Wow. Jules hadn’t expected that, and some rest before she enacted her plan sounded like heaven. Then she wondered where exactly she was supposed to get said rest, since she didn’t even know where she was supposed to stay. Perhaps Vivian had a hotel in mind already—if not, Jules was on her own to figure something out while half-dead with fatigue.

“Okay,” she said. “Er, where would you like me to go?”

“Up here.” Vivian headed for a nearby staircase.

Jules rocked back on her feet, too stunned to follow her.

“You might as well get your bags,” Vivian added acidly.

Jules turned around and headed mechanically back toward the front door. Here? She was staying here? In Vivian’s house?

Well, she supposed that made sense on some planet that wasn’t this one. It’d mean Jules was available 24/7 without Vivian needing to call or text or send a homing pigeon. She could yank her out of bed at three in the morning, if she felt the need. Say if she wanted some fish and chips or something. Great.

But Jules had been invited to stay in Vivian’s home. Vivian didn’t just do this sort of thing with people. What did it mean?

She grabbed her luggage and hurried back to the stairway, where Vivian was already looking impatient, then trailed behind her up the stairs.

As she climbed, she looked around. So this was how the other half rented houses. The townhouse was all done up in shades of cream, gray, and white with pale blond hardwood floors. Enormous windows let in plenty of light. Traditional fixtures like chandeliers mixed with clean lines of modern furniture, and the walls were hung with framed prints and photos designed not to offend anyone. An Ansel Adams repro featured prominently over a white painted brick fireplace.

It was all tasteful, expensive, and sucked clean of personality. No wonder Vivian seemed restless in it.

The second floor, which featured plush cream carpet to match gray walls with white crown molding. Were these owners allergic to color?

Vivian stopped and pointed down the hallway to the left. “You’ll be sleeping in Robert’s r—”

She made a sudden choking sound.

Jules immediately started looking around as if she hadn’t heard.

“In the room at the far end of the hall.” Vivian cleared her throat. “My room’s at the other end. You should have absolutely no reason to disturb me.”

“Of course, right. I-I should call my parents. Let them know I got here safely.”

“Do whatever you want. Just keep it down.” She suddenly seemed so exhausted, it was a miracle that she was still standing. She headed for her bedroom without another word.

Jules hauled her suitcases to the designated doorway.