was almost in the gutter, Dad.”
“I know. It’s kind of weird that he met you and got a job the same day.”
“It is! I was just thinking the same thing,” she replied.
“I guess you don’t want to take him to Uncle Mike’s for dinner tomorrow.”
“No, Dad. You’ve said you wanted to start going again to Sunday dinner, so go for it, but I don’t want to bring him around the family, not yet. I might never see him again, and then we’d have to explain the whole mess.”
“I’m just thinking because, you know, my brother’s wife has been through rehab.”
“Ugh, I forgot about that. No, I’m not ready to start that tradition. The cousins’ girlfriends judge me. Why are you going, anyway?”
“I love going, but your mother doesn’t like my family,” he replied sadly. “She finally has agreed to let me go alone, and she’ll do something with her friends on Sunday.”
“I’m sorry, Dad. I’m not sure why Mom’s family are such snobs.”
“Who knows? She is, too. Anyway, stay in touch this weekend. I wanted you to know what I found out about your friend.”
“How was the taco truck?”
“About what you would expect. I’m not sure what people have been eating to say it was the best they’d had.”
“Ha! Well, that’s disappointing. So we’ll talk later?”
“Yes, definitely. Love you, Sofia.”
“And I love you, Dad.”
She hung up, smiling. Trying to settle back down to writing wasn’t happening, so she put her computer away and decided to do a little sleuthing on her own. Who was this guy who generously allowed Ryan to live in his shed? She’d check out his house again when Ryan wasn’t with her.
Driving along the Pacific Highway, the signs of summer brightened her mood. Colorful kites flying, a rainbow banner being pulled by a plane advertising suntan lotion, people in bathing suit cover-ups and straw sun hats strolling to sidewalk cafés were evidence summer had arrived.
The sun, the smell of the surf, the laughter of children were all things she’d failed to notice since Jake had died. Losing him had drained her reserves of even the things she loved most, reading at the top of the list of things that couldn’t hold her interest. Sofia had just started to get engrossed in reading again, and that in turn led to wanting to write.
Driving the winding roads to the house, she slowed down as 626 Andover came into view. In the bright light of day, it was a dazzling older home appearing to be in beautiful condition. In that neighborhood real estate was so expensive, she was sure the crappy shed he “let” Ryan stay in, even without a toilet, would get at least a thousand dollars a month rent, like renting a room with kitchen privileges.
While she idled at the curb, a thought came to her. Why not invite Ryan to live with her? The guest room was private, at the front of the townhouse close to the entrance, so he could come and go as he pleased. She’d make it clear that there were no strings attached, nothing was expected of him but to continue working so he could move on to independence. And in the meantime, he wouldn’t have to live in the shed.
A tap on the car door sent her into the air at least six inches.
“I’m so sorry,” the man said.
“You scared me!”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’m Ryan’s landlord. I saw you with him last night.”
“Sofia Saint,” she said.
“Can I help you with anything?”
“No, I’m just being nosy. Trying to figure this thing out.”
“Just in case you’re wondering why we don’t invite him to live inside, I have four young women here. It just felt too close.”
“Okay, I understand. I wasn’t judging. Just curious. I hope you’ll keep it to yourself that I was here. I don’t want to make more trouble for Ryan.”
“I won’t say a word. We’re fond of Ryan. What happened to him was a tragedy. We’ll do what we can to help him get back on his feet. But the work has to come from him. It has to cost him something.”
She nodded, trying to make sense of what he was saying.
“Thank you, sir,” she said. “I’ll be on my way now.”
He stepped away from the car and nodded at her, smiling, seemingly unoffended. Hopefully, he’d keep the secret.
Making her way back to the apartment, she decided not to assume anything about Ryan. She wouldn’t have a meal ready for him or try to talk him into staying again.