Page 71 of Haven

Guys only?

Bash

I’m in.

Daphne

You guys suck.

Wren

Welcome to the family, Dix.

Dixon

Thanks?

“They’re not wrong, you know.”

He wraps an arm around me and pockets his phone. “Which part?”

“All of it,” I sigh. “Dating me doesn’t just mean me. I come with a daughter and a ton of overly involved family members. Most days, theyareferal.”

“Guess I better take you on an actual date then.” He kisses my temple.

“Why... Brandon Dixon, are you asking me out?” I tease.

“I think it’s about time, don’t you, baby?”

“I’ve got your come dripping down my legs as we stand here. I’d say a date isn’t out of the question, big guy.”

He scoops me up into his arms and walks toward the stairs. “Sounds like you need a shower. Want some help?”

I wrap my arms around his neck. “Always, Brandon. Always.”

UNKNOWN

You haven’t responded to me, my pet.

I don’t like being ignored.

I think I might be done waiting.

-The Collector

BRANDON

“How have you not taken her on a date yet?” Watty looks at me from his hospital bed the day after his surgery, with a spoon in one hand and piss-yellow Jello in the other.

“How the fuck can you eat that shit? It looks disgusting.”

He makes a show of putting a big spoonful in his mouth before swallowing. “Don’t answer a question with a question and think you can get out of this one, Dix. You’ve been living with her for how long now? Weeks? Months?”

Yeah... I guess technically, it’s been months if you count my time on the couch. “Listen. You know what the season’s like. And Lindy had a competition in Chicago last week. Life’s been a little crazy.”

“Did she win?” Watty asks as he finishes the extra cup of Jello he conned the nurse into giving him earlier.

“Yeah. She’s amazing.”