Page 171

Story: Anti-Hero

He shrugs a shoulder. “I told you, I had some free time.”
I pull out my phone to text Camden. “We need to get drinks somewhere with decent food. I worked through lunch, so I’m starving.”
In a very nonchalant, very non-Flynn manner, he tells me, “I’m good with whatever.”
“Rino’s?” I suggest, referring to his favorite hole-in-the-wall pizza place.
“That’s for takeout. Nowhere to sit and eat.”
“We can get takeout and bring it back to my place?” I suggest. “I’ve got plenty of booze there.”
“Isn’t that a non–bachelor pad now?”
“Doesn’t mean we can’t eat pizza and drink scotch. Plus, Collins is going out to dinner with Lili and some other friends tonight. She won’t be home until later.”
“Okay,” Flynn agrees, but it’s still lacking his usual enthusiasm.
This is more than me being absent lately. Something else is going on, but I don’t get the chance to press him on it before the town car appears to pick us up.
Thanks to some construction and a pizza detour, it takes twice as long as usual to get home. I thank Camden once we’re finally in the garage, letting him know I’m planning to drive in to work tomorrow.
When I glance back at Flynn, he’s entirely still, staring at the bay where my cars are parked.
“What isthat?”
I sigh, immediately knowing what he’s spotted. “They’re really practical for kids.”
“Kids, plural? I thought you were only having the one.”
“We are. But I figured, eventually, we’ll probably have another. And even for one, they’re great. Do you have any idea how much stuff babies need? Car seats and strollers and diapers and wipes and?—”
Flynn is staring at me, slowly shaking his head.
“You can watch movies in the back,” I say, which is probably the only feature he’ll appreciate.
Sure enough, he gives the silver minivan a second glance. “Glad it hassomethinggoing for it.”
I press the button for the elevator with my elbow, balancing thepizza boxes.
“Seen your sweary neighbor lady lately?” Flynn asks.
“I saw Edna this morning actually,” I reply. “She’ll be bummed she missed you.”
He chuckles as we step on the elevator. The smell of oregano, garlic, and cheese fills the confined space immediately, making my stomach rumble.
“Can you hold these?” I ask, passing the pizzas to Flynn once we’re in the hallway of the top floor.
I locate my keys, unlock the door, and hold it open for him.
“Huh,” Flynn says, glancing around the entryway. “It looks the same.”
I laugh. “What did you expect? She’d paint the whole place pink, then toss around some glitter?”
“I dunno. I’ve never lived with a chick before.”
“Here. I got those.” I take the boxes back from Flynn and carry them into the kitchen. “What do you want to drink?”
“Whatever you’re having,” he calls back.

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