Tripping Down 12 Steps Into Malibu

Welcome Home

"Welcome home." The woman's overly affectionate voice sent an uncomfortable feeling through Brendon's body.

This wasn't his home and it would never be his home. He only had to stay for a month to get better. And then he'd be engaged to the man of his dreams

"Home?" It seemed Dallon was questioning their choice of words as well.

His arm tightened around Brendon's waist. It made Brendon feel more secure. Like somebody was actually on his side during this. Even through the same person on his side was the one making him do this.

"We never know how long someone is going to be here. So we want it to feel like home to them while they are."

"That's sweet." Dallon rubbed his hand soothingly on Brendon's hip bone. Calming him down. The same way someone would pet their puppy.

"We even let them fill out this questionnaire about the kind of living environment they'd want."

She reached into the desk and pulled out a thin stack of papers. Handing them to Dallon instead of to Brendon. As if he weren't competent enough to do it himself. He'd gone from feeling like a puppy to feeling like a child in just a few seconds.

Dallon placed the papers in Brendon's hands. "And you'll give him the kind of room he asks for?"

"Well go as close to it as we can. It can't be exact because he's going to have to have a roommate. So whoever's questionnaire answers are closest to his, we pair them."

"Okay."

"So you fill that out today. And then you come back tomorrow to stay."

"Okay." Dallon lifted one of the pens and clipboards off the desk. "Thank you." He walked Brendon to the chairs.

"Dallon, I don't like this place." He whispered as soon as they sat down.

"It's the best one in the state, babe."

"I still don't like it."

"You're not going to like any of them. Because you don't want help."

"I do." He lied. "Just not from creepy people like her."

They both glanced back at the front desk. The woman glanced up at the same time as if she was expecting it. When she saw them looking, she smiled. They both looked away.

"She is a little creepy."

"Exactly!"

"But all she is, is a front desk lady. She's not going to be helping you."

"You don't know!"

"The minute that woman is allowed to council you in any way, I'll come scoop you up and take you home."

"Do you promise?"

"I pinky promise." He held out the small finger. Brendon hooked it with his. "Now let's fill this thing out."