Page 65 of Dark Endures

Laughter sneaks out of me. “You know that’s not what I asked.”

“Why do you think you’d regret it?”

That’s not a question I want to answer. It’s too personal. I shrug.

“You really going to move in with this guy?”

“Yup. In two days.” That will give me time to take a million cab rides over to move my stuff. Which is going to cost money that I don’t have.

Carrying all my stuff on the subway would be the frugal way to do it.

“I’ll help you move.”

What? No. I mean, yes, that would be fantastic. He probably has access to a car. And with all those muscles, it wouldn’t take him any time at all.

“Help her move what?” Maddox asks from the other door.

Great. Wonderful. Stupendous.

“Mindy is moving in with the prettiest man on earth in two days. I offered to help her move her stuff,” Canyon offers this like we’re chatting about the weather.

I can’t even look at Maddox. Instead, I step over to Rainbow’s cage and slide the door open. Maybe if I pretend hard enough, this will have never happened.

“We should help her move. What time are you starting?” Maddox asks.

Starting? I hadn’t even planned on having help or when to do it. “You guys don’t have to. There isn’t much to move.” Most of the furniture I’ll leave in the common areas for people to take. Adonis’ place is already furnished. All I need to bring is my clothing and personal effects.

“Sure, we do. Many hands make the load light and all that. Plus, I’d like to meet your boyfriend.” Canyon is sooo very helpful.

“Yes. I enjoy getting to know all my employees’ significant others.”

Of course, Maddox would be like that. “We’re just roommates. He is my boss.” I look up at Maddox. “My other boss. It’s purely platonic.”

Why did I feel the need to say that?

This is just a mess.

“Platonic?” Canyon asks. “How platonic are things with the pretty boy?”

“You’re a menace.” I glare at him.

“I know. See you.” He swaggers out.

Will Maddox disappear, too?

Rainbow pokes her head out, smelling her dinner in my bucket. “Here you go.” I hold out her food with a pair of tongs. She gobbles it up.

“How about you? Are you ready for dinner?” Maddox didn’t leave.

Can I talk about this?

Maddox will know there’s something wrong if I don’t go. “Sure. I’ll be right there.”

***

“Pho.” How long has it been since I’ve had a bowl?

Maddox lifts another lid, revealing Char Siu pork and veggies. The last one contains stacked steamer trays full of dumplings. “I probably should have asked if you liked pho.”

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