Page 169 of The Holy Grail
“I’d like to make our ‘headquarters’ permanent,” Malcom said, pushing the words out.
“What do you mean?” they asked at the same time.
“I want you both to move in with me.”
There was dead silence for a few moments, and then Jules and Evan sat up and again asked together, “Move in with you?”
“Yes,” Malcom confirmed, sitting up as well. “We’re always here anyway, and it seems like the best next step. I think I’m kind of over the ‘dating’ feel to this relationship. Living together would make us … official.”
There was more silence, and then Jules murmured, “Hmm.”
“What does that mean?” Malcom asked.
“It means I’m thinking about it.”
Evan then said, “Hmm.”
Malcom looked at Evan. “Does that mean you’re thinking about it, too?”
“No, it means, I’m wondering whyshe’sthinking about it. I don’t really have to think about it.”
“It’s a big step,” Jules defended herself. “I mean, sharing a bathroom with two men full-time instead of part-time has drawbacks which need to be considered.”
“As does sharing a bathroom with a woman full-time,” Evan returned. “The amount of hair you leave in the shower drain is ridiculous. But I’m willing to put up with it.”
“So, you really don’t have to think about it?”
“Hell, no. Mal had me at ‘permanent’.” He paused, then asked Malcom, “You want me to bring my furniture?”
“Why wouldn’t I?”
“Because it looks like something out of a Victorian brothel?”
“I want you to bring as much stuff as you want, and the same for Jules—”
“Obviously,” she cut in, “because my stuff is classy.”
Evan gave her a dirty look. “You told me you loved my stuff.”
“I do. And it’s going to look great with my classy stuff.”
“Then it’s settled?” Malcom asked, feeling slightly light-headed.
Jules gave a shake of her head. “Not quite. Will we be able to paint some of the rooms? Because I can’t live in a house with all white walls. It isn’t right.”
“Yes, we can paint. Every wall in the house if you want.”
“Okay, then I’m in.”
It was Evan’s turn to look a little pensive. “What about the rent?”
“What about it?” Malcom asked.
“Well, I just started getting paid a decent wage not too long ago,” Evan pointed out, “but I’m still a little worried about being able to afford my portion of the rent here.”
“Good point,” Jules chimed in. “Hopefully I can swing my share, too. I mean, I’m just an accountant—a really good one, but not one who launders money for the mob.”
Malcom gave them bothAre you kidding?looks. “Neither one of you is going to pay me rent.”
