Andrew can’t help but snort. Yeah, he’s super miserable being stuck in a multi-million dollar mansion watching the sunrise over the sea, sleeping on high thread count sheets with no neighbors.
Over the years, Andrew went from living in a house full of brothers and no privacy to living with Charlie to living in an apartment boxed in by noisy neighbors. He’s never lived anywhere as quiet and peaceful as Nicki’s house, and he could really get used to it. Sure, the circumstances are pretty outlandish, but after the stress of the actual change, it’s been nice living here. Weird at times, since nothing is where Andrew is used to but really fucking nice. Going back to his apartment where he can hear the upstairs neighbors' vacuum and the low hum of bass when his elderly next door neighbor watches the t.v. on full volume without her hearing aids is going to be rough.
In lieu of explaining any of this to Charlie, he takes a quick photo of his current view—a cup of coffee balanced on his knee with the early morning light making the water look like it's sparkling in the background.
The reply is almost instant.
Charlie
damn. did you propose yet?
Andrew
That’s not going to happen. It’s not that serious.
Charlie
It’s obviously getting serious fast if you’ve moved in.
Andrew
Temporarily moved in. Until the paparazzi thing blows over.
Charlie
you hate temporary. besides I know you, Annie, you’d do anything for that view. Im happy for you.
The easy acceptance from Charlie hits him hard. His brother is right. This is the kind of thing Andrew has always dreamed of—understated luxury, not for the sake of status but for the kind of lifestyle it might afford particularly in relation to the peace and quiet Andrew craves. Equally appealing is having a partner to share it with.
Too bad all of it is fake.
Needing to change the subject before he ends up morose, he shoots off another text to his brother.
Andrew
Why are you awake this early?
Charlie
I haven’t gone to bed yet. Eden stayed at his place last night so I’ve been painting. Didn’t realize what time it was until the sun came up and nearly blinded me.
Andrew
Go to bed. But make sure to have some protein first since you probably forgot to eat—there should be string cheese and hardboiled eggs in the fridge. I saw them yesterday.
Charlie
how did you know I haven’t eaten?
Andrew
because I know you
Charlie
wanna hit up Juanita’s for dinner tonight?
Andrew
