Page 86 of Property of Anchor

“Whatever floats your boat,” Prime said and waved us along.

As we walked, Shay asked, “Where’s your room?”

I hesitated.“Uh...well, I guess it’s technically Anchor’s room, but I’ve been staying in the cabin.”

“I doubt that’s gonna happen anymore,” Prime muttered.

Shay glanced at me.“Are you dating Anchor?”

I nodded.“Uh, yes.Though saying we’re dating feels weird.We’re just...together.”I would probably scare her if I said Anchor had claimed me.I would save that for another time.

We passed Anchor’s room and went to the last door in the hall.

Prime pulled out a key and opened it.He handed it to Shay.

“I get the key?”she asked, clearly surprised.

Prime tapped on the door.“We’re keeping you safe, not keeping you as a prisoner.”

Shay stepped inside.

I peeked in behind her.The room was sterile.Clean, but not cozy.Bed.Dresser.Couch.TV.Two closed doors that I assumed were the closet and bathroom.

Anchor’s room had more warmth, more personality.This one looked like a holding cell.

“Maybe we can go to the store and get some things to liven it up,” I offered.

Prime scoffed.“Yeah, I’ll let you run that one by Anchor.”

Shay held up her hands.“No, no.This is great.”She slowly spun in a circle.“It’s great.”

Prime and I exchanged a glance.Even he knew it wasn’t.

Shay moved to the bed and set her bag down.

“I can help you unpack if you want,” I said.

She laughed.“That’s sweet, but it won’t take long.”She unzipped her bag and pulled out a small stack of clothes, then made her way to the dresser and slid them inside.After that, she pulled out a toothbrush, toothpaste, a hairbrush, two half-used bottles I assumed were shampoo and conditioner, and a bar of soap.She disappeared into the bathroom.

I turned to Prime.“You couldn’t let her pack a little more than that?”

He raised his eyebrows.“I tried to—”

Shay came back out.“He wanted me to pack more,” she said plainly, “but I don’t have anything more.I live in my car.I’m homeless.”

Shay crossed the room and sank down onto the couch like it had been calling her name.She let out a sigh loud enough to rattle the windows and smiled wide like she’d just won the lottery.

I opened my mouth, but nothing came out.

Prime looked about as lost as I felt.

Shay laughed.“You two can breathe.I’m not ashamed of being homeless.It’s better than getting my ass kicked every day by my ex.”

Oh.

My stomach turned.

Prime stiffened beside me, and his fists clenched at his sides.If looks could kill, Shay’s ex would already be six feet under.