Total pages in book: 81
Estimated words: 77344 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 77344 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 387(@200wpm)___ 309(@250wpm)___ 258(@300wpm)
“Actually, we’ve been wanting to talk to you about the same thing,” Megs said as Nicole wrapped an arm around her waist. Like they wanted to be a united front. “We… we are planning on not renewing the lease.”
“Really? Why?” I asked, knowing they likely couldn’t afford anywhere better.
“Well, it’s just that Tyler decided to take a job with his father’s business. Which means he will be in the city full-time, and making a lot more money. So his roommate is moving out. And he wants us to move in with him.”
“That’s great!” I said, meaning it. I knew how hard it was for all of them to be separated so often. Besides, I kind of liked the idea of the girls having a guy around. And living in a door-manned building like Tyler did. “I’m so happy for you guys.”
“We’re happy for you too,” Nicole said, giving me a smile. “I love Miko.”
How could she not after that epic vacation he’d sent them on?
“He’s a pretty good guy,” Megs agreed, slightly more reserved with her affections because she claimed she wasn’t sure anyone was worthy of me. Which was absurd. But sweet. “And his apartment is amazing.”
“And he rescued that cat for you,” Nicole agreed, already starting to sniffle a bit, and I wasn’t even anywhere near her.
“Wow,” Megs said, taking a deep breath and letting it out slowly. “It’s a whole new era for all of us.”
It was that.
It had been over a decade that Megs and I had been surviving together. But it was time to stop just surviving. We deserved to thrive. With the people we loved.
I did, too.
Love Miko.
I had for longer than I’d even realized.
That warm, cozy sweater feeling?
Yeah, that had been the beginnings of it.
It had only gotten more intense in the weeks we’d been together.
Miko, to his credit, had been so gentle with me. Giving me space, but reassurances. Pulling me close but not smothering me. Letting me occasionally be my prickly self, but managing not to get hurt.
I wasn’t obtuse.
He was treating me the way I’d been treating my cat. In a way, I guess we were both part-feral out of necessity. But once we found someone to give us a safe space, to offer us unconditional love, we were easily and happily tamed.
Miko - 8 months
“You know, I won’t work any faster with you breathing down my neck,” Lil said as she answered the door.
That was fair. This was the fourth time in as many days that I’d ‘dropped by’ to ‘check on the progress.’
Lil had healed up pretty well thanks to a rotating number of Family members and their wives checking in on her, doting on her, and helping her recover. Still, there was a scar near her eye that would always serve as a reminder of what she’d been through.
“But it’s kind of sweet, so I’m not annoyed by it,” Lil told me, stepping back from the door to invite me in.
“I actually just finished this morning,” she told me as she moved behind her desk. “Are you ready for it?”
You’d think I would be nervous as fuck about this step. But all I felt was a sort of calm. Like every cell in my body knew this was the right step.
“Fuck yeah.”
To that, Lil beamed at me as she handed me the little navy blue velvet ring box.
Inside of it was the physical ring I’d seen the drawings of several weeks before. At the center was the one single diamond we had left from the heist. It was the one Max had left with Lil for safekeeping. Then had forgotten all about almost immediately after.
“Fuck, Lil. It’s perfect.”
She’d somehow managed to make something beautiful without making it too feminine and fussy, things we both knew Max would hate.
“I know, right? It’s almost like I’m good at what I do.”
“The best,” I agreed.
“So, when are you going to propose?”
“This weekend. Unless a better moment presents itself before then. Make sure you keep a spot in your calendar open for being a bridesmaid.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Lil said as I reached for an envelope in my pocket to pass to her, the rest of the money I owed her for the ring. “I can’t believe Max is about to get engaged. But then again, I couldn’t believe that she’d fallen for you. Or moved in with you. Or—“
“Really building up my confidence here, Lil,” I said with a little chuckle.
“Come on. You know what I mean.”
“I do. But this is one of those pot/kettle situations, don’t you think?”
“Hey, I love love!” Lil said, shrugging. “I just can’t fathom sharing my space with someone. Fighting over covers, not having any hot water, having someone constantly annoying me with questions about my day and feelings…”
“Oh, Lil. It’s gonna be a real treat to watch you fall one day. And word to the wise… just get separate covers,” I said as I made my way to the door. “Thanks again for this,” I told her, waving the ring box before I slipped it into my pocket.