Page 59 of Nightmare For Hire
“Dani!” Nox screams his best friend’s name as the man walks up the sidewalk. As if Nox doesn’t see him every single day.
“Danilo Diaz?!” Devon squeals. She turns to me and smacks me in the stomach with the back of her hand. “You fiend! Why didn’t you say?”
“The one and only.” He bows and Maddox chuckles beside him.
“I wanted to see your reaction at meeting a celebrity.” My lips twitch at her glare, but neither of us is mad. She runs up to him and introduces herself and Norris.
Every person I love is here and I’m glad we all have our special person. It makes this day even more special.
“Cy says you two are engaged. When are you getting married?” Nox asks Devon. He grabs her hand and the two walk back to Norris and me, with Maddox and Dani trailing behind.
“Sometime after the baby, I think.” Devon rubs her still flat stomach.
“Ew. That’s right.” He shivers and sticks his tongue out, making everyone giggle. “They’re so…”
“Aw, they’re all squishy and cute.” Devon rubs her stomach a little more aggressively.
“They arenotcute.” Nox shivers again. “Have you seen a fresh baby? They’re all. No, I don’t wanna think about it. You like babies and that’s good for you.” He nods and threads his arm through hers. “Now let’s move you in!”
“And maybe…” Dani starts and waits for Nox to turn to him. “Don’t snoop through all their stuff.”
“Me? Snoop?” Nox presses a hand to his chest. “Never!” But he’s cackling as he turns to shadows and shows up in the back of the moving truck when Norris opens it.
Devon leans into me. “I like him. I’m so happy for you.” Tears swim in her eyes when she grabs my hands to squeeze. “You’re lighter with him around.”
“I love him. I didn’t know what it could be like. But he makes it easy.”
“I know, because I’m awesome.” Nox pops up behind me and kisses my back before moving into the house with a box in his arms.
“You really are.”
“You two are going to make me sick with all your lovey dovey cuteness, aren’t you?” Norris laughs when I blow Nox kisses.
I’ve had my tiny family of Devon and Norris for a few years, but now I have more and I can’t imagine going back to how things were. They make me feel… real.
For the next several hours me, Maddox, and Norris focus on unloading the van and moving truck. Nox, Dani, and Devon work on unpacking. Or rather, Nox gets excitable and pulls things from boxes and Devon and Dani scramble to find places for everything. Honestly, it’s a good strategy for my bestie because she would let the boxes stack up instead of unpacking them for weeks.
But it’s hot and… I’m feeling brave. Norris and Maddox already shed their shirts. I take a deep breath and just rip it off, letting the air hit my sweaty skin.
Maddox whistles. “Damn. I did not imagine you werethatinked up.”
“You should see my bottom half.” I wink, being ridiculously playful.
The screen door smacks back to the frame when Nox, Devon, and Dani come outside to investigate the commotion.
“Oh, Cy. I’m so proud of you,” Devon says. Even she hadn’t seen them all. I’d been too afraid.
Nox grabs my hand and squeezes. “The phoenix is still my favorite, even knowing every one you have. You’ve risen above so much and you’re more beautiful than ever. At least I imagine so. You smile so brightly. Everything lights up.” Nox twirls away from me. “Anyone getting hungry yet? Waffles are always good human fuel, right? Carb loading and all. Right?”
“I can eat,” Devon says. We all agree.
“Follow me!” Nox waves his arm and starts down the sidewalk.
“Wait, we’re walking?” Devon asks.
“You don’t have to,” I say. “It’s just a few blocks. But—”
“No, no, I want the full Rivenfield experience.”
