“Well, Simon and Felix came to me. They’re going to move out too. Everyone feels like Serena and I need to start building our life together without a bunch of roommates. He and Simon are going to rent a house, and Ashton is going to move in with them too.”
I nod. “Yes, Holly and I will be leaving as soon as we can close. No more than two more weeks.”
“There’s no rush, I just wanted to make sure. Bodi and Jayne have another month until their closing as well.”
“It will be…different,” I say thoughtfully. “For you also.”
He nods. “Yeah, but I’m kind of looking forward to becoming a little family with Serena and Joey.”
“You will have more kids?” I ask curiously.
“I think so, but Serena’s starting the Dusty Peaks reboot, and she’d like to rebuild her career before she has another baby.” He pauses. “You, uh, ever think about kids?” I know he’s being cautious since we’re not alone, but this particular question doesn’t require discretion.
“I want children,” I say. “But not yet.” I glance around and lower my voice. “Even without situation with Holly, I think maybe a few more years. I am not ready. I want to travel, do some things before the babies come.”
“That’s a good plan.” He takes a pull from his water bottle. “You start thinking about stuff like that when you’re married, though. I know your situation is different but now that we’re married, I’m really enjoying being a husband. And a dad.” Joey isn’t West’s son but he’s quickly become fond of him. Honestly, we all have. He’s a good kid.
“I think I am enjoying marriage also,” I say carefully. “But different than you.”
He cocks his head. “Yeah?”
“Hard to explain.” I look around. “But I enjoy…having her close. Does this make sense?”
He studies me for a second before nodding. “Yeah, I think I get it. Like, coming home to the same person every night? Sharing something important, even if it’s temporary.”
“Yes. This. She is…sweet.”
There’s a faint smile on his lips and I brace myself, waiting for him to ask the inevitable. But he doesn’t. He just puts on his own headphones and stares down at his iPad.
Why am I almost disappointed that he doesn’t ask whatever he was going to ask. If we’re sleeping together. If we’ve started to bond in a way beyond the terms we agreed to. I know she’s only in this for the money but it doesn’t feel like it.
I just wish I knew why.
And dumbass that I am, I already miss her.
This isn’t a bad thing, though. The fact that we’re apart means I can text her using my translation app, and it’ll be much easier to communicate.
I open the texting app and send her a message.
VIKTOR: Hi. I’m on the plane and wanted to check in.
She responds almost immediately.
HOLLY: Hi! I’m getting ready to leave for the airport. Serena and I are on the same flight so I can share her ride into the city.
VIKTOR: Excellent. There’s a mandatory team dinner tonight but I was able to get the tickets for Moulin Rouge for you and my family. I feel bad that I did not get one for Serena.
HOLLY: She has plans with one of her friends from Dusty Peaks, so she’s fine.
VIKTOR: If we miss each other, I’ll leave your name at the desk so you can drop your luggage. I think Coach wants to do a team building exercise. I don’t know yet.
HOLLY: Don’t worry about me. I’ll get to the hotel, drop off my things and maybe do a little shopping. I haven’t been to New York in over a year so I’m excited just to be in the city again.
VIKTOR: Do you need money?
HOLLY: No, I’m okay.
VIKTOR: Don’t lie. I know you’re struggling. This was the deal, remember? Two million dollars to replace what your ex stole, but all your expenses paid while we’re together.
