Leah types the reply to Tara, waits for her answer, and puts the phone on the mattress. "Done. She'll be here in twenty."

I reach over and take a strand of Leah's hair between my fingers, rubbing it before I tuck it behind her ear. "Did she explain what happened and where she found him?"

Leah leans into my palm and shakes her head. "She only said she'll bring him here. I gotta get dressed."

The sheet covering Leah's body falls to the floor as she gets up from the bed and pads to the desk. An adorable chuckle later, she's found her panties. I lie back and fold my arms behind my head, watching her pull the lacy material up her long legs. 

I wish she didn't have to get dressed and could stay in bed with me all night. Why the hell did Bast have to get drunk?

Unease creeps into me at the thought. Bast and I went out together several times. I've never seen him shitfaced. I got an impression he knew his limit well, given that I'd seen him decline the drinks and say he'd had enough, not caring about the peer pressure.

"You need some clothes, too," Leah says with a gentle smile gracing her lips. Her clothes are back on. She's brushing her hair, looking at me.

I spot my boxer briefs on the floor and put them on. Crossing the distance between Kitten and me in a couple of strides, I wrap my arms around her, smiling when she plants a kiss on my chest. I haven't had enough of her. Hundreds of scenarios run through my head as I hold her, stroking a hand down her back.

"The pants too, Bri," she says, squeezing my ass. "And the shirt."

With a groan, I drop a kiss on Kitten's lips and go on to clothe myself.

We make the bed and go to the living room. When Tara texts again, barely five minutes later, I grab the key, and the two of us exit the apartment.

A red Maserati is idling close to the entrance to my apartment complex. Tara is leaning against the vehicle, arms crossed in front of her chest. 

"Hey." She smiles at us when we approach her. "I'm sorry, guys. I didn't know what else to do."

"Hey. It's okay," I say. "What happened?"

Tara chews on her bottom lip. "I was driving back to the city when I saw him walking."

"Wait a minute." I frown. "Walking where? He was out. I thought you'd seen him at a bar or something."

Tara rolls her eyes. "Well, I guess a stroll along the highway is a weird definition of going out. He could've been hit by a car or a truck. At first, I thought he was high, but I guess it's only the alcohol. Anyway, he didn't recognize me. I don't know how he could stand at all, let alone walk. I will need your help getting him out of the vehicle. The guy is heavy."

Tara nods toward the back seat and unlocks the door. Together, and with Leah's help, we manage to get Bast out of the car and into the elevator of my building. 

In the apartment, I lay him on his bed and take off his shoes before rejoining the girls in the living room.

"He didn't get sick, did he?" I ask Tara.

She shakes her head. "He might later, though."

A deep sigh leaves my mouth when I realize I will have to babysit Bast's drunken ass all night, or at least until he sobers up some. It's what a friend would do, what Mac did for me, and I for him. 

"Do you need my help?" Kitten asks.

"No, baby. I'll stay in his room in case he gets sick or needs something."

"I can take you home," Tara offers. "Unless you're staying."

Kitten staying is out of the question. She needs to get some rest after the busy week she'd had, and I would hate having her in my apartment and not being able to be together.

"Go home, baby," I tell Kitten, giving her a small smile. "We can try to meet tomorrow."

"If I manage to finish the paper," Leah says. "It's for Tuesday, and I've barely started."

Nodding, I kiss her cheek. "Okay. Text me when you're home."

Leah plants a kiss on my lips and grabs her purse from the couch. When the girls are about to leave, Tara halts at the front door and looks at me.

"Brian, I need you to do me a favor."

"Yeah?"

"Don't tell Sebastian I was the one to bring him home, okay?"

"What? Why?"

Tara shrugs, studying her nails. "He hates me. I'd rather he thought it was someone else. One of the guys or his minion, I don't care. I don't want to have more problems with him."

"Minion." Kitten giggles under her breath.

"Yeah, that chick that has been serving her master. Elena?" Tara looks at me, waiting for confirmation.

"That's the one," I say. "I think he should know, but okay."

"He can live without the embarrassment of knowing the stupid Barbie saved his ass from being run over by a truck or ten."

As I watch the girls exit the apartment, I can't help wondering if Tara's request has more to do with Bast and his feelings than their mutual dislike of each other.

***

I thank the gods for Bast's big bed when I pop awake next to him in the morning. How he didn't get sick is beyond me, but I'm grateful I didn't have to see him puke his guts out.

He's snoring lightly, and I assume the worst is over. I throw the sheet off me and go to the kitchen, where I pour some orange juice into a glass. Next, I grab some pills and leave them for Bast on his nightstand.

I make some coffee for myself and sit at the kitchen table with my phone in my hands. 

A text from Kitten lights up the screen.

Kitten: Good morning, baby. I have something I wanna show you.

A click on the image Kitten attached almost makes me spit out my coffee. It's a picture of female genital piercings.

I roll my eyes and type the reply.

Me: Yo, Kitten. My answer is the same. NO. P.S. I was hoping for some nudes. The boy feels cheated on.

Kitten: Tell the boy I miss him.

Another picture appears. It's Leah in bed. Nothing is visible, only her stomach and a tiny part of her panties.

Me: So fucking beautiful.

Kitten: Yours. But chill, O'Brien. The girl is mine. Which one do you like?

Me: None. I like your girl as she is. 

Kitten: I don't believe you.

Me: I'm getting hard just thinking about you. Please, leave your girl alone. That area is delicate. I'm a future doctor, so I know.

Kitten: Hmm. You'll have to convince me.

Me: I would, hadn't it been for Bast. I had plans he ruined.

Kitten: What plans?

Me: Fucking you on my desk six ways to Sunday.

