“Are you asking me or telling me that I’m moving in with you?”
“Uh… bit of both,” he confesses. “I was hoping to make a bit more of a gesture out of it than just a conversation down the phone, though.”
“Are you really sure it’s okay for Mum to have this place?” I ask, concerned that he’s doing too much for us.
“It’s more than okay.”
“The rent is going to be extortionate.”
“There is no rent, Demon.”
“Oh, no. You’re not doing that. We’re not living here for free.”
“Jodie,” he says a little more sternly. “As much as I’d love to take all the credit for this, it wasn’t just me. The boss actually suggested it.” My mouth pops open at his confession. “And everyone else agreed. The guys and I have been doing everything we can to keep this building ours since before we all moved in. Having family here is exactly what we didn’t know we were holding out for.”
“Family,” I breathe, a smile playing on my lips.
“Yeah, baby. You’re a part of all of this now. And none of us are going to be letting you go. Either of you.”
A giant lump forms in my throat, stopping me from responding for a few seconds too long.
“Jodie?” he asks quietly.
“Yeah, sorry. I’m still here.”
“Is everything okay? Are you mad at me for this?” he asks, doubt evident in his voice.
“What? No. I’m not mad, Toby. I’m overwhelmed. Blown away. So fucking in love with you that I don’t even know what to say.”
“That’ll do it, baby. I love you too. I’m taking you out tonight,” he tells me.
“Oh? What did I do to deserve all this?”
“Just being you,” he breathes, making me swoon hard. “I need you to be ready for five-thirty, okay?”
“Uh… yeah, sure. What do I need to wear?”
“I’ve got it all covered, baby. All you need to do is go back up to our flat when you’re ready and you’ll find everything you need.”
Our flat.
“You, Tobias, are—”
“Perfect. Mysterious. Hot?” he offers.
“I love you,” I laugh. “And yes, you’re all of those things and I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
“Good. Be ready, okay? You’re in for a wild night.”
“I hope it’s going to be reckless,” I tease.
“Would I plan anything else?” he quips before telling me he loves me again and hanging up.
Mum appears around the corner after I lower my phone, having obviously been eavesdropping.
“Everything okay?” she asks, coming to join me on the sofa.
I can’t help but smile as she studies me.