Page 64 of Honest Boys Don’t Play

Daire, with Sammy in his arms, says to Luke, “Want to introduce me to your new teammate?”

Luke shakes his head and the two of them walk off.

Bouncing on her toes, Rosie says, “Show me the new place.”

“I can’t believe you’re here.” I lead her toward the set of stairs outside that go to the apartment.

“I know you probably think I’m insane, but I was so sad last night, and Daire suggested we go ahead and drive your car here and help you get settled. We’ll help unbox anything you need and Daire can help Luke with heavy lifting. I do so love to see his biceps flex.” She laughs.

“You have a wedding right around the corner,” I remind her. “You need to focus on that, not me.”

She waves a hand dismissively. “That’s what the wedding planner is for.”

Opening the door into our space I let Rosie follow in behind me. “Well, this is it.”

It’s a small space, but bigger than I expected. The kitchen, living, and bedroom area are all connected with only the bathroom closed off. Everything is done in hues of blue, yellow, and white—colors I would’ve easily picked on my own had I been decorating. It’s pure luck that Kayla and I apparently share a similar style.

“This is so cute,” Rosie squeals, taking it in. “The couch is adorable.” She plops on the couch that’s only big enough for two—maybe three at the most. She rubs her fingers along the fabric on the arm. “I think this is probably custom for the space.”

“Wouldn’t surprise me,” I agree.

“What are some things you’d like for the space?” she asks. “Maybe a rug?”

“I was thinking about a rug for here and the bedroom area,” I confess. “I thought it might help separate things.”

She stands, assessing the space with her arms crossed over her chest. “We could hang a curtain here too if you wanted more separation—if you’re allowed to.”

“Kayla said I was welcome to do what I wanted with the space, but I don’t want to do anything too permanent.”

Rosie taps her chin. “I have something in mind that I think could work if you’re down for it.”

“I’m cool with whatever.”

“It looks like you need a dresser too,” she muses, and I’m sure she’s making a mental list. “What about towels and stuff? Did you bring anything from Luke’s?”

“No, it’s his mom’s stuff. She told us to take some, but I wasn’t going to do that.”

Rosie hums. “What about art? I like to have art on the walls, but maybe that’s not important to you.”

I look around. “Art would be good.”

“All right.” She nods, still looking around and taking everything in. “Is there anything else you need for baby boy?”

“I think we’re all covered there.”

“Perfect.” She claps her hands together. “There’s enough room outside on the little deck before you come in for a table, is that something you’d like?”

“I hadn’t really thought about it.”

Yanking her keys from her pocket, she says, “Let’s go shopping.”

I’m not sure the At Home store knows what to do with Hurricane Rosie hitting it. I basically follow along beside her and let her pile things into the cart. Most of it is far from necessity items, but after all, it’s the small décor pieces that start to make a place feel like a home.

“Here,” she says suddenly, stepping away from the cart. “I need to get another cart.”

“Another?” I sputter.

“Yep,” she says, already ten feet away from me. “Be right back.” She returns a few minutes later with a few items already thrown into the new cart.