Page 94 of The Boyfriend Zone

"I was keeping them warm!"

"Guys," Lucas interrupted, clearly amused by their bickering. "We didn't answer so you could continue whatever argument you were having before you called."

"Sorry, sorry," Nate said, not looking particularly apologetic. "We want the full tour. Show us the new digs."

Lucas obediently flipped the camera, panning slowly around the apartment while providing commentary on our various furnishings and decorating choices. Zach and Nate offered their opinions freely, ranging from genuinely complimentary to hilariously critical.

"Those curtains are tragic," Nate declared when the camera reached our living room window. "Please tell me those are temporary."

"They're from my grandmother," I called from off-camera. "She made them herself."

"And they're beautiful," Nate amended smoothly. "So unique and textured."

"Nice save," Lucas muttered, turning the camera back to our faces. "Anyway, that's pretty much it. Small but functional, and the location is perfect for both of us."

"When are you coming to visit?" Zach demanded. "We need to christen this place properly with a housewarming party."

"Don't you have classes to attend?" I pointed out. "Being a student and all?"

"Details," Zach waved dismissively. "We can make a weekend of it. Road trip down, party at your place, drive back Sunday."

"Actually," Nate interjected, "I have news about that. I got that photography gig with the Herald! The one I interviewed for last month."

"Nate, that's fantastic!" Lucas exclaimed, genuine excitement in his voice. "When do you start?"

"Two weeks," Nate replied, obvious pride in his expression. "Which means I'm moving to Boston too. Zach's coming with me."

This was news to me, and I raised my eyebrows in surprise. "Seriously? What about your coaching certification?"

"Transferring to a program here," Zach explained. "Turns out they have hockey in Boston too. Who knew?"

The conversation continued, plans being made for their impending move and promises to help them find an apartment in our neighborhood if possible. When we finally ended the call, it was with a warm sense of continuity—our college friendships extending beyond graduation, adapting to new circumstances rather than fading with distance.

"That's amazing news," Lucas said as he set his phone aside. "Having them here will make this feel even more like home."

"Agreed," I nodded, though I couldn't help adding, "though I hope they don't live too close. I love them, but I also value my sanity."

Lucas laughed, returning to the box he'd been unpacking before the call. "At the very least, it'll be entertaining. I've never seen two people more perfectly matched in their ability to drive each other crazy in the best possible way."

"Speaking of people driving each other crazy," I said, wrapping my arms around him from behind, "should we call your mom next? Or my grandma?"

"Let's do Rose first," Lucas suggested. "She'll never forgive us if we call my mom before her. She's very invested in our domestic arrangements."

As predicted, my grandmother was delighted by our video call, insisting on a tour of each room and offering strong opinions about where furniture should be placed and what color we should paint the bathroom. "Not that awful beige, dear. It looks like sad oatmeal."

"And you've hung the curtains I sent?" she asked, peering through the screen as if she could see around corners.

"Front and center in the living room," I confirmed. "They're perfect, Grandma. Thank you again."

"Good, good," she nodded, satisfied. "Now, Lucas, dear, are you making sure he eats properly? Not just those awful protein shakes and chicken breasts. A growing boy needs variety."

"I'm twenty-two, Grandma," I pointed out. "I think I'm done growing."

"Hush, you," she waved dismissively. "Lucas, you'll keep an eye on him?"

"Absolutely," Lucas assured her solemnly. "I've been introducing vegetables into his diet slowly. He almost didn't complain about the Brussels sprouts last week."

"I maintain they're just tiny, bitter cabbages masquerading as a legitimate side dish," I muttered, earning a pinch from Lucas and a laugh from my grandmother.

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