Page 76 of Shockproof

“What do you think?” Aviva gives my leg a light touch. “You know from girlfriend to girlfriend.”

“I’m gonna be brutally honest here.” Tossing my hands in the air is thoughtlessly done. “I don’t really know what you’re trying to ask me.”

She giggles. Wrinkles her nose. Releases another captivated sigh. “Is it too soon to want Blu to permanently live with me? I know when their assignment began it was for cover, but now that he’s here, and I’ve had him here with me constantly, no part of me wants to go back to living apart when the time finally arrives. And it will arrive because you’re not gonna be in danger forever. I mean, come on now. Sure, your landscaping and habitat have been threatened and suffered severe change, but you’re on the path of survival. You’re so not the Yellow Banded Bumble Bee.”

“The Transformer?” Reynolds curiously inquires, invading the conversation.

Aviva politely smiles at him. “Bombus.”

“You don’t have to call me names. I was just…asking.”

“No, it’s a species in the genus Bombus.”

“Ohhhhh…” he attempts to play off his confusion. “I knew that.”

The eyeroll that escapes me isn’t hidden. “Anyway…”

I wait until her attention is back with me.

“I don’t think it’s too soon to want that, if that’s what you both really want.” Picking my mug back up, I bashfully confess, “Afterall, Slater asked me to move in permanently like a week ago which wasafterdeclaring we were pre-engaged might I add.” I shake my wrist at eye level to display the bracelet. “My parents are always preaching that it doesn’t matter what the rest of the world thinks. It matters what feels right toyou.So, if moving him in feels right to you two then I definitely say go for it.”

She nods her comprehension and reaches for her own cup. “Can I just say that I love that we are going to permanentlybeeeeeeneighbors?”

Lightly laughing at her pun can’t be stopped.

I don’t know what it is about her and her silly jokes.

Maybe the confidence she uses to tell them?

“You know what I think is weird?” Reynolds interjects a second time, moving his frame around to be in better view of us both. “The fact those two assholes got smart, funny, and fucking beautiful women towantto live with them and my ass can’t even get one to go out with me.”

“Like a woman in general or one who is all of those things?” I investigate between sips.

“Nowadays?” He shoves his hands into his pockets. “A woman in general.” Seeing the droopy gray lettering unexpectedly tugs at my heartstrings. “Not that I exactly have time since if I’m not on duty like this, I’m sleeping until I have elevator duty, or checking on Yi and his family – who said thanks for the lemon berry scones FYI. I know shit won’t be this way forever, but I guess…” A small shrug is given. “Listenin’ to you two make plans makes me wonder will some chick ever wanna make plans with me.”

Taken back by his openness, which is the most open I’ve ever heard him, leaves me momentarily speechless.

Reynolds isn’t as bad as he once was.

Yeah, he has his obnoxious moments, but Slater was right.

Heisa good fit for the small team.

Heisa good fit to be their third when they need him.

To protect me even if he was once convinced, I was the enemy.

Hell, he’s even thanked me for backing my boyfriend’s decision to keep him on this detail because it’s the best as well as most lucrative gig he’s had in a while. It’s also revamped his love of the job that was apparently starting to fade.

I honestly don’t mind him keeping an eye on me while Blu and Slater are doing their shit. He gives me space to work without hovering. He never complains about my choice of TV. And while he cringes whenever he hears bands likeThe KillersorTaking Back Sunday,he never begs me to put in headphones. While I wouldn’t call our relationship a friendship, I can say we’re definitely headed to that data point now.

This unexpected confession is undeniable proof.

“I’m sure someday one will,” I warmly state, eyes locked onto his. “You just gotta stay open to it.”

“You know Blu’s sister will be here this weekend for the Haworth Christmas party.” Aviva sits up straight as an idea hits her. “Maybe she can introduce you to someone!”

Reynold’s head slightly tilts to one side. “Why’s his sister coming toourChristmas party?”

---