Page 57 of Nightmare For Hire
I snort and sit on the edge of my couch. Nox and I spend as much time together as possible. He makes me feel safe and like I can do anything. There’s something about the Nightmare. Being in his presence soothes my soul.
“I love him, plain and simple.”
Devon squeals. “Seriously, I’m so excited. I have to, have to,have tomeet him! And you’re going to have to show us all around.”
“I can’t wait.”
“This place is boring without you. Norris has been wanting to move to a monster town, anyway. Win-win in my book. Norris gets his monster town, I get my bestie back, and our child gets to be raised in a highly diverse town.”
“I think you’re gonna love it here. The hospital is great. They actually have an amazing paid maternity leave program here, which is unheard of.”
“Oh, I know. I’m looking forward to it.”
Norris hollers in the background.
“Gotta go, Cy. Talk soon. Kisses!” Devon hangs up, and I can’t help but smile at my blank phone screen.
Everything is sliding into place. My life is turning for the better and I can’t wait to see how much better it can get.
Chapter 26
Nox
“What has you even more happy today? You’re different.” I swing Cyrus’s arm as we walk to Portal Place Diner to meet Dani and Maddox for breakfast.
There’s a bounce in Cyrus’s step. “My best friend is moving here with her fiancé.Andshe’s going to have a baby.”
“Babies, ew.” I shiver and bump him with my shoulder.
“They’re not bad.”
“We’ll have to agree to disagree.”
“Hey!” Maddox says as he and Dani join us.
“Hi,” Cyrus says a little shyly. It’s the first time we’re all getting together as a group. Everyone’s schedules have been busy, but Cy and I find time to be together as much as possible anyway.
We get to Portal Place Diner and Leon seats us. He’s chatty as usual, which seems to help Cyrus ease up. Once we’re alone again, Cyrus sits straighter.
“I… uh…” He threads his fingers through his hair then breathes out. “Everyone knows my story now. And I want to thank you for sticking with me. For becoming a part of my support system.” He meets Maddox’s, then Dani’s eyes. “I don’t know how to thank you.”
“No need to thank us,” Maddox says. “That’s what friends are for.”
Dani nods and scoots closer to Maddox.
I wrap Cyrus up in the biggest hug I can and squeeze him tight. He sighs and leans his head on my shoulder. “I seriously don’t know how I’d have gotten through my ex being here without you guys. I thought he’d sully this whole town, but I’ve damn near forgotten about him.”
“Mick the dick can suck it,” I say.
“Hey!” Trish bounces up to our table. “Have you decided what you want to order?”
“Waffles!” we all say at the same time.
“With all the syrups,” Dani adds.
Chapter 27
Cyrus
