Page 173 of Pregnant By A Rich Demon 2

A brick two-story on Mimosa Ct in the Seventh Ward. Three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a small front porch, and a fenced-in backyard. The photos showed hardwood floors, high ceilings, and windows that let in natural light. It wasn’t fancy, but it was solid. Real.

The rent was $1,850 a month.

I could afford that.

I clicked on the listing and read through the details. Available immediately. First month, last month, and security deposit required upfront. That was $5,550 total.

I had that.

I sat there for a moment, staring at the screen, my heart pounding.

This was it.

This was me taking control.

I called the number listed on the property.

A woman answered on the third ring. “Hello?”

“Hi,” I said, my voice steady. “I’m calling about the property on Mimosa Ct. Is it still available?”

“It is,” the woman said. She sounded older, her voice warm but businesslike. “Are you interested in scheduling a viewing?”

“Yes. Can I see it today?”

There was a pause. “Today? Well, I suppose I could meet you there around ten. Would that work?”

I glanced at the time on my phone. It was 8:47 AM.

“That works,” I said. “I’ll be there.”

“Great. My name is Mrs. Thibault. I’m the property manager. What’s your name, sweetheart?”

“Truth Renois.”

“Alright, Miss Renois. I’ll see you at ten.”

I hung up and sat there for a moment, letting the reality of what I’d just done sink in.

I was going to see the house.

I was going to secure it.

I was going to have my own space.

I stood and moved quickly, pulling on the clothes—jeans and a loose blouse that didn’t cling to my stomach. I brushed my teeth in the small bathroom, splashed water on my face, and pulled my hair back into a ponytail.

When I walked into the kitchen, Mama was sitting at the table with her coffee, the morning paper spread out in front of her.

She looked up when I entered. “You up early.”

“I have somewhere to be,” I said, pouring myself a glass of water.

Mama’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Where?”

“I’m going to look at a house.”

Mama set her coffee cup down slowly. “A house?”