Page 133
Hayden
Two Weeks Later
“God, that was exhausting.” Kora is lying sprawled across the couch like she owns the place.
“You opened one box.” Mike is carefully unpacking dishware in the kitchen and stacking them neatly in the cupboards.
“Delegating work is still work,” Kora counters.
Robin chuckles. She’s on her knees in front of the bookshelf, sorting through a box of books.
“Besides, I agreed to help because I wanted to snoop. But turns out Hayden only has boring stuff like”––she grabs a book from the coffee table––“books about motorcycle parts.” She grimaces. “Really?”
I shrug. “I like motorcycles.”
“If you want something interesting, there’s a box in the bathroom labeled ‘towels’, but it’s really all of Hayden’s sex toys.” Robin doesn’t bat an eye.
Her friend sits upright. “I mean, I would love that for you, but I fear I’m being lied to.”
“You’ll have to find out,” I say, keeping my tone neutral.
I open the boxes of pizza I ordered, and my stomach growls. I haven’t eaten anything all day. It’s only two in the afternoon, but it feels like I’ve been awake for twenty-four hours.
We woke up early to meet the movers at my new apartment, and while they did all the heavy lifting, there were still a few new pieces of furniture that required assembly.
I’m glad all the furniture is in its rightful spot, but as I stare at all the still unopened boxes, I sigh.
Fuck.
This will take forever.
I’m just lucky my girlfriend likes decorating, because it’s definitely not my wheelhouse. I don’t want to live in a boring bachelor pad either, but decorating feels like a chore to me; meanwhile Robin looks genuinely happy as she artfully arranges books and little knick-knacks on the shelves.
“Oh, is it time to eat?” Kora appears next to me.
“Yeah, let me just get some plates.”
“I’m starving.” Robin drops a book on the floor and comes to the kitchen.
“Food break,” Kora sings happily.
“What exactly are you taking a break from?” Mike crosses his arms, narrowing his eyes at her.
“Hopefully your attitude.”
“Stop fighting, kids.” I hand everyone a plate.
“Yes, sir,” Kora says, adding a huge slice of cheese pizza to hers. “Can I eat on the couch, or are you weird about that?”
“You can eat on the couch.”
Robin and Kora take a seat on the sofa, while I sit on my new rug with Mike.
“This place is nice,” my friend points out.
“Thanks, I picked it.” Robin grins as she takes a bite of her pizza.
“You have amazing taste, baby. In both men and apartments.” I wink at her.