Kitten: Tell me more…

Me: Aren't you a naughty little thing, Kitten? I'll tell you if you promise to leave MY girl alone.

Kitten: I love you and the boy. Going out to have breakfast with Tara. 

At least ten kissing emojis appear on the screen. Of course, Kitten had the last word. 

Me: I love you more. The boy does, too. 

A picture of Kitten blowing me a kiss is the last thing she sends me. I sip my coffee, mulling over the events of the previous day.

I'd never have thought I would miss a girl this much, but I do. The time we spend together isn't nearly enough. I need more of her and not just sex. It's the little things that I would like to have — making breakfast together or studying with her by my side. Hell, even going grocery shopping would be way better if Leah was with me.

I'm instantly reminded of our almost empty fridge. I grab the phone again.

Me: Yo, superstar. You awake?

The reply is almost instant.

Jim: Awake and in heaven.

The fucker attaches a picture of his grinning face. I don't have to be a genius to know he's in bed with his girl. The top of her head is where Jim's chest is.

Me: Lucky fucker.

Jim: Don't I know it. What's up?

Me: I need to buy groceries, and I wanted to talk to you. We can have breakfast together.

Jim: Everything okay?

Me: Yes. So?

Jim: Sure, little fucker. I'll text you the location of the coffee shop unless you have a place in mind.

Me: Go ahead.

I don't waste time getting ready and leaving my apartment. The ride takes me barely ten minutes, and I see Jim at the entrance of a snug coffee shop overlooking the marina.

I park and stroll toward my brother.

"Hey," Jim says, hugging me. "I'm glad you texted."

"Don't lie, dude," I say, following him into the establishment. "I saw you were busy."

The corners of Jim's mouth lift. "I made her breakfast. Knowing Ava, she'll stay in bed reading. She'd had a busy week, and we're going clothes shopping later, anyway."

"Aww," I say, and Jim rolls his eyes. 

"I have an event next week, and Ava is going with me. Pancakes?"

I nod and wait for Jim to place our order while I choose a table. A tray with food is in front of me in no time. 

"Thanks," I say to my brother.

"You're welcome." Jim winks at me. "How have you been? How's college?"

"Great. I like it. I never thought I would, but I do, despite the workload. More classes start next week."

"The first year is the hardest," Jim says. "You have to come up with a study schedule. I did it between gigs, and man, did it stress me out. Being a full-time student is better."

"But you don't regret having a degree."

"Not a chance in hell. It gave me the knowledge I can apply to what I do. Anyway, what was the stuff you wanted to discuss?"

I take a sip of my black coffee and fork a piece of a pancake. "Relationship stuff. I kinda need advice."

Jim smirks. "Okay."

I chew for a moment and say, "I feel  I'm ready for more. I miss her. Both our schedules are busy, and the sleepovers are few. Am I rushing into it?"

Srunching up his brows, Jim studies my face. "Marriage?"

I roll my eyes. "Jeez, no. Not yet. I'm a premed student, remember? I'm talking about living together."

"I gave Ava the key to my place a month after meeting her. When you know, you know. If you're sure, what's the problem?"

I study my coffee. "My roommate. I don't want to let him down. The guy can't afford to pay the rent on his own. Leah has a roommate too. The school year has already started. It's not the best time to look for someone who'd share the place with Bast or Tara, Leah's roommate."

Jim leans back in his chair. "I see. But there's a solution."

"Which?"

"They can move in together. It's a win-win for the four of you. It's a two-bedroom apartment, isn't it?"

"It would be easier if they didn't hate each other's guts," I say.

A chuckle is Jim's only answer. "You know what they say about love and hate. Maybe they just need to get to know each other better. Both are students, right?"

"Yeah."

"Awesome. So, they only need a little nudge in the right direction."

"He calls her Barbie; she calls him Nerd." I snort. "Im afraid Cupid would have his hands full with those two."

"I would use different words in my bedroom dirty talk, but whatever works, little fucker. No judgment."

Jim and I laugh.

"There's another problem," I say when we're back to being serious. "Leah's place is small, and Bast loves his apartment. I wanted to get a place for us."

"You know I can help you. I've offered many times."

"Fuck, no, Jim. I just want advice. Would you rent or buy?"

"Can you afford to buy?"

"It depends on the price. I don't want Leah to pay. I have savings, and I think it might be enough to buy something close to campus."

Jim taps his fingers on the tabletop. "I'd buy. It's an investment. Plus, you have what, six years of college ahead of you?"

"Yeah. I won't be able to afford anything new, but isn't it cheaper when you buy something that needs repairs?"

"I can give you what you need, Brian. You're paying for your studies while I had our parents' help."

I give my head a shake. Jim is generous, but I wouldn't accept his money to buy a place for Leah and me, just like I wouldn't accept her father's help if he offered. 

"You're stubborn." Jim sighs.

"It's something I have to do alone, like when you bought your condo. I could use a different kind of help, though."

Jim smiles. "Sure."

"If you know someone who understands the market, it'd be cool."

"My agent. He helped me find my place and negotiated the price. You have to tell me the specs and the price range, and I'll get in touch with him."

"Done," I say.

Kitten's words about having an apartment with big windows play in my head. I'd love her to have a place of her own, full of the things she likes. She would decorate it and make it truly hers. Ours.

"I'll text you everything this afternoon," I tell Jim.

We go on eating and have another cup of coffee each.

Jim accompanies me to buy groceries despite knowing he would most likely run into his fans. Although he doesn't say anything else about my decision, I can see he's pleased with the turn my life has taken. If I'm honest with myself, so am I.

Thoughts?
Is he rushing?

I'm excited for what's to come!