Chapter 42: A Compass Arrow
When Rylee got home, Bandit was impossible to appease. He danced around her legs barking and even went so far as to try and bite one of the crutches. Rylee laughed as she sat down on the couch, instantly covered in kisses. "You act like I abandoned you, silly dog. It was only one night!"
While she found the behavior funny, she was secretly concerned about the long term arrangements this relationship could create. If she spent more time at Evan's, should Bandit come with her? Would he get in the way? What about Tara and their roommate arrangement? She was puzzled what her next move should be.
Rylee jumped when her phone rang, glancing down at the unfamiliar number. After considering it for a second, she answered. "Hello?"
"Am I speaking to Ms. Rylee Tang?"
"You are."
"Hello Ms. Tang. I am calling on behalf of Howard and Associates. May I verify your identity before proceeding?"
The name sounded vaguely familiar, and Rylee guesses this was the lawyer working with Zane. She verified her information and finally got to the core of the conversation. "We have been negotiating in regards to the accident you and your friends were injured in. Because your injuries were the most substantial, I understand it has effected your work and personal life?"
Rylee felt a twinge if resentment toward the statement but didn't fight it. "That is correct. I believe Zane has been updating you on the days I was absent?"
"Yes, I have that in my notes. Now, it seems your insurance has covered your medical bills, but we have negotiated to make up for the lost pay you have experienced due to this situation. In addition, they agree to an additional lump sum settlement to cover any future side effects caused by the other parties negligence. I will be emailing the terms over to you, and so long as they meet your expectations we an proceed with the arrangement."
"Thank you, I appreciate your efforts in this matter," Rylee responded calmly. After hanging up, she leaned her head back against the couch. It felt like a weight was being released from her shoulders. With the settlement finalizing, she would finally be able to stop stressing as much about work. She may even be able to pay off some of her debt, a goal she has been seeking for the last three years.
Her phone pinged with an email and Rylee glanced down. The lawyer was really on top of things! After carefully reviewing the terms she told the lawyer to move forward with the final draft. Only then would they sign and notarize the agreement.
Now that she was already working, Rylee took time to call various cardholder services. It was important to ensure they continued negotiating work her until she got the money to continue payments. Even if she owed a lot, her payment history had been strong which was her saving grace. Today the calls went well, and it felt like her shoulders were lighter.
The front door opened and Tara entered, smirking when she saw Rylee sitting there. "Evan decided to let you come back? What a sweet boyfriend." She teased.
"The game ended super late," Rylee used the excuse, but Tara laughed anyway.
"I'm not clueless, Ry. Eventually I knew he would start taking up more of your time. Once Bandit goes with you I'll know to admit defeat."
For some reason, this statement made Rylee feel a little sad. After all, last time she was serious with a guy she had moved in with him. Being with Evan could mean the end of her and Tara being roommates. It was a bittersweet feeling.
"Is it weird for you?" Rylee asked.
Tara glanced at her, holding a cup as she exited the kitchen. "Weird seeing my best friend happy again? Rylee, I'm not selfish. I was there when Blake left you, and we were forced to pick up the pieces together. But it's been a long time since then. Seeing you move on is what matters, and I can already see he is special to you. I never expected this to be a permanent arrangement."
Rylee chewer her lip, "What would you do if I ever moved out?" Since the topic came up, it made sense to continue.
Tara sat next to her and scratched Bandit behind the ears, "Actually, I already checked with the landlord. When the time comes, he has smaller one bedrooms I can transfer to. It would be just as affordable to me, and there's a better market for the 3 bedroom anyway. It's just a matter of when you are ready to make the switch."
Rylee felt stunned. Tara had already thought ahead! It was hard to keep from blushing as she gazed at her roommate, "Isn't this all really fast? What if the whole thing falls apart after the convention and we break up? It was silly to bring up moving out so soon."
Tara snorted. She reached over and messed up Rylee's hair with an adoring expression, "I've seen you with guys before, Ry, and I've seen the way you are around Evan. I don't believe in soul mates, or true love, or any of that crap, but I do believe that sometimes, the right person finally appears. He is respectful, honest, shares your interest and has even made the effort to bond with your spoiled rotten dog. If you think this is just going to be a one month fling, I am here to declare bull shit to that whole idea!"
"But..."
"But," Tara relented. "If it didn't work out, I would still welcome you back. We would have to fight for a new apartment, but I wouldn't let you down. You are in a safe place right now. It's okay to see where your heart will take you."
Her words gave Rylee a warm fuzzy feeling, and she relaxed again. With everything in the open, she was comfortable with the plans she was making. "He invited me to stay with him during the convention," Rylee admitted.
The statement drew a look of surprise from Tara, and she gave a wicked grin. "Do I need to take you to the store? You're on the pill right? Maybe you should get some—"
"Tara!" Rylee squeaked in surprise. Her roommate grinned deviously.
"I just want to make sure he has protection. After all, I am looking out for my innocent best friend."
"Don't get ahead of yourself."
"Should you ask him to get tested?"
"TARA!"
"Do we need to get you some better lingerie? Because I've seen your laundry, and I don't think your nerdy briefs are going to impress him!"
"And why are you digging through my laundry in the first place!" She smacked Tara's arm and then the two of them exploded into giggles.
Romance was important, but she hoped she never lost this feeling of friendship she had come to enjoy.
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