Gabby had been spending most of her time at Zay's place anyway. Her candles were taking over his guest room, and they'd gotten used to falling asleep together every night. Still, when Zay hit her with the idea, it caught her off guard.
It was late one night, and they were chillin' on the couch. She was curled up under his arm, scrolling through her phone while they half-watched a movie. Zay muted the TV and looked at her.
"Ayo, Gabby," he said, his voice low but serious.
"What's up?" she asked, glancing up at him.
He rubbed his chin like he was thinking hard. "I been tryna figure out how to say this... but I'ma just come out with it. Move in with me."
Gabby froze, her heart skipping a beat. "Zay... what?"
"You heard me," he said, leaning forward a little. "You already here all the time. You got your business running out my crib. It just makes sense, Gabby."
She sat up straight, her mind racing. "That's a big step, Zay."
He nodded, his gaze locking with hers. "I know it is. But I'm ready for it. You been doin' everything on your own for so long, Gabby. You don't have to anymore. Let me help you. Let me take care of you."
Gabby looked away, her chest feeling tight. "I don't know, Zay. I ain't never had nothin' like this before... like us. It's scary."
Zay scooted closer, gently taking her hand in his. "I get that. But you ain't gotta do it alone no more. You trust me, right?"
She nodded slowly. "Yeah, I do."
"Then let's do this," he said softly. "You already my girl, Gabby. This just makes it real."
The Next Morning
Gabby sat at the small kitchen table in her apartment, looking around at the cozy space she'd made her own. She had worked hard for this place, and it had been her first real home. The walls were filled with memories, and everything in it represented her growth and independence.
As she gazed around, she felt a mix of emotions. She was gonna miss this apartment. It had been her safe space, her blessing. But at the same time, she knew she was ready. This next step wasn't just about leaving a place—it was about building a future with Zay.
With a deep breath, she grabbed her phone and sent Zay a text.
"I'm in."
Later That Day
Zay pulled up to her apartment with his SUV, his usual confident grin on full display. He stepped out, pulling her into a hug.
"See? I told you," he said, kissing her forehead. "You was gonna come around."
Gabby rolled her eyes but couldn't hide her smile. "Whatever, Zay."
They spent the whole afternoon packing up her belongings. As they loaded the last box into the car, Gabby took one last look around the apartment.
"You good?" Zay asked, noticing her pause.
"Yeah," she said, nodding. "Just... I'm gonna miss this place."
Zay slid an arm around her waist. "I get it. This was your spot, your start. But what we got next? It's gon' be even better. Trust me."
She smiled at him, feeling his words sink in. He was right.
When they got back to Zay's place and unloaded the last box, he stood back and looked at her. "This it, Gabby. This your home now. You ain't gotta worry about nothin'. I got you."
Gabby looked around the place she already knew so well. It felt different now, like it really was hers too. She turned to Zay, her smile soft but real.
"Thanks, Zay. For... everything."
He smirked, pulling her close. "Ain't gotta thank me, baby. Just know you right where you supposed to be."
Gabby leaned into him, feeling something she hadn't felt in a long time: safe.
To Be Continued...
