Chapter 43

Rosey said, “Girl, you saved my life. There’s no way I’m taking rent from you.”

* * * *

Akira got irregular letters from her father, each progressively more depressing. She wrote to him, but he only wrote back when he decided to do so or needed more money in his account. That was his way, and Akira accepted her father would serve many years in prison.

At dinner one evening, as they enjoyed the vegan lasagna Mark made, Akira got a text. She read it and slapped her phone on the table.

Rosey asked, “What’s up?”

“My mother. She’s going to be in town for a few hours tomorrow and wants to meet up with me for lunch. Go figure, less than a day’s notice.” She dropped her fork. “I told her to go fuck herself.”

Rosey said, “Tell me you didn’t really do that.”

She sighed. “Noooo, but I wanted to.”

Rosey limped around the table to hug her. Jade hugged from the other side. Rosey counseled, “Always make wise decisions and make none when angry or upset.”