Nate
“Did we really just say ‘I love you’ to each other?” I ask, still kind of stunned. “I mean, it’s not too soon, right? Also, remember I was the first one to say it? ”
Carter snorts. “You’re an idiot. I was the first one. And just remember, that’s part of our history now. I was the first to say ‘I love you,’ and no, it’s not too soon, idiot. We’ve been together for almost two months. Like you said, there’s no timeline.”
I grin. “Fair enough. Last night was the best sleep I’ve had in so long, and I have to thank you for that. You excited to go back to Newark? Or are you heading to Mel’s to rehearse for your big show?”
“About that…” I shift. “Listen, I’m not saying you were right or anything, and I’m definitely not saying this is permanent.
But since I’m month-to-month in my Newark apartment, I think it makes sense financially to crash at your place for now.
The hope is that I only need to crash here for two or three months. ”
Carter’s eyes go wide. “Random. But, obviously, you could stay. You just caught me off guard a little. I have been asking you to do this for weeks.”
I nod. “I’ve been thinking about it for a couple of days now. Not too long, but long enough. And yeah, I’m mostly focused on Saturday's show. It’s a big deal, with lots of rich and famous people watching me. Maybe someone will notice me. You never know.”
Carter looks at me seriously. “You never know what’s gonna happen.”
“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 straight to 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 for three 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.
I get to her place around 1 p.m., which gives us plenty of time to chill and rehearse.
She lets me in and immediately, Indigo tackles me, licking my face like it’s the best part of her day.
I fucking love this dog. Her bright blue eyes, those raccoon-like black marks around them, that make her look like a bandit. A cute, hyper, bandit.
Mel glances at me and smirks. “I see you didn’t bring your guitar.”
“Lucky me,” I say. “You own two.”
She laughs, and I add, “Honestly, it’s been a long day already, and I literally forgot. Also…I’m broke. And I’m moving in with Carter.”
Her face softens into a sympathetic frown. “I’m sorry, but also I’m not sorry. That’s awesome.”
“It’s awesome and shitty,” I admit. “But it’s better than the alternative, which is moving back to Philly.”
I kick off my shoes and say, “Before we do anything, first, I want food. Second, do you have any Cheddar Goldfish?”
Mel grins. “Obviously, I have Goldfish. Let me get them.”
“You’re a queen,” I say as she hands me the bag. “Really, the biggest perk of coming to this massive apartment is raiding your snacks.”
She plops down beside me and says, “So, about the text I sent you, it has something to do with this place.”
I glance at her, curious, but stay quiet.
“I know this is random, but I bet you wonder how I can afford all this,” she says. “Like, where the hell am I getting the money to pay for this place?”
I smile. “It crossed my mind.”
Mel looks down, then back up with a quiet kind of strength.
“I haven’t told you this before, but…both of my parents died two years ago.
Back to back. Cancer. It was fast, and it hit hard.
But they left me a shit ton of money. I assume from their retirement accounts and money they have saved over the years. ”
My heart sinks. “Mel…I’m so sorry. I don’t even know how this never came up.”
“I guess we just hang out and sing and don’t really talk about family,” she says gently. “But yeah, that’s how I afford all this.”
I nod, still absorbing. “That makes sense. But, why are you telling me this now?”
She pauses. “Because there is a reason. I’ve been thinking, like really thinking, about how I have all this money, and how I have you.
And I feel like we could actually open something.
Do something with this money. A karaoke bar, maybe.
An open-mic cafe, even. I know how much you’ve dreamed of that. ”
I blink, caught off guard. “Mel, you don’t have to pity me just because I’m broke.”
“I’m not pitying you,” she says firmly. “I genuinely think this is a great idea. And I know you’re not gonna love this part, but I think we should ask Carter for help too. He has money.”
I hesitate. “I can do that. I was against it before because I thought Carter would be the only one investing. But if you’re in it too, I think it could actually work.”
Still, I can’t help but feel weird. These people believe in me, are offering money, and yet, they don’t really know my business side. Do I even have a business side to me? They just know I can sing, that I’m driven and have some ideas. Maybe that’s enough. Maybe I just need to run with it.
I look at Mel. “How about after next weekend's performance, you, me, and Carter grab a drink and talk about it?”
“Sounds good,” she says. “You ready to start?”
I flash a smirk. “Um, duh. But before I forget, though, how’s Carter doing? I saw that article.”
That catches me off guard. “Wait! You saw it?”
“I don’t really follow sports drama, but yeah. It popped up.”
Shit. If Mel saw it, other people definitely did too. Maybe people don’t care. Or maybe they just don’t know how to bring it up. I don’t really know which is worse.
“He’s okay,” I tell her. “No one’s really said anything. At least, not yet.”
She nods and doesn’t push for more information. Just quietly hands me a guitar. We both tune the guitars, sit down, and start to play.