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“That’s weird. Your passcode is my birthday.”

He glances over at me, sliding his glasses up his nose. “Huh. Funny coincidence.”

I shake off the weirdness and call to place the order. Since it’s going to be twenty or so minutes before it’s ready, I have Zav drop me by Luna’s shop since it’s on the way and get some of her treats for later.

Once we have the food, we head straight back home and Zav pulls up to the elevator to let me off with the stuff before he goes to park, so we don’t have to carry it all the way over here.

While I wait for him to return, a text comes from Ava.

Ava: Be there in 10!

I’m excited to see her and have some much-needed girl time, but I’m not sure I’m ready for the nebula that is going to be her and Zav together.

“Stop touching it!” Ava slaps Zav’s hand as he reaches for his face mask once again.

We’re sprawled on the couch looking like we just stepped out of Phantom of the Opera with our white face masks. Zav insisted on participating in girl’s night and now is facing the consequences of his actions.

“It’s been five minutes,” he whines. “You’re telling me I need to wait longer to be pretty?”

“Beauty is pain and patience.” Ava folds her hands across her chest and settles back into the couch cushions. “Plus, you know you’re a pretty princess already, so shut up.”

“Aw, am I?” He bats his lashes at her, flashing her a winning smile.

They’ve been going back and forth since she arrived. It started with him sneaking a bite of her enchilada and her hangry self retaliating by making him do masks with us. Truth be told I think he enjoys it.

“Should we throw a movie on before I head home?” Ava asks.

“You know it.” I grin.

Between my boxing session and having Ava here, it’s been a welcome distraction, and I already feel much better about everything than I did when I woke up this morning. Ava has made it a point not to bring up the break-in which I appreciate. For now, I’m happy to stay ignorant and enjoy this time with my people.

The movie starts—an early 2000’s rom-com—and Zav hops up to stick some popcorn in the microwave. When it’s all popped he settles between us with a giant bowl for us all to share from.

“I think I like girl’s night,” he muses.

Ava pats his arm. “Oh, sweetie. This is only the tip of the iceberg of what girl’s night can be.”

He gives her a dopey grin. “I can’t wait for the next one.”

CHAPTER 20

ZAVIER

“That is not edible. It’s still hard!” I protest, spitting out the pasta.

I might not have to eat human food for sustenance, but if I’m going to then it ought to taste good.

“It’s called al dente.” She pouts her perfect pink lips. “It’s supposed to have some form. If we cook it like you want it’ll be a mushy, wet mess. Trust the process.” Celine grabs the pot of boiling pasta and strains it through the colander sitting in the sink.

After a grocery run this afternoon, due to the lack of products in my fridge and pantry, we swung by Luna’s so Celine could get some coffee and I could sneak some blood bags.

When we got back, Celine made quick work of putting everything away. I grinned the entire time, because whether she realizes it or not she feels at home with me.

After she decided she wanted pasta, we began cooking together side by side. It’s an oddly intimate activity, which I hadn’t expected. Celine brushing against me to grab a utensil, me reaching over her to grab a hard-to-reach plate, and small smiles she sends my way every now and then.

She’s letting her guard down little by little.

Midnight observes from his perch on top of the fridge like he’s Gordon Ramsey. Every little bit, he’ll interject like we’ve gone about the process wrong. Cat thinks he’s a human, I swear.