“Did you get a housekeeper?” Sophie asks, glancing from the living room to the kitchen.
“No,” I say, dragging out the word.
They both look at me with confused expressions on their faces.
“Apparently, Hunter knows how to clean after all,” I say, chuckling. “Or he does it to keep his mind busy.” I shrug, not really knowing why he’s been keeping up with the apartment. I was a mess in those early weeks after Brandon’s death and barely moved off the couch. Hunter did everything. Hell, he still does.
“I can’t picture it,” Maddie says. “He’s like this big beefed up dude, and now you’re telling me he walks around in an apron and feather dusts the place?”
Sophie and I burst out laughing at her exaggerations. “I didn’t need that image in my head.” Sophie cackles.
“I never said that!” I’m laughing so hard there are tears in my eyes.
But now my mind wanders to the moment when I walked in on him in the bathroom. I could’ve sworn the water was still on, and the last thing I expected to see was a very naked Hunter. I pull my lips into my mouth so I don’t blurt out my thoughts. My sisters are the last people who need to know what happened. They’d never let me live it down and would probably want all the details. My cheeks heat thinking about it, and I hope neither notice.
“Well, regardless, he’s doing a good job,” Maddie praises.
“He definitely is. It’s as if he’s flipped a switched from mega asshole to mega sweet. It’s weird,” I admit.
“Probably just trying to make things easier on you,” Sophie suggests.
I shrug again, not really knowing why either.
“So aside from going to the bookstore on Tuesday, have you left the apartment?” Sophie asks, changing the subject.
“Yes, thank you very much. I did a load of laundry and grabbed the mail,” I say smugly, though I know it’s not going to be enough to satisfy her.
“Oh I should’ve been more specific,” Sophie says dramatically, rolling her eyes at me. “Have you left the premises?”
“No. What for? I’m on summer break!” I try to defend myself.
“That’s it, we’re going out tonight!” Maddie announces way too loudly. “Girls’ night out. We’re gonna get shitfaced, have sex in bar bathrooms, and dance like no one’s watching!”
Sophie and I stare at her unamused before we both start chuckling. “You need a leash, woman,” I tell her. “And we aren’t doing any of that because gross.”
“I mean, I’m not opposed to the first two,” Sophie teases.
“Okay, I’ll settle for the Coliseum since they won’t kick my underage ass out. We can play pool, and I’ll school you in darts.” Maddie’s nearly begging, which makes it even harder to say no.
“I don’t know…” I hesitate. Brandon and I went there a lot, which will be another reminder he’s no longer here. “I don’t know if I can go in there just yet.”
My sisters look at me with sympathy in their eyes and are probably wondering when I’m going to allow myself to live again. It’s only been two months, but no matter if I’m ready to merge back into life, the world moves on around me. I know Brandon wouldn’t want me to waste away and do nothing, but losing him is still very raw.
“Let me think about it,” I tell them.
“Think about what?” Hunter’s booming voice makes the three of us jump. I didn’t even hear the front door open. He’s in his work clothes, which are surprisingly nice. I know he works on construction sites, but he’s in his office quite a bit too.
“Hunter, talk some sense into your roommate and tell her it’s time to go out and have a little fun tonight,” Maddie says before I can respond to him.
He shoots me a look, examining my face, then blinks. “Where at?”
“The Coliseum,” Maddie responds. “She’s barely left the apartment in weeks.” She turns all the way around to face Hunter. “Hell, you should come too! Both of you could use a night of fun.”
I bite my lower lip, anxious to hear his response. Maddie’s good at being unpredictable and blurting out the first thing that comes to her mind.
“In fact, let’s invite Liam and Mason, and we can all go out!” She claps her hand as if her idea is pure brilliance. “Whatcha say, Lennon?”
Sophie looks at me as if she’s given up taming our sister. Hunter studies me, wondering if he should put in his two cents. I know I should get out of the house, but I’m just not sure if I’m ready to be with the gang without Brandon.
When Hunter steps forward, he must sense my concern. He takes a seat next to me on the couch and faces my sisters who are sitting on the coffee table. “What if we go to Home Base? I know a guy who works there who’ll let you in,” he says, turning to Maddie.