Page 128 of Not Safe For Work

“Sparkles.”

“Scottie.”

“First of all, I always want your opinion. It matters to me more than anything.” She bites her lip, trying to hide her smile. “And yeah, I’m gonna do it. But I think you should know, it means I’ll probably be working crazy hours, at least at first. We might not see each other as much as we do now.”

“Well,” she says grinning. “That is actually perfect timing then.”

“You’re saying you want to spend less time with me?”

She grabs her phone. “I’m saying I think we should call Gabby and tell her the good news.”

Still confused, I dial my sister and tell her everything about the job with Daanesh. I keep her on speaker, the phone far away from my face, so that she doesn’t blow out an eardrum.

Liv bends toward the phone. “Gabby, I think now is a good time.”

“A good time for what?” I ask.

“You’re sure?”

“I’m sure,” Liv says to her. What the hell is going on?

“So,” Gabby starts. “Exciting news on my end too. “Kadesha asked me to move in with her. We’re getting a place together closer to Stanford.”

“You…wow…that’s…”

“It’s great! Right?” Liv offers, jabbing me in the chest.

“Yeah, it’s great, Gabs. I’m really happy for you.” And I am. Of course, I am. But damn, the thought of not seeing Gabby every day does something to me. For so long, it was just the two of us. Me and Gabby against the world. At least I know Kadesha will take care of her. There’s no one I’d trust more to be there for my sister.

“Aww, don’t think I forgot about you, big brother. I found you a new place too.”

“You what?” I ask. Is she saying I need to downsize now that I’ll be living alone?

“For you and Liv.”

Liv grins at me, a twinkle in her eye. “I know you haven’t technically asked me to live with you, but you also haven’t wanted to spend a single night apart in the last six months, so?—”

“Of course I want to live with you. I just…”

“Didn’t know what to do about your sister?” Gabby chimes in. “Well, now your problem is solved. And Liv and I found the best apartment for you in North Beach, still walkable to downtown but so many better restaurants.”

“This is real?” I ask Liv.

“Yep. Already signed a lease. You know how fast things go in the city. So please be happy.” She bares her teeth, like there’s actually a chance I wouldn’t want this.

“I am incredibly happy.”

“Yay!” Gabby cheers through the phone. “I will miss you so much, but you’re coming over at least once a week for dinner, non-negotiable.”

We easily agree, knowing there will be zero home-cooked meals in our place, though I’m looking forward to more wine and cheese nights with Liv. We chat a little longer, and make plans to see the new place when we get back to the city before hanging up.

I grin at Liv, imagining life waking up to her every single day. “How big is the closet? Will there be any room for my clothes?” I reach my arms around her and pull her toward me.

“Yeah…about that. I’ll just be commandeering the whole second bedroom. You can have the closet. Well, I might need part of it for shoes?—”

“We’ll make it work.” I silence her with a kiss, unhooking the towel still wrapped around her.

“Scottie,” she whines. “I have to get ready.”

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