Page 86 of Haze of Obedience

"You did."

"I don't think so."

"You have. And you're welcome."

Silence.

"I had a lot of fun today. It's...I don't remember the last time I had fun."

"I'm glad you enjoyed it. I did too."

"You did?"

"Yes. You've always brought fun into my life. But as much as I love your music and shows, the real Zoe Diego is more than I imagined."

"In a good way?"

"In the best way. And what I imagined was pretty awesome."

She reaches up and gives me a slow-burning, I need more, take all of me because I want to be yours forever, kiss.

I deepen it but then pull back.

She hasn't had a real bathroom or shower in months. Let her enjoy it.

"Go take a hot shower."

"Ummm...o...okay."

I flip the switch on. "There's toiletries here unless you want what's in my bag?"

"Those will be fine."

I turn the shower on, pull the towels off the top shelf, and set them on the counter. "Don't use all the hot water," I tease.

Her face drops.

"Only kidding. You can use all of it if you want."

She smiles, but it looks a little forced.

She probably wants you to get out of the bathroom so she can relax.

"Enjoy."

I step out, shut the door, and exhale. Using the flashlight, I check the bed. The linens are fresh, and I do a victory pump in the air.

Good. Zoe can have a decent place to sleep tonight.

How long has it been since she’s had a bed?

I shine the light around the room and find the mini-fridge. It's full of alcohol, a few bottles of water, mixers, and there are packages of nuts and candy.

Guess we have dessert.

But Zoe shouldn't be around the alcohol.

There is no plan, but I remove the bottles and put them on top of the desk. I'm debating about what to do with them when Zoe quietly says, "What are you doing?"