He’s become a big part of my life, just like his owner. I hadn’t even realized it until this morning when Enya smiled proudly at me and said she’s happy I finally found something to keep me busy.

Elias definitely keeps me busy. He’s part of my everyday, whether I like it or not. I can’t remember when I started feeling like I have no other choice than to be around him.

But I can totally recall the day Avocado and I met. It was actually the day after we got way too drunk and we went to his parents’ for dinner. He said Avocado was the reason he left town. I didn’t ask more questions, I just let the dog throw himself at me and cover me in kisses.

“When can I move in?” Elias suddenly asks, shaking me from my memories and surprising Cora, who hadn’t even finished her tour.

It doesn’t surprise me that Elias likes it. It’s right by his parents’ neighborhood and has everything you need nearby.

“Uh…” Cora was definitely not expecting that. “Today?” She shrugs, looking through her papers.

Elias nods and sighs in relief. He puts his hands on his hips while he takes a moment to look around him.

“The smile on your face creeps me out.” I cringe and he chuckles, making my heart beat a little faster.

“Come over here. You have to see it from where I’m standing.” He motions for me to join him and I cross the room.

He’s got a point. From where we’re standing, the beautiful kitchen is to our left, the ugliest couch on earth is in front of us, and a couple of shelves are to the right.

“So, what do you think?” He turns to me, looking directly into my eyes. It feels like he can see into my soul.

I shrug, not really knowing what to say. “As long as you like—”

“I asked what you think.” His eyebrows shoot up.

Cora excuses herself, telling us she’ll get the paperwork in order. We both nod and as soon as she’s gone Elias pierces me with his gaze again.

I saved up all the money earned from my practice just for this moment. To look at my house.

“I love it,” I say, “but this couch is fucking hideous.”

Elias laughs at that, nodding in agreement. Well, I’m glad we’re on the same page about that.

“Like really ugly,” he says.

“So ugly,” I whisper when I hear Cora approaching.

We all sit down on the awful couch for the next thirty minutes. Elias signs the papers and Cora talks about the next steps, which are pretty easy to follow. Since he’s buying it, he can do whatever he wants with it.

Cora sits up, a contented smile on her face. “Well, that was the fastest sale I’ve ever had.”