Page 97 of Fatkini
“It means shit.” Tobias crouched to scratch Lulu between the ears.
“That,” Aithan confirmed.
Tobias straightened. “You better call your roommates. They’re picking out paint colors for your room.”
Aithan nodded. “Shana’s pregnant. I knew my days were numbered, just figured I had a few more months.” He settled carefully onto the couch. “I’d planned to look at townhomes and condos, but my down payment’s gonna go toward medical bills instead.” Frank hopped up beside him, purring loud enough to be heard across the room.
“Sucks, man,” Tobias said. “Wish I could help you.”
Aithan waved that away. “You got Amara to worry about. I’m good. Just means I need to find another room when Zel gets sick of me.” He obliged Frank with chin scratches.
I shook my head. “Never gonna happen.”
Tobias grinned. “Looks like you’re stuck with her.”
“Get out, fiend!” I threw a pillow at him.
Laughing, he caught it and tossed it back. “I’m going, I’m going!”
“Wait, do you really have to leave?” I asked. “I’m making pork tenderloin for dinner and there’s plenty.”
“Wish I could stay, but I gotta get Amara.”
I nodded and walked him down to the front door. Once there, I caught his hand. “Hey. I know you’re angry about me seeing Tristan and vouching for him. Are we cool?”
He stepped closer. “Yeah, Zel. We’re cool.” He brushed my hair over my shoulder.
“Good, ’cause I like you, Tobias. I don’t want bullshit hanging between us.”
He surprised me by leaning down and brushing a gentle kiss across my cheek. “Nah, girl, we’re still A-okay.”
When I got back upstairs, Drew and Aithan were sitting at the dining table with Drew’s computer open before them.
“Whatcha doing?”
“House hunting,” Drew replied. “Aithan’s telling me which neighborhoods to check out. I want an ocean or lake view.”
“You’re looking to spend some big bucks then,” I said, not thinking he was serious about that kinda cash.
“Six or seven million, I figure,” he replied without looking up.
I gaped at him. “Are you serious?”
He laughed. “You keep asking me that, babe.”
“Man’s not messing around.” Aithan turned the computer so I could see the kinds of mansions they were considering.
“Shit,” I muttered. “I’m not cleaning all those bathrooms.”
They cracked up, Aithan holding his ribs and panting. “Stop making me laugh.”
“We’ll hire a cleaning crew,” Drew said. “Aithan knows a really good one.” He turned the computer back around. “The question is, modern or historical?”
I pulled a bag of sweet potato chips from the pantry and poured them into a bowl. “Modern or down-to-the-studs renovated. Old homes are pretty but high maintenance and cold as fuck.”
Aithan took a handful of chips. “That’s what I said.”
“Good. Then we’re all in agreement. Okay, bedroom, bedroom, bedroom,” Drew pointed to each of us, “bedroom for Tobias and one for his daughter, guest room. That’s how many rooms?”