Page 39 of With the Stars

“She always had good taste. The colors give the room a nice warm feel to it.”

“We should change it.” It was only right when they were starting a new life together but it made Peter’s chest ache at the same time. Like he was removing his wife even though she was no longer with him.

“We don’t have to. I like what’s here so why don’t we keep it? At some point we’ll want to change, but we don’t need to do that yet. I’m in no rush to… remove items.”

Peter leaned back and looked into Minho’s hazel eyes. “You are someone special, you know that? I would think most people would want to remove items like this, to create a new space, one that was theirs, but you’re fine to wait.”

“Diane was a huge part of your life, Peter. She gave you two sons, helped create a home and raised your children in it. I don’t want to wipe her away. I’m happy to be here with you now.”

Kissing Minho, Peter closed his eyes. “Thank you for understanding.”

“I’ve said it before. Diane was an amazing woman. You were lucky to have found each other. Now did I hear Rex mention pizza?”

“He certainly did. If he doesn’t get his weekly pizza he growls.” Exhaling, Peter murmured, “I wish I knew what was going on with him. He’s become distant recently. I feel like he’s hiding something from me”

“Maybe he has a girlfriend.”

“Ugh! I don’t want to think about that. Sammy at college is bad enough. But it does make sense. Maybe he’s not ready to mention her to me yet.”

“Give him time. I’m sure at some point he will.” Minho eased back when his phone rang. “Gray. Now? Give me five.”

Minho hung up and gave Peter an apologetic look. “You have to go.”

“Yeah we might have a lead.” Kissing Peter, he murmured, “Save me a slice of pizza.”

“I’ll order two large. I’ve seen how much you and Rex can eat.”

Minho chuckled as he left, the sound floating on the air after he’d gone. Peter furrowed his brow. He didn’t know the full extent of the situation, but from what Minho had told him, he wanted it to end soon. Leaving the bedroom, Peter went downstairs and ordered the pizza. As he waited for it to arrive, he puttered around, tidying up, thinking how his life had changed in a matter of weeks.

Rex stomped down the stairs and asked, “Where’s Minho? I want to ask him about stakes?”

Peter slowly closed his eyes. “I think a stake to anyone’s heart would kill them.” Opening them, he added, “Don’t you?”

“Yeah, but can he come back to life if the stake is removed?” Rex waggled his eyebrows then glanced away, a small frown on his face that soon disappeared.

“Rex?”

“Huh?”

“Are you okay?”

Nodding, Rex asked, “When’s the pizza coming?”

“Hungry?”

Rex rubbed his stomach. “You bet.” Rex grinned. “So, about Minho…”

Sighing heavily, Peter sat and waited for Rex’s questions. This was going to be fun. “Yes, Rex. What do you want to know?”

“Does it hurt when he bites your neck?”

Peter could feel his face heating up. “Well, Rex. We’re usually busy when that happens.”

Rex mimed gagging. “So no and eww. Thanks.”

“You asked and I think you knew the answer anyway. Was this a test to see if I would answer?” Peter arched an eyebrow then chuckled when Rex glanced away. “Thought so. Any questions not relating to me having sex with a man or vampire?”

“God no. I don’t need to know about you having sex at all! Bleach, eyes, remember?”

---