Page 226 of The Sidekick

Tera

One quick, awkward text to Max later we’re pulling up to the curb at Max and Trevor’s house.

I’m nervous. And excited. But mainly nervous.

Before Asher puts it in park Max is rushing out the front door with a giant grin. Trevor is slower to come out, his expression wary but hopeful.

My door is opened and Max leans in to give me a smacking kiss on my cheek.

“Where’s your bag?” He demands without missing a beat.

“Back seat,” Asher says in a calm tone. When I glance at him I can see he’s struggling not to laugh.

Max yanks the back open and takes out my bag like he’s going to hold it hostage.

“I know I shouldn’t be this excited, ok? I know your big bro is hurting. But god damn it, I’ve been waiting for this for so long I can’t help it.”

The rushed babble stops as he leans in and kisses me. A quick peck that turns into two and then a slower third.

“Let her inside, Max,” Trevor says in frustration.

“Or just out of the car,” Asher puts in drily. “Baby steps.”

“Fuck both of you,” Max mutters and backs away for me to get out.

He’s practically skipping up the driveway. When he reaches the front door he gives Trevor a happy peck on the cheek and brushes past him.

Trevor rubs at a temple as his eyes close. “Heads up. He’s going to be giddy all damn day.”

“Just him, huh?” Asher smirks and slides past him as well.

Trevor’s hand drops as he scowls over his shoulder.

“Thanks for this,” I stop in front of him with a pained smile. “I know it’s really sudden-”

“I don’t care,” he interrupts me with a scowl. “You’re welcome here anytime you want. You can stay as long as you want. The reasons you’re here don’t mean shit to me. You stepping inside is the important part.”

He twists in the doorway, extending his arm inside in welcome.

“Still,” I bounce on my toes to give him a peck on the cheek and hurry inside.

When he closes the door I hear a lock click over and glance back in surprise. Asher chokes on a laugh.

“Just in case,” Trevor says flatly while he glares over my head at Asher.

“Good call,” Max says as he comes back in. “How about a tour, Tera? Get comfy with where you’re going to be staying for a while. Maybe permanently. Who knows?”

“Jesus,” Trevor grumbles behind me.

I accept the tour, taking in the furniture and rooms. The comfortable couch looks older and worn in. Their TV is huge, like Shade’s. The kitchen is tidy with a small four-seater table in the corner. A door at the end of a short hallway leads to a guest bedroom that has yellow sheets and bright colors. My eyes narrow on the sunny room in suspicion. Before I can comment Max drags me to a central bathroom and what looks like a game room and an at home gym had a love child. Then the last door is thrown open with gusto.

The first thing I notice is all the dark colors. Mainly maroon and black. Then the gigantic bed in the center. It has a headboard and footboard made of solid wood. It looks heavy and expensive. It also has my bag set right in the middle of it.

“Why is the bed the most expensive thing in your house?” I ask dumbly.

Max’s reply is to wiggle his eyebrows.

I give him a flat stare back and return to the living room.

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