locked the door. “Y’all want some water? Bianca, we’re here to get your stuff. How long will it take you to finish packin’?”
Just as I was wondering what he was talking about, Amari said, “Yes,” and CJ said, “I’m good.”
He was already filling up the third glass of water, the bag hanging from his wrist, by the time I managed to ask, “What stuff are you talking about?”
Zac was handing Amari his glass when he answered. “Your stuff. What you don’t already have boxed.” He held one out toward me too, and I took it, watching him carefully, still confused. “Clothes. Kitchen things. We got boxes in my trunk. Between the four of us, we can get everything ready in an hour or two max, I bet.”
I held my breath. “And where are we moving my stuff?”
He had his back to me as he picked up his own glass of water to take a sip. “It’s goin’ to Trev’s, darlin’.”
Were my ears ringing? “And why would they be going to Trevor’s?”
“Because that’s where we can get you moved in right now ’til I figure out a better option.”
I repeated the words out loud like I hadn’t heard them correctly.
But apparently they were right before he nodded at me like yeah. Like no big deal. Like he’d thought about it and it made perfect sense to him.
“Zac….” I trailed off, trying to think of what in the hell to say.
But that was when CJ piped up from his spot by my windows. He was peering at the paper covering them. “Trevor doesn’t care.”
I highly doubted that, and that must have been apparent on my face because Zac said, “I asked. He shrugged as he walked out and said he’d be back in two weeks.”
What in the hell was happening?
Zac kept going. “In the meantime, Bibi, while I figure it out.”
“Zac….” I smiled at CJ who had glanced at me for a second before returning his attention to the diffusion-paper-covered windows. I focused on my friend again. “Can we talk in my room?”
He shook his head.
“Zac,” I kept going, scratching at my cheek. “My friend… my favorite friend who I know is just trying to help me and who I love very, very much… can we please talk in my room? Please?”
His smile went lopsided, and still, he shook his head. “Let us do this. You need to be out soon. This’ll give you time to clean up the place so you can get your deposit back, and if you wanna film more videos, I’ve seen you checkin’ out Trev’s kitchen. You can do your shoot there. Plenty of space.”
I blinked.
And he kept going. “Trev won’t be back for a while, and we’re good roommates. Aren’t we, Ceej?”
CJ nodded.
Amari… Amari was just leaning against the counter, watching and sipping water.
Zac tipped his head to the side and walked over to me, standing right there, watching me with those light blue eyes. His free hand searched for mine, the tips of his fingers tickling mine. “Darlin’, come on. We’re not home most of the time, so you can do whatever you want. Trev’s got most of the same stuff you do at his house. You can film and do your shoot there, rent free. And this is the only time we’re gonna be free for at least two weeks. With your poor little arm, you’re not gonna be able to carry things on your own, and you know it. Might as well take advantage of us.” His nostrils flared for a moment, and it was only because I knew him so well that I heard the hitch in his voice. “Unless you decided already you’re movin’ to be closer to Connie.” His fingertips traced up, grazing my palm. “Or you can live close to your best friend in the whole world. You’re already over there all the time anyway.”
I had thought about it since the last time we’d discussed it. But I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do or where I wanted to go. And… a small part of me was holding onto Houston because of Zac. Not because I thought I needed him, but mostly because he still sought me out so much instead of the million other people he had to know. I didn’t totally get why.
But on the other hand, I was a pretty good friend, and I knew he had to miss home to an extent, so maybe it wasn’t that much of a mystery.