Mike gaped for a moment, then recovered and smiled softly in Zoey’s direction as she swore at a bolt that refused to tighten properly. He looked back to Vickie, and she was surprised at the troubled look in his eyes.

“Be careful about labels, Vickie. They can be traps, especially if one of you decides they want more than just casual benefits. That they don’t want to sneak around anymore. If you’re in a relationship, own it. Don’t hide it.”

She touched his arm. “You want more from Zoey?”

He hesitated again, then nodded.

“And she doesn’t?” That surprised Vickie. Zoey wasn’t the casual sort when it came to relationships, friendship or otherwise. She was an all-in type.

“I don’t know. I don’t think so. She always brings up Hazel, and that stops the conversation cold.”

“For who? You or Zoey?”

He chewed his lip for a moment. “I think she uses it to stop the talking, and I don’t push past it. So...both?”

“Hey, Mike?” Gordy called. “I think we have this thing assembled. Can you help me get the box springs and mattress onto the frame?”

He excused himself from Vickie and went to help finish the bed. Zoey directed them where to place it, and the four of them stood together, admiring the finished product.

Vickie had tacked glittery trim along the edges of the headboard and footboard, and glued big rhinestones over the buttons anchoring the quilted upholstery. It didn’t look like a “little girl” bed. It was more of a sparkly grown-up one.

Zoey embraced Vickie tightly. “Thank you so much. Hazel will love it.”

Vickie looked at Gordy, who’d been careful not to act affectionate since they’d arrived. He was being a perfect gentleman, following her request to keep their relationship quiet. Then she looked to Mike, who slid his arm around Zoey’s waist, but still had a shadow behind his eyes. Vickie had told Rick earlier that she was going to warn Mike not to break Zoey’s heart. But the heartbreak might be heading in the other direction.

“Gordy and I are together,” she announced. It felt good to say it out loud and make it real, even if the words earned her three stunned expressions.

“Okay, then.” Gordy laughed, his eyes warm. “I guess we’re official.”

“Uh...” Mike hesitated, giving Vickie a quizzical look before nodding in approval. “Congratulations.”

“Definitely congratulations in my direction,” Gordy answered, his gaze still on Vickie. “I got lucky, and then some.”

Zoey folded her arms. “After the guilt trip you sent me on a few hours ago when you found out about Mike and I? You even played the godmother card on me. And this whole time, you and Gordy have been...” Her brows lowered. “What exactly have you been doing?”

“We’ve been screwing, Zoey. Old people still do that, you know.”