Page 22 of One

“Why not?” His continuous resistance, instead of annoying me, amuses and beguiles me.

“It’s a police matter, you can’t come. And don’t you have to work?”

Looking down at him, I state, “I’m the boss.” Because of his incredulous expression, I add, “If you waste more time, we’re going to be late.”

He releases a long sigh and turns toward the sink, mumbling something under his breath. I kiss his head, grab a towel, and clean myself on the way to the living room. I find my jeans on the sofa and pull them on, then grab my phone from the coffee table.

I hear the shower on, and although I’d prefer Michael to carry my scent all day, I don’t want to spook him. I need to tread carefully. I know he can feel the weak bond between us, but he’s also puzzled by it. I need to make it stronger before pushing all the way. Linda taught me everything about how to sabotage, trick, and manipulate, but she also showed me how to be patient, how to read other people—which was the most tedious and hardest task my mothers gave me—and wait for the right time.

Pulling out my phone, I see three missed calls from Rami and a bunch of texts in our “Fosters and Not Bros” group chat. I reluctantly open the chat and start reading last night’s exchange.

Rami-Yo, check for signs of the end of the world because the unthinkable happened!

Gabe-You finally shaved that Big Lebowski beard?

Rague-You accidentally burned all your gloves

Uri-Guys at the coffee shop finally got your name right

Sari-Any of our names right

Gabe-They get mine

Uri-How do you know? You always send your assistant to do lowly errands

Rami-They don’t screw up my name anymore thanks to that famous actor, Rami something

Uri-Malek. Rami Malek.He was good in Bohemian Rhapsody

Sari-What’s that?

Gabe-Sari, less work more fun

Uri-Look who’s talking, the Devil’s Advocate

Rami-All of you pause your chicken brains and thumbs for a second.

Rague-Chicken don’t have thumbs

Rami-It’s about Raph, for fuck’s sake!

Sari-Is he in trouble?

Gabe-What did he do now?

Uri-A mystery needing to be solved

Rami-Inner eye rolling, Uri

Uri-Is the eye rolling a hint?

Rami-Apple should make a flip off emoji

Rague-Tell Raph I have two gallons of acid with whoever-shitty-fucker’s name on it in my car

Why did they all assume I screwed up? I can be impulsive, risky, and show little concern for the consequences of my actions, but they are not that much better.

Rami-All wrong. Wait for it, drum roll please… he has a boy toy!!!