Where there is a will

 "She could stay with us," Kim said he had an extra room. "It was for my other son, but he likes being on his own. So it wouldn't be a problem really."

He knew Liv's mother didn't know him. She didn't even know Rico, but he filled her in. Rico talked about Liv all the time. They worked together. "She's a smart girl. Very nice. She's even made us brownies." He told her that he'd had dinner with her daughter on occasion. Liv's mother Rene seemed happy enough that someone was on Liv's side.

Finally, she agreed. It sounded like a plan.

"Her mom's on board with it," Kim told  his son Rico a few minutes later, he could see the relief in  his eyes, "But have you even mentioned it to Liv?"

"I've tried," he did look a little down. She was barely speaking to him these days. As of yet, she hadn't come back to work. He looked as if this might be the end instead of the beginning. Kim could see Liv was probably beyond humiliated. Hopefully, she could somehow suffice and go on.

He got out his phone again. And made the call. To his surprise, Liv answered.

"Hullo, did your mum tell you I'd call," Kim said first thing as he went to the dining room window and looked out to see the damp gloomy weather. But there was a bit of green in the yard and a couple of robins were feasting at the birdfeeder. 

"No," Liv said. "I haven't heard from her."

"You two must be a lot like," he then said with a smile. "Rico would love to talk to you, you know. But he won't until you're ready."

"I see."

"But, that's not why I called," he told her he'd talked to her mother. "We both think it would be a good idea if you came and stayed with us. You'll have your own room. I promise we won't make you cook and clean for us."

"Well," Liv paused and said she would have to think about it.

"I know it's not easy. Change never is, but so many things are changing these days." Kim told her. "Like wars and inflation. Lord knows, what's next. You know, we'd be happy to have you here. Your mom would think your safe and we want you to be safe because we all love you."

"Thank you," she then said. 

"So you'll like it here. We have a lovely back yard. A great place to sit and read, if you want. The squirrels are practically a petting zoo." Kim smiled. "Who knows, that roommate of yours just might decide to move in with Mario, but we will just have to see if that happens."

He then asked what she liked. "I'll get Rico to pick you up so you can see what's here and what we need to do to make your room a home."