Page 47 of Fate in Motion
“I know,” I say. “But realistically? We kick ass for 25 minutes, maybe get a few more gigs or private events. Still, I need more money. Now.”
Carter smirks. “Good thing you’re staying here rent-free. Only cost is sex.”
“Shut up,” I laugh. “You get that for free, bitch. But now that I think about it, maybe I should start charging you.”
He chuckles. “You would never! But yes, you can stay here as long as you need. If you'd like to, you can pitch in for utilities, and we’ll split the groceries. Obviously, we’re ordering takeout 90% of the time, though.”
I wrap him in a quick hug, then pull back and say, “I appreciate it. I know it’s fast. I know it might seem like too much, too soon. But it’s only temporary. I promise.”
Carter just shakes his head with a grin. “You’re bugging. It’s totally fine. More cuddles for me, more Harry Potter for you.”
He pauses. “So, what are we making for breakfast? And also, you never actually answered; when are you going back to Newark? Or…are you just moving in now?”
“I’ve got to settle a few things,” I say. "Luckily, I don’t have a ton of stuff. I’ve got a table that's honestly trash. And that makeshift closet thing in my spare bedroom, that will go straightto the dump. My bed, couch, and anything else that I cannot fit into a suitcase will have to be put in storage.”
Carter laughs. “God. That closet thing is ridiculous. You basically have your own walk-in closet here!”
“Yeah,” I say, “You spoil me. I’m really moving up in the world, aren’t I?”
I stretch. “So, the plan is: I’ll head to Newark today, pack up all my crap, and I’ll be back here tonight. I know, I know, you’ll miss me. Then tomorrow I’ll hit Mel’s and practice every day until Saturday for the show.”
“Solid plan,” Carter says.
“Before I go, though…” I hesitate. “Has anyone messaged you? Any rumors? Anything from that article?”
Carter’s expression drops a bit. “Both brothers messaged me and asked if everything’s okay. But nothing from my parents. No texts from teammates or friends either.”
“See? No one gives a shit,” I say. “We’ll see what happens at practice this week.”
Carter exhales. “I’ve been really anxious about it, honestly. But you’re distracting me in a good way. Mostly because we said ‘I love you.’ Ugh, you turned me into such a romantic.”
I grin. “Oh, bae, you’ve always been one. The romance has been hiding in your muscles the entire time.”
“Alright,” he says. “Let’s eat. Pancakes or something. Then you can head out, and I’ll do my own thing.”
I raise an eyebrow. “Do your own thing, as in jerk off, watch TV, or go to the gym? So, a typical Sunday.”
Carter grins. “Exactly, you got me.”
“Better than mine,” I say, smiling.
After breakfast and a quick train ride to Newark, I make it to my apartment. I look around, and I’m not sure what I feel. There’s a part of me that feels sad and pathetic, that I have to rely on someone else for a place to stay. I’ve only been here forthree months, but leaving still stings. What will I do without my favorite Portuguese bakery and their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwiches?
What’s wrong with me? I need to relax; this is a good decision, and I'm not trapped.
I start to think about the good in this decision. I get to be with Carter. We never fight. He’s just been so good for me. And maybe being there, with him, when he eventually comes out, or gets found out, I will be there to help.
I pack all my clothes and anything small I can think of, which only takes about an hour. The larger items, such as the bed, couch, and table, stay here for now, until I pay someone to put them in storage or take them to the dump. I just need the money from this weekend’s event to cover the costs of the movers and a storage unit.
I drag two suitcases to the train and settle into a wide seat, taking up more space than I probably should. This all went quicker than I expected, so I pull out my phone and shoot Mel a text:Are you home? I’m free all day. We should practice.
A few minutes pass before she replies:Get your ass over here. I also have a question to ask you.
I raise an eyebrow and type back:OK?
Nothing bad, I promise, she answers, with a smiling emoji.
Typical Mel. I smile at the screen and send Carter a quick text telling him I’ll be back later tonight and that I’m heading to Mel’s for a bit.
