Fatal Wounds

2

Theo

"I got you something." Brian grins sipping on a martini. He's visited me at the hotel everyday since I've been here. Most likely for the free buffet and bar.

I eye him skeptically. "What is it?" He doesn't hold a good reputation for gift giving. He gifted me hot pink seat covers for my car on my birthday and a box of baby tarantulas for Christmas. 

"More like who is it?" He corrects holding a finger in the air as he finishes off his drink. "This hotel is very nice, don't get me wrong. But you've been here almost a month."

"A month of you getting free food every day. You should be grateful." I scoff, taking the last drink of my own beverage.

"I am, but it's time for you to get your own place." He looks at his nonexistent watch and places his hands on his lap. "She should be here any minute."

"Who?" My eyes flicker over to my phone where the time reads 11:00 am.

He flags down a waitress and orders a few more drinks then turns to me. "Your realtor."

"I don't have one." I deadpan, "and I don't need one. I'm perfectly fine here for the time being." I lean back and survey the large relatively empty dining area. February is right around the corner which means it'll be getting busier as Valentine's rolls around.

Brian turns serious, "look Theo, you know I love you man, but this is getting sad. Just meet with the realtor tell her what kind of place you're looking for and she'll bring you a listing." I mull over his words and drop my head against the headrest when I realize he's right.

This is sad.

I don't even have all that much of my things with me. All I picked up were my clothes and my personal things. Everything that was used by both Clarissa and I was left to her. So even if I do get my own place it'll be empty which is partly why I've been putting it off.

Brian nudges my leg with his own. "It'll be fine." Despite the playful look on his face I can hear the seriousness underlying his words. He rolls his eyes, "it's not like you don't have the money to get a new place. Hell, you have enough money to get me a new place."

"Alright fine." I mumble sitting back up, "I'll meet with the realtor."

Brian sends me a look, "it wasn't an option. You're meeting with her and getting a new place."

The involuntary quirk of my lips is enough to have him grinning. Brian's always had the power to lift my mood. Ever since I can remember he'd be the one turning my frowns into grins.

"I'll look into apartments not any houses." I tell Brian. What's the point of having a house all to myself? An apartment is perfect for this stage of my life.

"If you're lonely just say so." He hides his grin as he adds, "your next gift will be a cat."

My eyes turn to slits as I pin him with a stare. "Brian I swear to god you better not get me a fucking cat. You'll be the one looking after it."

"Can't." He shakes his head. "I'm allergic."

"No the fuck you ain't." I scowl at him. "If you so much as think of buying a cat you'll know what it's like to live with that thing because I will not hesitate to call animal control." Would I actually call animal control? Probably not, I'd probably cave when taking one look at its face and let it say in the corner or something.

He rolls his eyes but quickly sits up straight. "Here she comes. Be on your best behavior try not to scare her away." His eyes are trained behind me as he flashes his perfect smile, popping a dimple while waving. "Ms Flores." He stands and sticks an arm out. "We spoke over the phone."