Long Live the King

Twenty-Eight

"I'm guessing it's a bad sign," Adrienne said to Marshall, "when you forget your own apartment number. Do you think maybe I've been away too long?"

She found her place, only because the apartment to the left of hers had a dark brown door. All of the others were an odd shade of peach but that one had been replaced after the owner lost their key and kicked the door in instead of waiting for a locksmith.

"Probably not a great sign," Marshall agreed as he followed her in. He waited just inside the apartment, with his bag at his side. Adrienne headed directly for her bedroom, rapidly taking items out of her bag and putting them away. After a little time had passed she returned to the main area.

Mushroom rubbed herself against her owner's ankles, purring at high volume. With the last of her things tucked back into place in her little apartment, Adrienne stepped back, planted both hands on her hips, and smiled. She looked sideways at Marshall, who was lingering in front of the door.

"It feels so good to not be in the Mellow Isles right now," she said. She walked up to him. "Do you feel that?"

"Parts of that trip were very nice but I agree; I'm glad it's done."

"So good to be home," she said, emphatically throwing out her arms as she dropped into her recliner.

"And you're not in danger anymore" he added. Then he pulled a frown. "Which means that I can go home."

"Right," Adrienne said, letting her hands fall. "You can."

"I mean, I probably won't leave until tomorrow," he said. She turned her head to look at him.

"Marshall, we've been living together for almost two months now."

"I know."

"I really liked living alone."

"Oh," he said. "I can be out of your hair sooner if you want. I just figured one more day wouldn't hurt and the drive back home isn't something I wanted to do today so..."

"Marshall, I really liked living alone," she repeated. "But I honestly didn't mind having you around and it's going to be really weird to adjust to living without you--not seeing you everyday. Maybe by now it's even impossible to adjust."

"What are you saying?"

"I've been thinking about moving back to Bretterville. I love it there but I don't love it here either. I at least don't mind it there and then I would still get to see you and... I don't know where whatever this is--" She gestured at the both of them. "--is going to go but I... I want to be open to it." She stopped and laughed. "Is that just most noncommittal thing you've ever heard?"

"It's perfect." He smiled broadly. "It is more than enough for me."

"Okay." She smiled. "What do you want to do?"

"Well, I should probably ask you out while you're still open to it." He grinned. "I'd hate to miss my window. How do you feel about ice cream?"

"I like ice cream."

"Well then I would to buy you ice cream."

"I don't think so," she said. He raised his eyebrows and gave her a look. "It's my treat."

"We'll see." He extended a hand toward her, inviting her to join him. She reached forward, locking her fingers with his, and together they left the apartment with the door clicking shut behind them.

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