It’s a plan so nuts that it almost makes complete sense. We’re friends who trust each other and enjoy each other’s company. It wouldn’t be like I was taking a handout. I’d be running his house, which is something I can do with my eyes closed and my hands tied behind my back. In high school, I was the one who took care of the house bills because my mother was too angry at the world to take care of them herself. I could definitely do this. I’d just have to be careful with his heart… and mine.
Suddenly a weight feels like it’s being lifted off of my chest. I wouldn’t have to pay rent or utilities or worry about whether the elevator was working on any given day. I could catch up on my car note payments and save Grandma’s house. I could use the money I bank away to finally schedule the third and final surgery I need to become whole again. And I wouldn’t have to sing myself to death to feel lighter. In fact, my spirit actually feels more buoyant in this moment than it has in a really long time.
“This will be weird,” I tell him. “Our dynamic would be different.”
“Nothing has to be weird about it if we don’t let it. You’re still my best friend, Bird. Nothing more and nothing less. I just want you to be okay.”
Nothing more and nothing less. Not exactly the sentiment my heart wanted to hear, but exactly the words my head needed to hear. This is an arrangement between friends that will be beneficial for both of us.A platonic arrangement, Mia.I can do this because I think Rush needs this just as much as I do. It’s just in his nature to want to see me safe, and I have to learn how to start respecting that if we’re going to remain friends.
I wrap my arms around his waist and squeeze hard.
Good gravy, even sweaty he smells yummy.
“That’s the nicest thing that anyone has every said to me. They broke the mold when they made you, Bacchetti.”
“And my offer?”
“When do I move in?”
Twenty-Two
RUSH
The last assignmentfor my house management team was to arrange for Mia’s move. It took some persuasion, but she finally permitted me to have a moving company come and help her pack most of her things.
“They can pack up everything but my panty drawer, my crystals, and my vibrator collection. That would just be nasty.”
I almost spit a mouth full of cranberry juice clear across the room when she announced that. A vibrator collection? My dick gets instantaneously hard thinking about Mia in bed, legs spread wide, and using one of those on herself. Who the fuck is she thinking about when she slides it inside? I shiver at the thought.
“Not a problem, Bird.” I pretend as if I’m unfazed. “Just tell them what to do and they’ll follow your directions.”
The moving company packs her up in record time and leaves the apartment cleaner than when she probably moved in. I know she won’t get her security deposit back because of the back rent, but I don’t want them fining her for any cleaning issues either. Landlords are notorious for that shit, and I just want that chapter of her life closed.
My plan for the night Mia came over for yoga last week was to talk to her about Samuels and finally tell her what he’s been accused of doing with Proctor’s mother. After that shit he pulled at camp, asking her for a date to a charity event he doesn’t give two shits about, I thought it was time she learned the truth about him. He’s not just some personable, cuddly football player who gets way more press than he deserves. He’s a user and someone with very little respect for women. But since she’s moved into my house, and we spend most of our free time together, I think Samuels is a non-issue now. She may not be in my bed, but she is intertwined in my life in all the other ways that matter. There’s no need for me to rock the boat and push her for anything more than what she has always given me, her unwavering support and friendship. I can get ass from any woman, but that right there..is priceless.
Having the move behind us, I think I can safely say that this has been the greatest idea I’ve ever had (if I say so myself). Mia has a roof over her head, I finally got a good night’s sleep for the first time in weeks, and because she’s in my house, I can keep an eye on her and that knee. Phase two of this arrangement is finding a way to pay for Mia’s surgery and make her think it was all her idea.
I give Bird the second largest bedroom in the house. I’ve never used the room for much and it’s decorated with natural earth tones, which is actually going to be great because it’s like a blank pallet for Mia to add her own unique and colorful touches.
“I thought you’d like the windows,” I explain as she twirls slowly around in the middle of the room. Today is a good day for her knee.
“This room is bigger than my entire apartment.”
“You’ve seen this room a thousand times, Bird.” I downplay it.
“I never paid that much attention to it before, but now that it’s mine, it seems that much more impressive.”
“I gave you the room with the arched windows facing East because I knew you’d like the morning light for your plants.”
“Mork and Mindy will love it in here.”
“Who the hell gives their plants names?”
“I do.”
“Ridiculous.”
“If you were a plant, wouldn’t you want your mama to give you a name?”
