“They have to do an assessment of our home—”
“So, put a lock on the drawer where we keep our dildos—”
“And then a police check. They also need to interview us and some references of our choosing. So friends, family, etcetera.”
That sounds like a lot of hoops to jump through. “How long will this take?”
“Like I said, it usually takes months. But she said we can submit the paperwork and then do the house visit and the interviews simultaneously. They’ll do interviews with our references as they go, and Riley should be able to move in within a fortnight.”
“Damn, that’s quick.” I wasn’t expecting that. I feel a beaming smile spread over my face. “That’s great! We should go shopping. With him. He can pick out his bedding and some new clothes if he wants it. Definitely a new school bag. And—”
Grady grasps my shoulder. “Lake, calm down. Let’s get through the initial parts first. And maybeaskhim if this is what he wants. Then we can go from there.”
“Okay, but I want to give him those things anyway even if he doesn’t come stay with us. Have you seen his bag? He needs a new one.”
Grady brushes strands of hair from my forehead. “I love you.”
I know he does, but it’s so nice to hear him say it. I’ll never get tired of it. I could listen to it on repeat, and I’d still want more. “Ilove you, too, Mr Husband-to-be.” I waggle my eyebrows. “You want to order takeout, put on a random black-and-white movie, and look at wedding place settings with me? That’s romantic, right?”
“Very romantic,” Grady says in a tone that makes me think he doesn’t quite believe me. “We can negotiate the movie.”
“As long as it’s black-and-white.”
“Why is that the criteria?” he questions, retrieving his phone from his pocket. “There’s some mince in the fridge; I can make some burgers and homemade chips. It’ll taste better than whatever you’re thinking of getting. Then you can show me all the place settings you want to.” He pauses from scrolling films on his phone. “Like… plates and cutlery?”
“You would not believe how many different options there are,” I reply with a grin.
Chapter nineteen
Lake
“You’remakingamistake,”Avery says flatly behind me.
“I don’t care,” I sing, pushing through the glass door leading into the tattoo parlour.
“Which is also a mistake.”
I can’t help but grin at the surly tone.
The owner of the place, Loren Massey, is standing at the counter with one of his artists, Britt Davis. He looks up and smiles when he sees us. “Hey, right on time.”
Avery wraps his arm around my shoulders. “Actually, about that—”
“I’m ready to get started,” I interrupt, mimicking his movement so we’re holding each other. “Avery here is my moral support and hand-holder.”
“And here I thought I was going to be your designated hand-holder,” Britt says, deadpan.
“Do you have to book that, or is it free?” Avery asks.
“It costs more than you can afford,” she retorts.
“But the sass is free,” I add, grinning wide. Pulling out my wallet, I hold it up. “I have cash.”
“Who carries cash anymore?” Britt asks. “Do you know how unsanitary money is?”
“Normally I don’t, but there was this dog, and then this old lady needed help, and then there was a busker that wasreallygood, and a car with a bumper sticker.” They’re all staring at me, confused. “You had to have been there.” Yesterday afternoon was a whole adventure, but I made some new friends, so I consider it time well spent.
“Cash is fine,” Loren says. “We can sort that out after the session.”
