It was Friday night and Diego had planned an evening of packing and cleaning out his room so that Ash could move into the larger room after Diego moved out. His friends had offered to come by and help, but he’d waved them off. There really wasn’t that much to pack.
But when Diana and Ash turned up with pizza and soda to help, he couldn’t say no to the idea of spending his last evening in Houston with the two of them.
Ash was stacking Diego’s collection of vinyl records into a cardboard box. “Any chance you’d accidentally forget this box? There’re some nice albums in here.” He lifted one, eyes dancing over the cover art. “My Chemical Romance, so classic.”
“They’re not ancient history.” Diego rolled his eyes. “But no, I’m taking them all with me. The boys seem to like music, so I’m going to teach them what good music is before their friends go off and try to ruin their taste.”
Diana preened. “Educating the young. It does my teacher’s heart good to know they’re learning from the best.”
Ash shrugged. “Alas, I’ll have to start my own collection then. But I’m super excited about your move and not just because I get the bigger room now. I like happy endings. And you need to write more happy songs, even if you’re not in the band anymore.
Diego had a twinge of regret about leaving the band. He’d miss them, like he’d miss so much of this town. “Troy said he’ll buy anything I write that he likes, so I’ll still keep that up.”
Ash beamed as he set another album in the box. “Look at her, working out that side hustle. Go on, sis. You know I love a queer who can multi-task.”
Diana laughed and stood up and wiped her hands on her jeans. “That’s it for the closet. Totally empty except for a few hangers.”
Ash clapped. “As soon as you’re gone, I’m moving my stuff over. I told Trixie and Katya that they could have my room.”
Diana’s nose wrinkled. “Aren’t those the cats you’re fostering?”
“They are—and I’m considering adopting them. They’re the only two left from a big litter that was dumped at our rescue last week. I named them all after my favorite drag queens, and sure enough, they were all snatched up right away. Even Bianca, the mean one.” Right on cue, the two small calicos poked their heads in Diego’s room, meowing loudly as they looked for Ash. “Time to feed my queens. Come, girls, Daddy’s got dinner coming up!” Ash headed out of the room with the two cats following him.
Diana slid her arm around her brother’s waist. “What am I going to do without you guys?” Her eyes darted around the nearly empty bedroom. Diego was leaving his bed and dresser behind, since they were nicer than what Ash currently had. They’d stuffed all his clothes into luggage and black garbage bags. Most of his other belongings fit into a few plastic tubs, already packed down in his car, and his guitars were tucked in their cases, ready to go.
Diego rested his head against hers. “You’ve got a lot of friends here. And I’m just a few hours down the road.”
“I know. And I appreciate it.” She kissed his cheek. “Maybe I’ll get a cat to keep me company. A stubborn old man-cat that I’ll name Diego.”
“Make sure you pick the ugliest one you can find.” Diego laughed as she lightly punched his shoulder.
“I’m going to do just that. And—I might have another sibling to bother me soon,” she added with a grin.
Diego’s brow raised. Then he understood. “Donna?”
Diana nodded. “Mama said that she wants to come study at a university in the United States. I told them she should apply for ones in this area so I could help her out.”
“Hard to believe little Donna’s in college.” Then he thought about Ash, his young roommate, not much older than his little sister. Oof. “They grow up so fast.”
But Diana just shook her head. “Look at you, talking like a dad already.” But she pulled him in tight. “I better get an invitation next Christmas.”
“I promise.” He hugged her back, emotions running through him. Sadness, fear, a hint of grief—but so much excitement at the prospect of his future with Brody. “I’m going to miss you, Di.”
“Back at you, Diego. But I’m proud of you and Brody. You’re good men.” She turned to face him, her warm caramel eyes filling with happy tears. “This move you’re making feels correct. It’s a step in the right direction.”
Diego nodded at her words. It meant a lot to him, knowing that he had the support of his sister and friends. Even his parents took the news with surprising approval. He couldn’t help but feel humbled by the wave of positive energy aimed at him from the people he loved most in the world.
Yes. It was time to leave Houston behind him.
Diego was ready to go home.
The next morning, Diego packed down his car and glanced up. A bright, clear sky above him as far as he could see—that had to be a good omen, right?
Nolan: Drive safe today! Good luck and send pics when you get settled.
Nolan: Miss you already. [sad face emoji]
Chance: Good luck with your move. Tell Brody and Aaron to take care and let us know if you all need anything. Proud of you, man!
