”I’d been at Liz’s house for almost a week.I stared off into space in shock as Jennifer rummaged through a backpack.“Want some water?” She a...ked, holding out a bottle to me.“Yeah, thanks. Thanks a lot.” I said, taking it from her.As I poured it into my mouth, I was both thankful and confused. Something about it just didn’t quite taste the same. But after several days without anything in my system other than that red shit, I was happy for anything.I handed Jennifer the bottle back and continued. " I jokeback - the inside joke doesn't escape him. He laughs an easy laugh. "Well, all that working out is paying off. You are looking good" hesays in a way that still could be seen as just two regular guys talking inthe gym, paying a compliment. Any chance of awkwardness with us being in public together hasdisappeared, I turn back to my shower and while I'm soaping up, it startsrunning through my mind how this very guy in the next stall over is the guythat made me his bitch a few days. I hate this job.”She smiled, new neighbor, this might be fun, also a quick way to introduce herself.“You could leave them here if you want to. I mean, I am sure I will meet her soon.”“Well, she is a he and he was supposed to be here now. Are you willing to sign for the delivery? If you will, I can leave it with you.”Sherry held out her hand and just said, “Here.”Handing her the clipboard he slipped past her to place the boxes inside. When he returned and took the clipboard back he said, “I just. ” I said as she lay her head on my shoulder.When she stood up, she sat right back down, across Bobby’s legs now, and they cuddled for a few minutes while I was pulling on my clean shorts and shirt.I was dressed when they came in from the balcony, grinning at some closely shared secret or joke.As I looked at them, I couldn’t help the swelling of pride inside my chest. I love Bobby as much as if he sprouted from my own seed, and Maren was the most perfect fit for a teacher and traveling companion.