“I guess.” Caleb shrugged. “Doesn’t mean he’s not a total douche.”

Back at the dorm, Archer needed time to himself—the role of peacekeeper-slash-doormat was really beginning to wear on him, and he’d had enough of the fucking drama. He took a long shower, dawdling until he knew Caleb and the B-Boys would be gone, then headed back to the room and its solitude.

Unfortunately, the events of the night continued to loop through his brain, so it was a welcome distraction when his phone buzzed with a message from Lynn. Archerrrrr! How are you? How are things?

He flopped onto his pillow, considering. His moment with Mateo felt too private to share, and he really didn’t want to rehash all the mind-numbing dance troupe dramatics. Hey! They’re okay … but what about you? How’s living with Sasha going?

Lynn had reported earlier that the transition was fairly seamless, although Sasha was not happy with the way Lynn hand-washed her delicates and hung them up to dry around the apartment, and they could not agree on what brand of coffee to brew at home.

It’s good! Lynn replied. Really good. That’s actually sort of what I wanted to talk to you about. Sasha said I should move in permanently. So … I don’t think I’m going to renew the lease on my apartment.

Archer’s stomach curdled.

I’m really sorry, Lynn continued. It doesn’t make sense to keep living in that shithole when I’m proposing to Sasha anyway, you know? And who can say when it will even get fixed. My lease is up in three months and I’m not going to renew it.

Archer cursed himself for not seeing this coming. Of course, Lynn was going to go live in Sasha’s much nicer apartment. With the impending proposal on top of the 9021-hole … Lynn had no reason to stick around. That makes sense, Archer replied. Thanks for letting me know.

But you can still crash with us until
you find a place.

Thanks, but I wouldn’t want to impose on
the newly engaged! Speaking of which, do
you have a new proposal plan?

Yes! Okay, I was thinking we
should go away somewhere! For
like a weekend, a mini-vacation,
something romantic and not
too far.

Love that idea! Archer dutifully helped Lynn brainstorm ideas—the Hamptons? Cape Cod?—but his stomach was swirling. Homeless. Jobless. Hopeless.

Okay, I’ll keep you posted if I book anything, Lynn said as their brainstorming wound down. And don’t worry, your plants are doing great! They love Sasha’s. Lots more light. You should see the grin on little Spot’s face.

Good to hear. Thanks, Lynnie. Night. He was putting his phone down when there was a sharp knock at his door. He jumped a mile. “Come in?”

The door pushed open. It was Mateo.