“Let’s get out of here before the cops come.” Austin unlocked his car and everyone went back to the spots they were in before, except Tinsley. She got in between Parker and Endgame in the truck.

We were on the road, back to Austin’s place, when Caesar was finally able to stop the fits of laughter. “This is the most fun I’ve ever had during the week, in the sunlight.”

Austin tilted the rearview mirror and smiled at Caesar. “You guys are fucking awesome. I love you all.”

Fred clapped Austin on the shoulder and Fiona smiled.

Caesar leaned over to her. “Fee, what the hell did you say to them?”

Fiona shook her head. “That’s between me, them, and the devil.”

Austin caught my eye. “See what I mean? Ninja.”

Caesar leaned forward and covered my hand with his. “That was a toxic situation, Taylor. You okay?”

“Yeah. I mean, it was pretty screwed up. She really had me in my head.” I picked at some lint on Austin’s skirt.

Fiona covered Caesar's hand on top of mine. “You can’t give them your sanity. She’s an emotional vampire. I hate people like that.”

“You have such great friends,” I complimented Austin.

“I do. They’re ready for anything.” Austin switched gears and put on his blinker.

After we were parked, with Parker’s truck right behind Austin’s parking spot, we all got out.

Tinsley started picking through my stuff, finding things to carry. “Do we have to be butt ass naked to move her in, too?”

We all started laughing again as we brought my stuff inside.

Thankfully, we had time to use the elevator. It was weird to have all these very new-to-me people holding my stuff. I was pretty sure Caesar had a t-shirt stuffed with all of my bras and underwear. Endgame took the TV up, but after it was set in the living room, he disappeared into his bedroom.

Tinsley and Austin shared a pointed glance. He directed the group to put my things in his room.

After another trip, we had everything. Caesar clapped his hands loudly. “Well, this has made me a thirsty guy. How about a drunk lunch?”

Tinsley whooped. “I’m all in, baby.”

Caesar held out his arms to her. She hopped in them, straddling him.

Fiona and Fred were down as well, and Parker had to bow out because he said he had a job. I looked to Austin. I was spent, but I couldn’t imagine him passing up a chance with all these amazing friends.

Austin stepped closer to me and slung his arm around my shoulders. “Taylor and I have some stuff to work out.”

There was a collective groan and some good-natured cursing launched in our direction.

“You know that we’ll be drunk stupid later this week.” He appeased them as he herded them out.

“Thank you, thank you so much,” I called after them.