I know you and Matthew are cool with covering the bill, but it’s not sitting well with me.
”
Ste got it right away.
After a moment, she responded, “You’re spot on.
My bad, I should’ve thought about that.
”
“I’m not trying to put me on you.
” Haley waved it off.
“You’re my mom.
Now that you’re here in Seamarsh, I should sort this out.
I’ve just been swampedtely,” Ste exined.
“Let me help you rent an apartment first.
”
Haley’s expression changed.
She wasn’t entirely sold on the idea.
Originally, she figured Ste could buy her a house near Prosper Bay.
That way, if her true identity was revealed, she’d still have a house.
But if it was just a rental…
Haley shot Ste a look.
She was all mixed up inside.
“Ste, for the past decade, I’ve been without a real home and I can’t stand it.
I’m always crashing in rented pads, getting kicked out byndlords.
It’s been rough.
”
Haley sugarcoated it, but Ste caught her drift.
“No sweat.
I won’t let history repeat itself.
We’ll find a rental first.
If it fits the bill, I’ll buy it for you.
” Steid out the n.
Haley beamed with excitement, but then fretted.
“Will it put a dent in your wallet? It won’t be cheap.
”
“Don’t worry about it.
” Ste waved it off with a grin.
Haley fished something out of her bag.
“I ran into this realtor guy and he was super hyped.
He gave me pamphlets on houses he’s peddling.
“Handy.
Let’s take a peek.
” Ste reached for the pamphlets when Matthew’s voice c
ut in from outside the dining room.
“Don’t bother.
”
At the sight of Matthew, Haley tensed, her hand freezing in midair.
Last time she’d faced Matthew, he had warned her and it still stuck with her.Published by N?v''elD/rama.Org.
Haley knew even with the DNA test, Matthew still had doubts.
Spotting Matthew, Ste approached him, surprised.
“I thought you was having a dinner party.
Why are you here? Haley’s whipped up a feast for me.
Are you hungry? If so, let’s sit down together.
”
Matthew eyed the spread and nodded in agreement.
Ste and Matthew took their seats across from Haley.