“Ha! I’m being serious though. I got bad news from the athletic department about housing. They can’t help me for the rest of the semester. I’ve already looked at some short stay places and they’re all outside my budget. I was going to look for some rooms tonight online.”
Violet looks to Joss who’s off the phone now, and they exchange glances for a moment.
“You’re going to make me keep the puppy, aren’t you?” Joss purses her lips.
“I don’t think he should rent a room somewhere. How will he study? And what if there are more Abbies out there? Or god forbid, a cougar finds him.” Violet walks over to me and puts her hand under my jaw. “Look at this face, Joss. They will eat him alive.”
They both burst out laughing, and I wrap my arms around Violet, tickling her ribs until she doubles over.
“I’m pretty sure I’m already in some sort of cougar den with the two of you,” I tease.
“Not true! I have never gone after anyone younger. Joss maybe though?” Violet looks to her.
“God no. Even the older ones act like children.” Her face turns up in disgust.
“So see, you’re safe staying here. Assuming that’s what you’re asking?” Violet turns to me as I loosen my grip on her.
“Yeah. I feel like shit for doing it. But it’s quiet here and I can study and get my workouts in. I just want to keep my head down and get off suspension,” I say quietly, feeling awkward at having to beg for a place to stay.
“As long as you keep cooking for us a couple nights a week and no Abbies end up in common areas, I’m fine with it.” Joss shrugs.
I look to Violet, and she smiles at me, a look passing over her face I can’t quite read.
“Same.” She nods.
“Thank you. I’ll make it up to you, somehow. I’m gonna get changed before dinner gets here.”
Joss mumbles something as I walk away and Violet slaps her on her forearm before shushing her.
“What?” I ask, pausing and trying not to smile.
“Nothing. She just said she needs a cookie,” Violet answers. “To keep her mouth shut,” she adds muttering under her breath.
“Okay…” I trail off, because I’m pretty sure Joss just said that I could make it up to Violet in bed. If that’s something they discussed enough that Joss is teasing Violet about it, I’m very curious.
* * *
Later that eveningwe’re all sprawled out around the TV in the living room, watching a crime show with a paranormal twist the two of them seem to love, and I have to admit I find morbidly interesting. It reminds me of the old school horror movies Mac, Liv and Wren used to like to watch on movie nights, and I feel a little pang of nostalgia at missing my old friends. I need to text the group chat to see how everyone is doing.
When the episode ends on a cliffhanger and Joss turns the TV off, Violet sits up and glares at her.
“You can’t end it there!”
“I have work to do and then I need to get to bed,” Joss argues.
“But they’re just about to find the evidence. I need to know what happens,” Violet protests.
“They are not about to find the evidence. They’re pretending they are and then they’re going to drag out the reveal for another 30 minutes.”
“You don’t know for sure!” Violet counters.
They have a stare off for a minute, and then Joss relents.
“Fine. Watch the next episode without mebutdo not spoil it, and that means watch it in your room because I don’t want to hear tidbits while I’m trying to work in my room.”
“Yes! You’re the best. I love you!” Violet hugs Joss and then bounces around picking up all the dishes to put them in the kitchen.
I get up and help her bus them up, and we start loading the dishwasher together as Joss disappears into her room to work. She grabs some plates and turns abruptly not realizing I’m behind her, and bumps into me losing her balance in the process. I grab her by the hips to stop her from falling.
