I chuckle. “Wouldn’t miss it.”
The guys file out, waving and chatting with each other, leaving me and Nantes alone. He turns to me, searching my eyes for a moment, his lips parted as if he plans to say something, but he doesn’t in the end.
“Your family is cool. I’ve always enjoyed their company,” I say.
“Yeah, they’re alright.” He glances at the living room. “Want to find a movie to watch?”
“Yeah, let’s do it.”
“What a weird ending.”Nantes chuckles. “Like what even was that?”
“I couldn’t tell ya.” I open my phone and scroll to a horror movie forum. “We’re not alone though. This forum is full of the same reaction.”
“Oh yeah?” Nantes leans closer to see my phone screen. “Any theories?”
“This one says the woman was the main character all along, we just didn’t know it.”
“Huh.”
“That seems to be the popular angle.”
“I can get on board with that.” He points at the screen. “What’s that one say?”
As he leans closer, his scent tickles my nose. He smells nice, but I couldn’t describe it. It’s very soft and subtle, and expensive too. “What cologne are you wearing?”
Nantes tilts his head as he thinks for a second. “Oh, probably this scent Deo and Balt gave me last Christmas. I guess it’s a scent based on your zodiac sign.” He chuckles. “Not really my thing, but I have to admit I do like it a lot. Does it stink?”
“Not at all. It’s really nice. I’ll have to ask where they got it.”
Nantes chuckles. “Just be prepared for a lesson on astrological signs.”
“I can handle it.” I look back at my screen. “Uh, this comment is about the weird caretaker and how we should’ve picked up on things sooner because of how creepy he was.”
“Fair point.” He leans back, stretching his arms above his head. “I should get up and get the linens for the guest bed.”
“I can do it. Just show me where everything’s at.”
He smiles. “We’ll do it together.”
Rising from the couch, I follow Nantes down the hallway to a linen closet, lingering behind him as he opens it and grabs sheets and pillowcases.
“I’ve got a blanket in the closet in the room.”
“Cool.”
The bedroom is cool and dark, which is perfect. There’s a queen bed and a nightstand, and across from that, a dresser. It’s simple, but it’ll do.
Nantes jumps into making the bed, so I help from the other side with the fitted sheet.
“You’re my first guest.” He smiles.
“Lucky me.” We work on the flat sheet next. “It’s a nice place, Nan.”
“Thanks. I appreciate having it. It’s good to be close to family, too.”
“Doesn’t get much closer than this.”
He shakes his head. “Nope.” Glancing at me, he asks, “How are your folks?”
