Page 98 of Not Safe For Work

By the third song, he’s fast asleep.

I’m not tired, but I don’t want to leave him when he asked me to stay. It’s kind of nice watching him sleep. He looks so calm and non intimidating. Big bad Gavin Scott is curled up like a puppy in my arms. What a difference a few weeks makes.

I’ve just started combing my fingers through his hair when I hear someone clear their throat. I startle and turn toward the door we left open.

“Hey Gabby,” I whisper.

She raises her brows at me, one hand on her cocked hip. Maybe she hasn’t fully warmed to me yet.

I hold up a finger letting her know I need a second and I untangle myself from Gavin so I can get out of bed without waking him up.

Once I’m out of the room I close the door so we don’t disturb him, and then I tell Gabby the events of this morning.

“He let you drive the bike?” she shrieks. “He doesn’t let anyone touch that thing. And all the way from Sonoma?”

“I ride dirt bikes. He trusted me.” This earns me another stern look, but it softens quickly.

“Thanks for taking care of him. When he gets migraines, they’re really bad. I always feel so helpless.”

I exhale. “I have felt like that all morning.” We share a look. Maybe this is some good common ground for us. And maybe it’ll earn me some points if I let her take over. “I’ll head out. No need for me now that you’re here.”

“Kadesha’s on her way over. Wanna hang out with us? I’m gonna make tacos for lunch.”

“That’s really nice of you, but?—”

“Gav’s drugs keep him knocked out for a few hours. But I’m sure he’d be really happy if you were here when he wakes up. Stay.” I have no idea what Gavin has told his sister about us. Like he told me, they’re obviously close, but as far as she knows this is still a fake relationship, or maybe just a friendship. Does this mean he’s told her things between us have changed?

“Oh my god, are you blushing right now?” she interjects my thoughts. “Wow, you really do like him.”

I think I’ve clearly admitted as much to him already. No point trying to hide it. “Yeah. I really do.”

Gabby’s expression is unreadable. That is until I see tears falling from her eyes. But even their presence doesn’t give memuch to go on. I can’t tell if she’s happy for us or falling into a deep pit of despair.

Before I can puzzle it out, the front door opens and Kadesha walks in.

We met when I came over for a game night a couple weeks ago. Her personality is just as bright as her pink hair.

“Babe, are you crying?” Kadesha drops the bag she was carrying and runs into the kitchen, hugging Gabby. “What’s wrong?”

Yes, Gabby. What’s wrong? Am I really not good enough for your brother?

“Nothing,” Gabby sobs. “Nothing at all. I’m just so happy.” I think that’s what she says but it’s hard to tell with all the crying. She’s a blubbering mess.

Kadesha looks at me, a question in her eyes. I shrug. And then suddenly Gabby is huggingme.

“Welcome to the family,” she says into my hair. I hug her back, relief settling into my bones. “If you hurt him, I’ll destroy you.”

Kadesha leans against the island and laughs.

We all chipin to make the tacos. Well, since I have no actual cooking skills, I make margaritas. And I offer to press the button that blends Gabby’s “famous” chimichurri.

After we eat, Kadesha shows us the contents of her bag: new accessories for Churro. The guy has been chilling in his sling on me all day and he’s so quiet I almost forgot.

Kadesha shows us a new sling she concocted for him that is made out of a fabric printed with tiny churros—very meta, and then she pulls out the cutest miniature sunglasses I’ve ever seen. The lenses are shaped like hearts.

“Ahh, we need to get pictures of this,” Gabby says, grabbing her phone.

“Hold that thought,” I say. I hand Churro to Gabby and tip toe back into Gavin’s room to grab my camera out of his bag.

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