“Mm,” he says, not convinced. “Stay safe.”
“You too.”
I end the call.
I stand there for a second, phone still in my hand, the quiet settling around me heavier than before.
Then I turn and find Dex watching me, his gaze steady, like he’s putting pieces together he hasn’t said out loud yet.
“Home alone?” he asks.
I still for half a second. “Yeah.”
He nods slowly.
Doesn’t call me out.
Doesn’t push.
But something shifts in his expression.
He noticed.
Still, he picks up the remote and presses play.
I go back to the couch, pulling the blanket over my lap, and as soon as I settle, Marvel jumps onto me. He nudges my hand until I give in, scratching behind his ears before he curls up, purring.
I glance up and find Dex watching.
“He’s in love with you,” he says, shaking his head.
“What?” I ask, caught off guard.
“Marvel. He’s smitten. Every time you sit, he’s on you.”
I look down at the small weight curled against me and smile. “I’m smitten too.”
Then I look back at Dex.
Something flickers in his eyes before his mouth tilts.
“Yeah, you are.”
Before I can ask what he means, the movie pulls us back in.
Time passes. Enough for the quiet to settle again, softer this time.
Then Dex’s phone starts pinging.
He ignores it.
“You ignoring someone?” I ask.
It goes off again, and I glance at the lit-up screen.
Delulu Fam, 14 messages.
Dex exhales like he already regrets whatever this is.
