“Yep,” I reply honestly. “Found the room and already brought some of my stuff up.”
Dean nods once, something steady in his expression. “You’re welcome here as long as you want to stay.”
Mikey stands, grabbing his keys. “I should get going. Gotta drive back into the city.”
Sadie makes a noise of protest. “You’re leaving? You literally just got here.”
“No, you just got here. I’ve been here for a while.” Mikey glances at me, and the look is brief but it lands. “Yeah. I’m leaving.”
He heads to the door, then pauses with his hand on the knob like he’s debating something. “I’m glad you’re here,” he speaks quietly.
My brow kicks up. “So am I.” Mikey holds my gaze for a second longer than necessary, then nods once and slips out.
That night, after Sadie and Dean retreat upstairs, way less frantic this time and much more tender, I lie in bed staring at the ceiling. The room is quiet. The neighborhood hums softly outside. My brain should be exhausted. Instead, it’s on overdrive.
I replay the way Mikey looked tonight. The way he didn’t drink. The way he didn’t flirt, at least, not in the way he usually does. The way he offered help like it was the most natural thing in the world.
My phone buzzes near midnight. I reach for it, expecting Sadie. It’s him though; like he knew I was thinking of him.
Michael: You free this weekend?
My pulse ticks up, steady but insistent as I stare at the message longer than necessary before answering.
Me: Possibly. Why?
Three dots appear. Then vanish. Then appear again like he’s editing himself mid-thought.
Michael: Thought we could look at apartments. No pressure. Just neighborhoods. Coffee. Walking.
Notcome out with me.Notlet me take you.Not a flirt. Just an offer to help. My fingers hover over the screen before I type:
Me: You’re very committed to getting me out of your brother’s house.
His reply is almost immediate.
Michael: I’m committed to helping a friend.
A beat.
Michael: You just need to promise not to psychoanalyze me in return.
I laugh into my pillow, the sound muffled, surprising me.
Me: Deal. Saturday?
Mikey: See ya Saturday, Q.
I set the phone down carefully, like the screen might burn me if I touch it too long. Then I roll onto my side and stare out the window, watching the streetlights glow in the distance.
Moving to a new city is really hard. I realize how lucky I am to have Sadie, Dean, and even Mikey to help me. That part is clear. I want to make sure that I keep making the right decisions, and not going to lie, Mikey is just tempting enough to make that complicated.
Chapter Seven
Mikey
Glycerine
Bush
