Three Homes For Another Man

Summary

For five years, I stood by Andrea as we clawed our way from a grease-stained pop-up cart to a chain of bustling restaurants. And three times, I waited for her to give me a home.

The first time, she bought a one-bedroom apartment. I had my bags packed, but she handed the keys to Neil, her newly divorced childhood best friend.

"He has a little girl and nowhere safe to stay," she said. "Just stick it out with me in the basement for a few more months."

The second time, she upgraded to a two-bedroom. I’d already bought the crisp new linens for our bed when a kitchen fire gutted Neil’s rental.