“No,” I replied softly. “This is overdue.”
I walked downstairs, leaving them standing speechless.
The following morning, I woke early and watered the flowers in the backyard. The sun had barely risen when Ryan joined me outside.
He looked tired. His clothes were wrinkled. Dark circles surrounded his eyes.
“Can we talk?”
I nodded toward the patio chairs.
He sat heavily.
“Olivia barely slept.”
“I slept wonderfully.”
He managed a weak smile before becoming serious again.
“She’s looking at apartments.”
“That’s good.”
“But they’re expensive.”
I remained quiet.
“We haven’t saved enough for a deposit.”
I looked at him carefully.
“You’ve lived here for three years without paying rent.”
“I know.”
“I covered the utilities.”
“I know.”
“I bought the groceries.”
“I know.”
“So where did your money go?”
He stared at the patio floor.
“Car payments.”
I waited.
“Student loans.”
I waited again.
“Vacations.”
Finally, he sighed.
“We thought we’d have more time.”
“You had plenty.”
I reached into my apron pocket and unfolded a single sheet of paper.
“I prepared something for you.”
He accepted it. Across the top, bold letters read, “Guest room agreement.”
His eyes widened as he continued reading: monthly rent, $1,200; half of utilities; clean the kitchen after every meal; respectful conduct required.
He looked up slowly.
“You’re serious.”
“Very.”
He stared at the paper for another moment.
“Olivia is never going to agree to this.”
“Then you have another option.”
He already knew the answer.
“Move out.”