Page 113 of From Nowhere

“That’s all I ask.” He manages to smirk and drink his beer simultaneously.

“Have you heard from Fitz and Jamie?”

Will shakes his head. “It’s like I no longer exist. See why I’m a little concerned?” He moseys to the sofa, plops down, and picks up his gaming controller.

“I think Fitz is in Idaho,” I say as I finish my wine and set the glass in the sink. “Jamie is probably busy nesting, but she’s loaning me Fitz’s truck to move my things.”

“If you wait until Saturday, I can help.”

“Jamie and I can do it. But thanks.”

“Maybe your boyfriend can borrow a bike trailer and pull some stuff for you.”

“Don’t be a dick, Will.”

He chuckles. “I’m kidding. Can’t you take a joke?”

“Yes.” I grab my bag and hike the strap onto my shoulder. “But I’m afraid you or Fitz will open your stupid mouth andjoketo Ozzy’s face before you’ve developed enough of a relationship with him to do so. And then he’ll knock you on your ass, and I don’t want to play referee.”

“You can’t possibly think he’d knock me on my ass.”

“Well, he’s not a black belt in tai chi, but I think he’d make you bleed.”

“Now who’s being a dick? And for the record, if there were a belt system in tai chi, I’d be a black belt.”

I giggle the rest of the way up the stairs while a fight between Will and Ozzy, which will never happen, plays in my head. I honestly don’t know who would win that fight, but I love ruffling Will’s feathers.

The following day, I close on my house and send Ozzy a picture of my keys.

Maren: MINE!

Ozzy: Congratulations! Can’t wait to see you

When I pull into the driveway at what is now just Will’s house, Fitz’s black truck is backed into his old spot, and Jamie’s carrying my folded metal bed frame out the front door.

“Is Fitz in Idaho?” I hop out of my car and help her slide it into the truck bed.

“Yep. It’s just me,” she says. “Fitz wanted me to wait for him to get home tomorrow, but I know firsthand how freaking excited you are,so let’s do this. We are two very capable women.” She hugs me, and we jump up and down together, squealing.

“I’m a homeowner!”

She giggles. “Me too!”

“Okay, let’s get the rest.” I link my arm with hers and pull her toward the house. “If everything is moved now, I can go furniture shopping this afternoon.”

We load all my belongings into the back of Fitz’s pickup and my RAV. I also thought I’d need Will’s Bronco, but I overestimated my possessions. It’s kind of depressing that I’m in my thirties with so few belongings.

“Ready?” Jamie asks as I stand in the middle of my empty bedroom.

“Did you feel like this when you packed up your things? Did you feel like everything ugly and everything beautiful happened within the walls of this house?” Tears burn my eyes.

Jamie reaches for my hand, squeezing it. “Close your eyes.”

Tears break free when I do.

“See? Brandon’s still there. This house doesn’t hold memories. You hold them. No matter where you are, he’ll be with you as you make new ones.”

Sniffling, I nod.

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