Next Door Lover

24.

Katie's PoV
I've been working at The Row for two days here in California and it's been pretty good. I say that because it's not as exciting as in New York. Since the internship program here is full I'm technically not a part of it but Bill, the photographer from NY, sent me some work and research to do and I have to also do that project.

I've been feeling bad about staying at Lizzie's house. Last night was fine and even fun but I can't help but feel like I'm in their hair. On top of the constant worrying about my living arrangements and my family, it's getting to be a lot. Which is why I think I'm going to go out when I get back to Lizzie's. It's a Thursday, I figure I'll give them the house and time alone and I'll find somewhere to go.

So as I'm walking into Lizzie's house, I notice it's surprisingly empty. Perfect, I'll just shower quickly and leave a note that I'll be back late. I'm sure Lizzie will be thankful for some alone time with her husband and I don't need to kill her mood because I'm so overwhelmed.

I quickly get out of my work clothes, thanks to Lizzie, and shower. That's another thing. Lizzie's let me borrow clothes since I barely had anything with me and I feel like a needy child. I'm aware I could go buy clothes, but I would love to save as much as I can if I can.

Once my showers done I slip on my ripped jeans I came here in and I grab a t shirt I wore of Robbie's to bed last night. I head out of the room and downstairs to look for a pen and paper. I find paper on the dining room table that I tear out of a notepad. I spot a pen on the entryway table and I make my way over there until Lizzie opens the front door and almost smacks right into me.

"Sorry Katie!" She laughs and freezes in her tracks. "Where are you going?" She asks looking me head to toe and staring at my shoes and non work clothes.

"Yeah..so.."

"Nope you're not running away." Lizzie wags her finger at me and I can't help but smirk.

"Relax Granny, I'm not running away. I'm just going to give you and Robbie a night alone. I'll find somewhere to hang out and be back late." I say taking a couple steps back to let her into her house more.

"Nonsense. It's been 2 days! Maybe I'll take that offer up from you next week but I like you too much to probably ever use it." She says as she places her keys on the table and throws her small crossbody bag on the table as-well.

"You're not going to get me to stay. I'm true to my word and I do not want to be that person who is always around." I explain

"Katie, you're great company. I enjoy having you here and if I didn't I would have found other arrangements."

"I'm grateful you're letting me stay here but I want to give you your space back." I argue.

"Okay, fine, but my sisters want to video chat with you and should be calling soon so can you wait for that before you go?" She asks with a sigh.

"Sure" I say, thinking that's reasonable. I slip my shoes off and place them by the door and join Lizzie in the kitchen.

I notice my text to Scarlett hasn't been opened in a while and she hasn't answered since this morning. It's not a big deal, but I do enjoy talking to her. We texted all night and even after I told her to go to sleep since it was way later in NY than in California. She refused, and continued our conversation of would you rather.

"Have you talked to your dad?" Lizzie's questions pulls me from my thoughts.

"Not yet." I say

"When are you?" She asks and my brain hurts just thinking of it. I don't answer her right away but walk around her and grab a glass from her shelf. I place it down next to her and look at the fruits she's cutting up.