An engine roared to life on the other end of the line. Classic rock blasted in the background as Zack said, “I don’t want to read into anything, but if I didn’t know better, I’d think you were trying to seduce me. Or say something about my hygiene.”
“We’ll see. Bye,” I cheered, then ended the call, shifting Stylin’ Myles back into the speakers.
Hopefully, tonight, my man could make me sing for another reason.
48
Housewarming
As nice as it was to have Zack warm in my bed that night, I couldn’t help but wonder about his new place. Would he want me to sleep over there? Was he bunking with his bandmates on a twin mattress? It was too awkward to ask him about it. Instead, I drew circles in his tangle of chest hair and asked, “Is it cool if I hang out with Shelby?”
He furrowed his brow and cuddled me closer. “Yeah. You two are friends, right?”
“Right. And it's cool if we hang at your new place?”
“Of course. You'd see my room eventually.” He kissed my shoulder. “If this is about her 'housewarming,' I might be late. I have work, then an orientation for ambulance-driving type stuff. I’ll have to shower too. Can’t have people asking, ‘Who’s that smelly guy next to the girl throwing ice cubes at everybody?’”
“I will not be throwing things,” I laughed, pushing him until our wrestling match turned steamy.
It would’ve been nice ifheinvited me to his new place first. But whatever. Shelby texted me with a million heart emojis to arrange a viewing. A mini housewarming, she said.
So, a few days later, I went through a decent neighborhood to his new place. A good girlfriend showed up early to help set up and greet guests. So did a good friend, if I had to guess, but I didn’t want to be weird about it. Wasn’t it fashionable to be late? But I couldn’t keep Shelby hanging. I shuffled up the walkway a respectable ten minutes early. I left my coat in the car so no one had an accidental excuse to take it. Not that I’d have that problem here. In fact, I planned to leave them with a bag of goodies. I fiddled with the hem of my cropped scoop-neck cashmere sweater and the tote bag handle.
I’d be fine. Mini housewarming. How bad could it be? I knocked, then shivered.
“She’s here,” Shelby announced from inside.
I froze. Was she waiting for me specifically?
She hurried closer, then yanked open the old red-painted door and bathed me in light. “Hi, Nikki.”
I eyed their entryway for any camera-bell-things. “Hi. How’d you know it was me?”
“I heard your heels, silly.” She welcomed me inside, singing, “Zack, your girlfriend’s here.”
“He’s here already?” Was he showering? My heart raced with each step closer to him. I wanted to bolt. Or throw myself at him. My heels dragged on their vintage welcome mat. “Wait, I need to take my shoes off, right? Hardwood floors.”
“Oh yeah." She glanced at her own feet, which were in slippers.
I eased my black boots off, then flexed my stockinged toes on the woven mat.
Barefoot confidence was a different beast.
Shelby was dressed for a party, a kid’s party, or a job, maybe. Her fairy princess skirt swayed around her knees, and her eye makeup emphasized all things sparkly.
I set my shoes next to a pair of cute, sturdy ankle boots. “Are those your Boms?”
“Yes. I love them. Thanks for the rec.” She clasped her hands and tucked her arms in as if she was holding herself back from hugging me or something. It would’ve been fine if she did. We were friends now, weren’t we?
“Can I help with your bag?” she asked.
“This is your housewarming gift.” I slipped the tote off my shoulder and offered it to her.
She widened her eyes. “You didn’t have to get us anything.”
I shrugged. “Normally, I’d bring wine or flowers, but considering it’s you and Zack…”
She peeked into the bag, then burst out laughing. “Bread?”
