“That’s right,” I said. “May the fourth. I should get him a little R2D2 to start him on his Star Wars adventure.”
Allie rolled her eyes. “You’re behind by four years. He’s been getting Star Wars toys and action figures since birth.”
I couldn’t help it. I had to laugh. “Has he even seen a Star Wars movie yet?”
She shook her head. “He’s too little. Maybe in another year or two, he can watch some of the animated shows.”
Our server arrived with our food, so Zach sat back down. The people sitting next to us left, so Allie and Marissa took their seats. Allie sat next to Zach, and Marissa sat next to me. The server took their orders, and the four of us fell into easy conversation.
Every once in a while, I’d look over at Allie and find her staring at me. I finally met her gaze with a raised eyebrow. She blushed and looked away. “Sorry,” she said sheepishly. “Cody kept saying you were pretty, and you really are.”
Zach covered his face with his hands. “Jesus, Allie.”
I shook my head. “It’s fine, Zach.” To Allie, I smiled and said, “Thank you.”
Her cheeks were still pink from embarrassment. “You’re welcome. I have to ask,” she continued, “how do you get your eyeliner to look like that? Every time I try to put on eyeliner, I end up looking like a sad clown.”
Marissa burst out laughing. Zach tried to hide his smile behind his hand. I cleared my throat before I answered. “I could show you sometime if you like.”
“That would be great.” She put her hand on Zach’s arm. “We could meet at your apartment next Sunday.”
Zach and I looked at each other across the table. “About that,” Zach began. “I’m going to be moving next week.”
“What? Why? I thought you had two months to move.”
The server came by just then with Allie’s and Marissa’s food, so Zach waited until she left before answering. He looked around before speaking. “I got offered a substantial amount of money to leave by the fifteenth, so I’m moving out early.”
“Where? It’s nearly impossible to find anything affordable around here.”
“I’m moving in with Miguel.”
She looked shocked. I wasn’t sure why, so I jumped into the conversation. “My roommate is moving in with his boyfriend, so Zach is going to move into his room.”
“Oh. Okay.” She looked at Zach. “Why didn’t you tell me before this?”
“I just got the letter tonight after I got home from work,” Zach replied. “I had to ask Miguel’s roommate if he was willing to move out sooner before I could give the guy my answer.”
Allie’s brows drew together in a frown. “What about Cody?” She bit her lip. “I know it sounds selfish, but I count on Zach when I can’t find another babysitter.”
I shook my head. “It’s no problem at all. Cody’s a great kid, and I had a lot of fun hanging out with him. I have my niece and nephew over once in a while too.” My heart squeezed a little, and I sighed. “Or I did until their father decided he didn’t like that I wear makeup.”
Allie wrinkled her nose, and I heard Marissa murmur, “What the fuck?”
“What has that got to do with anything?” Allie asked.
I looked over at Zach. “I’m adopting your sister. She’s mine now.”
He feigned outrage. “Nuh-uh. I saw her first.”
Allie laughed. “You two are idiots.”
“Will you need help moving?” Marissa asked. “Steve could probably help on Friday after work.”
“Steve?” I asked.
“Oh, my husband,” Marissa replied. “He’s watching Cody and my daughter Emma tonight while we have a girls’ night out.”
Zach shrugged. “We’re not sure. We think we’ll have everyone we need. My boss at Moonlight offered to help along with a few of our friends.”
