Blaze & Bind (Surrender to Them 10)

“Interesting.” A slight grin formed on Gerard’s lips. “We do have a spare room…”

“Yeah.” Liam sipped his beer, and I saw a hint of a grin forming on the edge of his lips as well. “Your Dad’s name is on the lease.”

“It is…” I grabbed my beer and took a quick sip.

“Okay, I’d be willing to give it another month if you want to move in.” Gerard nodded. “We could catch up—it’s been a while since we’ve talked.”

We didn’t do very much talking the last time I saw you.

“It’ll be a stretch but fuck it.” Liam shrugged. “We can take some time to find the right spot and not worry that we’ll come home to find our shit on the curb after work one day.”

I finished my beer and left, already regretting my suggestion, but I couldn’t really take it back once I put it on the table. I might not have been in love with Gerard, but it still hurt when I realized that he wasn’t planning to call me again. It made me put my guard up around other guys and question their motives even when their words sounded genuine. I had never really associated my hesitation with Gerard; I just called it being responsible. After seeing him again and letting those memories surface, it was clear that he was the one who caused me to retreat into my shell.

Maybe there was a part of me that needed closure, or perhaps I was just trying to help my Dad without ruining his vacation. I did feel some degree of responsibility for what Billy had done. He was still family, even if he was an asshole, and someone was going to clean up his mess. I stopped by to talk with the landlord on the way out of the building, and he said he was fine with the arrangement if I was living there since it was my Dad’s name on the lease. I could tell by the way he reacted that he really just wanted to get paid—whether it was for one month or all six.

Hopefully, it’ll just be a temporary thing. I move in, get them through this month, and then they can find another roommate before the rent is due again. That would fix everything.

Later that day

“Hey, Dad.” I picked up my cell phone when it started to buzz, and I saw my father’s face pop up on the screen. “How was your flight?”

“It was good—no issues at all.” I could hear the tension in his voice, and I already knew he was more concerned about the issue with Billy’s apartment than checking in with me. “Did you talk to Billy’s landlord?”

“Yeah, I took care of it.” I nodded, even though he couldn’t see me.

“Really? You were able to get him to cancel the lease?” The tension in his voice turned to surprise. “That’s awesome!”

“Well…” I exhaled sharply. “Not exactly.”

“Uh oh. Is everything okay?” The tense tone returned immediately.

“If the landlord cancels the lease, the last six months will be due immediately. That’s a lot of money…” My voice trailed off.

“I was afraid of that. Okay, I’ll figure something out. Let me get to my hotel, and I’ll see if I can wire you some money.” He grunted, and I heard his footsteps as he started walking.

“It’s handled. You don’t have to send me any money. Did you know that Billy’s old high school friends, Liam and Gerard were living with him?” I was basically stalling because I didn’t want to tell my father how I had handled the problem.

“No, I didn’t realize he had roommates. I guess that explains why he’s only a little short each month.” Dad grunted into the phone again.

“Yeah.” I sighed. “If the lease gets canceled, they’re going to have to find somewhere else to live—pretty quickly considering that the rent is due tomorrow.”

And the fact Billy stole their rent money, but that’s not something I want to burden my father with right now.

“They shouldn’t get screwed over because of him.” My father sounded like he was contemplating something, and his words got a little slower.

“No…” I tensed up as I prepared to tell him how I had solved the problem. “That’s why I’m going to move in with them—just for a month.”

“What!?” His tone shifted to confusion. “No, that’s crazy. I’ll pay to cancel the lease. You don’t have to do that.”

“Dad, that’s a lot of money. If I pay Billy’s share this month, they should be able to find another roommate before the rent is due again.” I paused, waiting for him to flip out.

/> “You really are the responsible one.” He sighed into the phone. “Well, you don’t have to actually move in with them. I can pay what Billy owes this month, and they can look for another roommate without you moving in.”

That would be easier, but—I’m paying a little more than Billy’s share since he ran off with their money, and I’d rather not have to get into that right now.

“Nah, let me handle this one. You do enough for me as it is. I have to find my own place one day…” That was the truth at least, even if it was a little earlier than I planned.

“I don’t know.” There was a slight grumble in his voice. “I’m not sure I like the idea of you living with two guys, even if they are your brother’s friends.”