Page 79 of Kings Don't Break

Blake got Mama a coffee mug that says Hot Mama in sparkly gold letters. She gets a kick out of it, boasting about how she’ll use it every time she has coffee and tea from now on. He turns to me and hands me an envelope.

My brows bunch together, a half frown on my face. I can feel jiggling inside the envelope as I carefully tear it open and then gasp at what falls out.

Keys.

With a tag that says 308.

I look up at Blake to find a satisfied gleam in his eyes. It takes another second for me to be able to form the words.

“You… you got me the apartment at Sunset View?”

“For you and Sunny,” he says. “You move in on the first.”

My head shakes left to right. “I can’t take this. Are you kidding? Blake, it’s too much?—”

“Too late. You already signed the lease,” he answers. Then he grins at the slow, shocked blink I give him. “The MC might’ve worked out a deal for you. We tend to get our way in negotiations. Your rent’s only nine hundred, including utilities. More than enough for you to afford on your salary from the shop. First and last are already paid. And don’t worry—it’s all in your name.”

Emotion floods me. It erupts out of me in a breathless sound that’s half cry and half gasp. I fling my arms around Blake in a crushing hug. He holds me and lets me sputter out all the garbled thank yous and I can’t believe yous that fall past my lips over and over again.

“Well, ain’t that something!” Mama cries with a clap of her hands. “That’s what I call a Merry Christmas!”

For the rest of the day, we don’t hold back celebrating the holiday. Blake lets us blast Christmas music. I take up camp in the kitchen and start on making us one of my most special holiday dinners—baked ham with glazed brown sugar, homemade mac & cheese, garlic red-skinned mashed potatoes, and roasted veggies (among other sides).

We watch movies and even go for a walk around the block to admire the snowfall from last night.

Once the sky’s darkening and the evening sets in, Mama’s yawning and ready for bed.

“Didn’t you two mention something about a party at the MC? You should go.”

“Don’t be silly, Mama.”

“Blake, take this girl out to the party. Lord knows she can use it.”

Blake chuckles and then sticks his hands in his jeans at the same time his shoulders shrug. “It’s up to Kori.”

“You two are going to stop ganging up on me! Fine, maybe for an hour.”

“Go on. Shoo. I’ll be fine here. After I take my medications, I’m hibernating.”

I double and triple check on Mama before we do head out. Blake doesn’t rush me; he waits in the living room as I throw together my best attempt at a party look. Most of my clothes are plain and modest to the point of befitting a woman twice my age.

Ken didn’t like me showing off too much leg or chest… or much of anything else.

The best I find is a turquoise blouse and a pair of jeans I pair with boots. The final touch is a swipe of lipstick.

I hug Mama goodbye. “Call me the second you need me. Or press your alert button. I’ll be here in minutes.”

“Baby, if you don’t get going, I’m kicking you out myself!”

Blake whistles when he sees me. Warmth blankets over me remembering that we’ll be spending plenty of time alone tonight.

* * *

The Steel Saloon happens to be the most festive place in town on Christmas night.

Blake turns off the ignition and glances over at me. “Hear Ozzie screaming Jingle Bells?”

My lips quirk with the same humor. “Someone has got to make him realize he sounds like a toad drowning.”