“There’s a grocery close by,” I offer.
“Too expensive.” Tobias shoots it down immediately. “Their markup isn’t steep, it’s astronomical.”
“You’re not seriously griping about markups, are you?”
“I’m saving.”
“And an extra ten dollars at the grocery is going to fuck up your goals?”
“It just might,” he retorts snippily.
It’s been two and a half weeks. The constant watching is getting to everyone, and today’s contact with Philip put everyone on edge. Not to mention, the nights weareassigned to Evie, we don’t get the courtesy of using the bedrooms, because we take turns watching her in earnest, barely able to fall asleep on the couches of the living room.
It’s too small for three grown men.
“What are you saving for?” Christian’s swivelling hasn’t ceased, and hisexpression is still distant, but there is a light curiosity in his energy.
“A big house with lots of land.”
More curiosity, “Why?”
“… Just a dream of mine. What about you?”
“Me?”
“Are you saving for anything?”
“… Not particularly.” His swivelling has stopped.
“There isn’t anything you want?”
His eyes darken, “… Haven’t thought about it.”
“Then what do you spend your money on right now?” I don’t miss the softening of Tobias’ expression.
“I don’t.” A frown touches Christian’s lips, “Well, except the early Christmas gifts.”
“You’re kidding.” Tobias smiles, “So what do you eat?”
“Whatever’s in the fridge.”
Tobias blinks and there is a shift in the atmosphere that makes me rise from the couch and head towards the kitchen.
I dislike where this is going.
“You’re eating other people’s food?” Tobias asks.
“What? No. It’sforme. It has my name on it.”
“The fuck?”
I reach for a glass by the sink and open the fridge to pour myself a drink.
“So youdon’tbuy your own food?” Tobias’ mystification is something I don’t see often.
“I’ve never had to.” Christian’s irritation rises.
“What about basic amenities? Toothpaste? Toilet paper?”
