“I just hope his roommates aren’t assholes.” I hadn’t lived in a house full of people in years.

We walked down the steps from the apartment, making our way to my banged-up SUV in the lot.

“How many people again?”

I hit the fob, unlocking the doors. “In the main house, it’s Trick, and then two dudes named Van and Lou. Don’t really know much about them. Then downstairs there’s a separate mother-in-law daylight basement set up. Van’s sister Juliet lives there with her little girl—I forget her name.”

“Been a while since you lived with a kid.”

I tossed the duffel bag into the back seat. “Won’t quite be living with her. Separate entrance. Trick said Juliet brings the kid up sometimes, but you can tell he adores the shit out of her, so I’m not worried about a hellspawn in the basement.” Zoey was right—it had been a while since I’d lived with kids, but with my upbringing, I’d been around them all the time. As one of the oldest, I’d had to help out. I hadn’t really thought about it, but I’d missed having a few of them around. I opened up the back hatch for Zoey.

“So basically, house full of dudes?” She slid the box in gently.

“Yup.” And to be honest, I was looking forward to it. I’d never had any issue with women. Women were awesome. But after this thing with Zoey and Sid? I could use a little break. I’d never been the kind of guy who felt he needed man time or some bullshit, but maybe it would be a good thing?

“So, like a frat house?”

I laughed, slamming the hatch shut before we made our way back up to the apartment. “Can you imagine Trick living in a frat house?”

Zoey pursed her lips, then shook her head. “Nope. Just…nope. Even if Trick didn’t give off heavy goth vibes, I’ve seen him in a Snuggie watching Star Trek and drinking hot chocolate. My imagination is pretty good, but picturing Trick in a frat house is a stretch.”

We got the last of my stuff out of the apartment and down the stairs to the car.

“But you don’t know anything about Van or Lou?”

I shook my head. “Nope.”

“Well, based on Trick, it doesn’t sound like you’re moving into the testosterone jungle.”

I shrugged. Maybe not, but I was ready for it. I needed it—a big change.

Once I got everything situated in the SUV, I pulled Zoey in for a final hug.

“Call me when you get to Seattle, okay?”

I gave her another squeeze.

“I mean it, Dec. I know you need a break, but at least let me know you arrived in one piece.”

“I promise to check in when I get there, and give you proof of life at least once a week. Okay?” When I caught her eyes, she looked lost. “I’m not going to the moon, Zo. Seattle is what, three, maybe four hours away from Portland? Once things calm down, you can catch the train up.” Zoey didn’t own a car, but Sid did. I took a deep breath. “Or Sid can drive you up. We’ll…we’ll figure it out.” She was my sister. And while I firmly believed a break would do us both good, it wouldn’t be forever. We would both make sure we worked through it.