugs now. “Honestly, I figured you’d throw it away, but I’m completely impressed it’s still alive.”

I bust out laughing and actually marvel that I did keep the plant from dying. I don’t know why because I don’t have a green thumb. Don’t even like having plants in my house because they’re too much responsibility.

But something about that plant made me keep it. There’s no rhyme or reason since I barely remember Sophie’s visit. At the time, I was so mired in my own self-pity. I didn’t think a lot about Sophie over the months during my recovery, but I did carefully attend to that plant. And as I got stronger in both body and spirit, that damn thing seemed to thrive right along with me.

“It’s one of those plants that pretty much takes care of itself,” I explain humbly.

Sophie smiles and nods in appreciation. “Still, I’m impressed. And this would be a beautiful place for a plant. Just as the kitchen cabinet colors are lovely, and no one in their right mind prefers carpet over hardwood in the living room. What’s really going on?”

I look back at the river before giving my attention to Sophie with a sigh. I rub the back of my neck, and I know my expression is sheepish when I admit, “I don’t think I’m ready to buy right now. I don’t even think I’m ready to rent. I’m in the early throes of a new and stressful career, and about the only place I feel settled is at your house. If it’s not an inconvenience, do you think I could stay with you awhile longer? I’ll double the rent I’m paying.”

I can’t read a damn thing on her face. She studies me without giving a clue whether my request is offensive.

Her eyebrows draw together. “You’d like to stay at my house? I mean, I love my place, but it’s certainly not up to a wealthy professional athlete’s standards.”

I wag a finger at her. “But I’m not a professional athlete anymore.”

Sophie rolls her eyes before giving me a playful punch. “You’re still an athlete, but you’re also a coach.”

“Well, to answer your question, I suppose I’m incredibly comfortable at your house. You cook the most amazing meals, and your company is quite good. Also helps you if I stay since I’m paying rent.”

A tiny growl issues from the back of her throat because she and I had a huge disagreement about whether I should even pay rent. I won, of course, and I’m paying more than my fair share. But as I explained, I have a shit pot full of money and the ability to pay her. I gently reminded her that she’s currently jobless, only to point out she should take advantage of opportunities when she can.