Sign Your Name Across My Heart

Chapter thirty-one

 I know he said that his house was equipped and ready for my stay, but for some reason I didn't believe him. That is until I walked in, my jaw dropping instantly. He has a grand foyer, where if you walk to the right, it leads into a beautiful living room where there's a conversation pit that you have to walk down three steps to get inside of. There's dozens, maybe even up to thirty pillows scattered on the big, comfy seating and a bunch of lamps spread out through the living room. On the wall across from the conversation pit, there's an 85 inch TV on the wall. I've never seen a TV so big before in my life. For some reason, I didn't even know they made TVs that big. I guess I just didn't have the money to know that.

If you walk to the left of the foyer, it's his kitchen, completely white in colour, unlike his living room that's mainly black and brown. The kitchen is stocked with different types of alcohol, bottles all lined up along the counter where there's a marble backdrop just behind them. Somehow there's even two glasses set up almost as if they're staged, simply awaiting our arrival.

"The floors are heated," He says. "You just have to flip the switch right here." He points to the wall revealing a little white switch. I don't reply. He walks over to the fridge and pulls it open, revealing a fully stocked appliance with fruits, vegetables, juice, water, anything you can think of. You'd think he just did groceries before I got here. "I had one of my... guys run some errands and stock the fridge before we got here." He explains.

So, I was right.

"Come." He states as he walks towards a hallway that's located back in the foyer, near to the big white cascading stairs. "One of the bathrooms is here." He motions over to the close door to his right. As he keeps walking, I follow behind him when he reaches another door. "This is one of the guest bedrooms. If you want to stay in here, you're more than welcome to but," He keeps walking to another door just further ahead. He pushes this one open and I look inside.

I can tell immediately that this is his bedroom.

"Master bedroom." He smiles. "This is my bedroom. Of course, it has its own bathroom, its own closet. The closet is empty by the way. I don't really keep my stuff here besides a couple outfits. You're welcome to use this one as your bedroom if you'd like. The bed is also a California king, unlike the queen that's in the guest room. It's way more comfortable, too." He explains, moving to the side. I take a couple steps in and I look around.

I've never actually seen a California king in person. It's way bigger than I ever truly realized. There's a huge mirror on the right side of the room that covers the entire wall and adjacent to that wall, there's a big oak armoire on the left side. I see a closed door just beside it and I wonder if that's the closet or the bathroom. Hawthe points to the door that's hidden from where I'm standing. "The bathroom is in there. The thing I like about this bathroom is that if you're taking a bath and you look up... There's a mural on the ceiling. It's nice to look at."

I drop my bag down on the bed and I'm finally able to smile. "You take baths?"

He laughs at my question. "I mean, sometimes." He shrugs his shoulders. He looks around the room before his eyes land back on me. "Anyway... I don't want to crowd you. Settle in, check out the upstairs. There's another couple bedrooms and bathrooms. I have my man cave up there too. There's nothing special there. I usually keep it locked, actually." He scratches his head. "Um, yeah... So, make yourself at home. If you need me, I'm just a call away." He takes a step back.

"You're leaving?" I ask.

"Yeah." He replies quickly. "I have a condo I bought a couple months ago. I've been staying there a lot while I'm in town. Unless you want me to stay?" He looks hopeful.

"Why did you buy this house then?" I don't know why I'm asking so many questions. I'm just curious.

"Um... I don't know. Because I had the money, I guess." He chuckles. "I let some of my friends crash here from time to time if they need a place. That's why I haven't sold it." He tells me. "Don't worry, none of them have a key." He adds on. He reaches into his pocket. "Speaking of keys, here." He reaches forward with the key in hand.

I slowly take a couple steps and take it from him. "Th-thanks." I stutter, unable to believe he's really giving me the keys to his house. Well, temporarily that is. "I really don't know what to say. I mean, you've been so kind to me. I don't even know how to repay you for everything." I let out a weak chuckle.

"Repay me?" He repeats. "You don't have to do any of that. Please, like I said. I'm doing this because I like you and you've been through a lot of shit lately."

I can tell he's being genuine but I also feel like he's somehow still expecting me to give him something for all of this. "Can we just... be friends for a bit? I'm just not ready to... for..." I stopped speaking. I don't quite know what I'm really trying to say.

"Libby, we are friends. And I'm fine with that. Everything we're doing is completely up to you. You can leave tomorrow if you're not happy here. But... I think you will be." He smiles.

I nod my head. "Okay." I replied.

"Walk me out?" He tilts his head.

I smirk. "Out of your own home?" I cock my eyebrow.

"Hey, as far as I know, right now this is your home." He snickers.

We both walk back towards the front door and I watch him spin around slowly to look at me. He pulls me into a hug and I willingly hug him back, squeezing tight. "Try to get some sleep." He says close to my ear.

"I will." I mumble.

As he leaves, I shut the door and lock it, resting my forehead against the wood. I feel like I'm going to pass out - in a good and bad way, if that's even possible.