Page 59 of Surviving Slater

Matthew watched me while I wrapped up the call.

"I could probably move in on Friday," he told me, and I felt relieved.

"That would be awesome." At least that was taken care of. And I was sure he would pass Connor's check.

"Thanks, girl," he said.

"You're welcome."

And it was done. I ended the call.

"I'm glad you're going to have someone else around," Matthew said.

"Me too," I said, walking over to the kitchen table and sitting down across from him. Putting my phone down, I cradled my face in my hands as I looked to Matthew.

"You hungry?"

"You know just what to say," I said while I nodded my head.

"You'd better take advantage of it while I'm here," he said, standing up.

I watched him as he started to open the cupboards, feeling sad he was going.

While he got supper ready, I slipped out of the kitchen to take my medication. I didn't want to run the risk of it wearing off. Remembering how awful I'd felt, I knew I didn't want a repeat.

The bottle was still half full so I would have at least two weeks' supply. Not that I planned to take that much, but it was nice to have the safety net just in case.

That night, despite the medication and feeling numb, I managed to smile as Matthew joked and talked. I tried not to think of Slater or concentrate on the fact that I hadn't heard from him.

Had I expected him to call or message me? My heart's answer was clear, but my mind knew he wouldn't.

Chapter Fifteen

That Friday Matthew moved out. Taylor and Sin came by to help and to see him off. It felt like the end of something and I felt a need to mourn it.

"I promise to call," he said as he hugged me and then Taylor. He shook Sin's hand.

"You need anything," he said to me, "you call me."

I nodded, fighting back the sting of tears. He gave me one last dimpled smile before he left.

"I'm going to miss him," Taylor said beside me.

"Me too."

I put my arm around her and hugged her. She had also developed a close connection with the bodyguard who had been employed to protect her.

"When is your new roommate moving in?" Sin asked, distracting us from our focus on Matthew.

"In a couple of hours," I replied. I released Taylor and got my phone out of the back pocket of my jeans and checked my messages to make sure Levi hadn't sent me any new messages.

"Who is the guy?" he asked.

I shook my head at him. "He has already passed Connor's background check," I assured him.

Taylor giggled, and I poked her with my elbow.

"It's nice to share my crazy brother with someone else," she said, and I gave her a playful glare.