One look into Landon’s handsome face made Octavia’s heart soar. She was still humming and downright giddy by the time she arrived at the office.
Terri squinted as Octavia sat at her desk. “You look happy.”
“I am. Everything seems all right in my world.” She grinned. “I stopped by Rossi’s office and checked on Landon.” She rocked back in her chair and waited for her friend’s response.
“Not him again.” Terri groaned and rolled her eyes. “Please tell me he’s not the reason you broke it off with James and turned down a weekend getaway?”
“He’s not,” she defended. “Actually, there’s no comparison. Every man who looks good to you isn’t always good for you. James wasn’t a good fit for me.” She patted her chest.
“I can’t see how a homeless man can be your custom fit. He’s using you to move in with you. It’s part of his charm, and you’re gullible enough to let him do it.” Terri slapped her hand over her mouth and slowly removed it. She cringed. “Sorry. I didn’t like the way that came out.”
“Me either.” Octavia lifted an eyebrow. “I’m a Christian, rooting for the underdog. Landon is trying to salvage his relationship with his family in Boston. He’s flying home next week, and I’m tagging along for support.”
Terri’s eyes bucked before her mouth dropped open, but the words seemed to be on a five-second delay. “Hold up. You’re going out of town with a man who probably doesn’t have enough money for a Greyhound ticket, yet you turned down an all-expense paid trip to an island?”
“Terri, if you want us to remain friends, then I suggest you stop acting as if you know what’s better for me.”
Stepping back, Terri shook her head. Clearly, she was surprised by Octavia’s sharp tongue. “I’m not a praying woman, but I’m not about to let a man bring my friend down!” She twirled around and stormed away.
I guess that’s one way to get someone on their knees. Taking a deep breath to regroup, Octavia turned on her laptop and logged into Marisnet.com to search for new listings. Despite acting as if it was business as usual, Terri’s words stung. Octavia was beginning to make exceptions when it came to men. She dated James, even though he wasn’t what she wanted, and now Landon didn’t have the kind of stability in his life she needed from a man.
***
Holding down two jobs, even if they were considered part-time, was taking a toll on Landon. He wasn’t a teenager anymore. His body and roommate reminded him of that when he fell into his bed at Mac’s Place. However, Octavia knew how to give him a boost in the mornings. He smiled every time he strolled into Rossi’s office and there was a card from Octavia waiting for him. It was day four, and she had yet to disappoint him. Thanking Rossi for his mail, he proceeded to his work space to rip it open. Let the redeemed of the Lord say so. Be encouraged.
Landon had no right to be in love with her, but he was.
Things were beginning to fall into place when Southwest Airlines had one of their twenty-four-hour specials a week later on payday. Landon gave Rossi the money to book his flight along with Octavia’s. “I can’t let her pay for her ticket. I don’t care if she’s coming of her own volition.”
Rossi smirked. “I respect that. I’m glad Karyn is coming, so there will be no evil spoken of against Octavia for traveling out of town with single men. We’re there for you, brother,” he said, then booked everyone’s tickets. “We’re all set. There’s no turning back now. You ready?”
“I don’t think I’ll ever be ready to face this army,” Landon answered honestly as he walked out the door to catch the bus for his night gig.