Sadie’s day had been peaceful so far. She’d slept in, had a good breakfast, and spent her morning lounging on the couch watching her favorite TV show. Living alone in the apartment her grandparents had given her felt like a dream most of the time. No one hovering, no one telling her what to do.

But being alone wasn’t the same as feeling lonely, and Sadie had somehow managed to end up with both. It was fine, though. She was fine. Or at least, that’s what she kept telling herself.

She was snoring softly, drifting through a pleasant dream, when a loud knock interrupted her peace. In her dream, it was just a noise in the background, but then it came again—sharper this time, pulling her into the real world.

Groaning, she cracked one eye open. Ugh. Fuck off.

She stayed still for a moment, hoping whoever it was would just give up and leave her the hell alone. But the knocking came again—louder now, like they thought sheer persistence would make her care.

“I swear to god,” she muttered, dragging herself out of bed. “If this is someone trying to sell me a bloody vacuum…”

Shuffling to the door, she cursed again under her breath. “Fucking hell. Some of us are trying to rot in peace.”

Sadie swung it open with a scowl already forming, prepared to absolutely rip into whoever dared to ruin her nap. Her eyes landed on the person standing there, and her expression soured even more.

They opened their mouth to speak, and the accent hit her instantly—American, overly chipper. She didn’t let them get another word out.

“Oh, I don’t have any money,” she said flatly, holding up a hand to cut them off. “Whatever bullshit you’re about to pitch—save it. I’m broke, tired, and honestly two seconds away from throwing something.”