Page 106 of Noah

"Brody is always going to need you," Ethan said.

"I know, but I've loved living with him. Initially, we had some issues. I'm not as organized as him. I messed up some of his systems. But we got through it. Plus, I love all the animals. My apartment is going to feel cold and empty when I move back to it. I don't want to go."

"Have you talked to him about it?" Owen asked.

I knew it was the sensible thing to do but I was scared. Scared that Brody might disagree with me moving in permanently. Our relationship had started slow and then suddenly sped up. The car accident and our falling in love had expedited things, but maybe we weren't ready for this next step in our relationship. Every night when I fell asleep in our bed, my desire to remain there as Brody's partner for the rest of my life overwhelmed me. Made me panic when I woke until I reoriented myself and my heart filled with relief that I was in the bed we shared.

"I should," I replied. "I know I should, but putting myself out there makes me nervous."

"You don't think he feels the same way?" Liam asked. "When I was over there, it felt like he did. You two moved in tandem. It felt like I was watching an old married couple. The way you cut up his food for him was absolutely precious. Almost made me want to drop my wayward ways."

"Wow," Ethan said. "Now, that's saying something. I think you should talk to him."

I took a page from Brody's book. "I'm done talking about this."

I glanced over at Brody as we sat in Owen's driveway. I kept the car and heat running. I wasn't sure how long Brody needed to sit and acclimate. He was stimming hard, his thumbs and forefingers rubbing fiercely enough to set his hands alight.

He abruptly stopped and placed his hand on the doorhandle.

"You ready?" I asked.

Brody simply nodded. I loved him for doing this, meeting the people who meant the most to me. Except for Frances, Sean, and Brody, the bulk of my heart was tied up with these guys.

We stood outside Owen's door. There was no need to knock. We walked right in.

Brody looked down at his one shoe. The other foot had a big woolen sock over the cast.

"We can leave our shoes on," I said. "We'll be outside in the back soon."

"It won't be too cold?"

"Owen has a bunch of heat lamps. We'll be fine. We'll eat inside at the island."

I led Brody in the direction of the kitchen toward the loud sounds of talking and teasing. As we stepped through the doorway, the gang gave us their attention.

"So … this is the infamous Brody," Owen said and held out his hand. "Welcome."

Brody dutifully shook his hand.

"I'm sure you've surmised I'm Owen. The last person to finally meet you."

"You have a beautiful home," Brody said. "Very spacious."

I threaded my arm through his. He was going to be fine.

Ethan and Liam chatted at us for a second, welcoming Brody. Then Brody was folded right into the group. Each of my friends made eye contact with him as they talked about their days.

"I have news," Ethan said, his face brightening. "I ran into Daniel at the grocery store."

"Ah, the elusive older man from your coffee shop," I said for Brody's benefit.

"Did you talk to him?" Liam asked.

"I did. Turns out his company moved him to a different office. That's why he hasn't been coming into my coffee shop. I dropped a hint that I was there on weekends as well."

"Do you think he'll show up?" Owen asked.

"His eyes certainly said yes."

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