Seth offered to help move her things, but Tia had brought only one suitcase, and she hadn’t put a lot in it. When she’d been getting ready to leave LA, she couldn’t think of anything except escaping her condo and the dogged attention she was receiving. She’d had the presence of mind to grab the basics, her swimsuit and a few pairs of sweats, yoga pants and T-shirts. But that was about it. She hadn’t been able to imagine having the need for much else, not when she was supposed to be staying alone on such a large, fenced property and taking care of a parrot.

She still couldn’t believe that Maxi had invited Seth to stay with her. But he had the right. And she could understand his perspective. His home was available. Why not help both friends?

After she gathered her clothes and folded them neatly inside her suitcase—far more neatly than when she’d packed at her condo—she spent some time cleaning. Until today, she hadn’t cared enough to even pick up her trash, so she considered having the ability to perform this simple task a sign of improvement.

While she worked, she checked her phone several times, wondering if she should call or text her family. She’d ignored almost all of their attempts to reach her since the accident—had received several texts just today that’d gone unanswered.

From her sister: Really? You’re not talking to us? Do you think God is pleased with who you’ve become?

From her mother: I understand that you’re upset, Tia, but I don’t understand why you won’t come home. You need to do what’s right before you lose God’s favor entirely.

She considered all the things she had to say but knew she couldn’t distill it down into a text, and there was no way she wanted to talk on the phone. She wasn’t strong enough yet. She needed to continue to heal and get back on her feet before she tried to navigate those complicated relationships.

When she let herself into the main house, the security system announced her presence, but most of the rooms were dark now that the sun was setting, and she couldn’t hear or see Seth.

Where was he? She stood in the entryway with one hand on her roller suitcase, wondering if she’d made the wrong decision in allowing him to talk her into this.

But then he appeared at the top of one side of the curved staircase.

“Do you care which room I pick?” she asked when she saw him.

“Not at all,” he replied. “Would you prefer to be on the main floor or upstairs?”