Shirley
As I stare at Keith, I’m nearly certain that I only imagined his words, that he didn’t actually say them aloud. But the seriousness on his face begins to make me question the thought.
“What?” I finally ask, wanting to see if he’ll repeat himself. I hadn’t even realized he’d been listening, but I’m beginning to realize that’s a recurrence with Keith - he’s always listening.
“You won’t stay at a hotel,” he begins, his tone straight. “You’ll stay at my home as my guest.”
I hadn’t heard him wrong, and my features mirror my surprise.
“No,” I start. “No, I can’t do that.”
It’s too much, too gracious.
“Really, Keith. Thank you for -“ I try, but Keith jumps in again.
“Nonnegotiable,” he states. “No excuses. You’ll stay with me and that’s final.”
N
