But there’s definitely something intriguing about having Chase here. Little things I notice here and there. How the bathroom towels on the rack are squared and fussed over when they’re usually crooked. How the dishwasher is loaded with all like silverware in each section of the tray. How I smell faint traces of her perfume at the oddest times. Almost as if it’s slowly weaving its way through every molecule of air so that when she leaves, traces of her will be everywhere.

“You getting any sleep, Romeo? I’m sure it’s more than taxing to ignore your new houseguest?” Ellie asks, fighting her knowing smile.

“It’s not like that.” She levels me with a look, and I laugh. “Okay. It is like that . . . but she’s been sick, so it’s been pretty chill.”

“Pretty chill as in she rides you reverse cowgirl so as not to breathe germs in your face—”

“Jesus, Ell,” I sputter. “I can’t believe you just said that.”

“Why? Sometimes you have needs even when you’re sick.” Her shrug is followed by a laugh that tells me she’s enjoying making me uncomfortable way more than I am.

“Is this the part where I put my hands over my ears and pretend I can’t hear you so the visual isn’t scarred into my brain?”

“Well, every time the two of you look at each other, I’m well aware of what your eyes are saying you want to do when you get back home. Bow chicka wow wow.”

“You are—”

“Awesome. Indispensable. The one you can’t live without?” She gives me a Cheshire Cat grin and all I can do is laugh.

“Exactly. Those were exactly the words that came to mind.” I wave to Robbie, who runs out onto the turf area where some of the friends he’s made are hanging out. It’s that limbo period between the school bus dropping them off and practice actually starting.

“He’s doing well,” Ellie says, catching my line of sight.

“He is. I think his dad has a tough row to hoe, so I’m sure he’ll have his ups and downs. Luckily he’s here and the other kids understand what it’s like.”

“Thanks to you and what you created.”

I glance over to her. Praise is rare from Ellie, kind words about me even more so, so I just stare at her and narrow my eyes. “You feeling okay?”

“Yes. No. I just thought you ought to know you’ve done good here with this place.”

“Ellie, don’t tell me you’re leaving me,” I say as panic fills me.

She laughs and swats at my arm. “Don’t be silly. Although I may leave you for Chase if she comes through with that sponsorship she’s talked about,” she teases.