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I pull away. “We can just be us if you want.”
West smirks. Then he slowly starts to nod. “Yeah, us. That’s got a nice ring to it.”
I study his face for a moment. “You know, West … I wonder if maybe that sensation in your heart … maybe it’s just your spiritual way of expressing restlessness. Some significant part of you might still be searching for your purpose.” I nod, more sure of it. “Maybe I was just the beginning, us meeting and becoming friends. Maybe you have a whole journey still waiting to be taken.”
“A journey, huh?” West considers it. “There is so much more I wanted to experience …”
“And I’ll help you do it. Hey, look, you grew a garden in the place you fear the most: that fire escape. You are changing, too. We all have fears we’ve got to face someday.” I punch him in the arm. “This is your journey. Your purpose still awaits you, even as a ghost.”
West smiles, inspired by that. “Maybe you’re right, Griff. Damn, you’re smart.”
I rub his arm. “Nah. I just want you to be satisfied so I can get back to my show.”
West’s smile flat-lines.
“Now, if you don’t mind, I got four measly minutes left.” I snatch the remote from his hand and resume the show. West chuckles, throws an arm over the back of the couch, then joins me for the rest of my episode.
The moment the episode ends, there’s a knock at the door. West smiles knowingly at me. “Time for me to fuck off. Thanks for the pep talk. Also, I have no idea what Byron’s issue is, because that show is amazing.”
“Right??”
We’re off the couch the next instant. I stand behind the door, ready to welcome Byron. From near the fire escape window, West gives me an adorable little salute, winks at me, then blows out his candle, vanishing into wherever ghosts go without fire.
Staring in his direction still, I smirk privately to myself. I have the perfect birthday present planned for West and he doesn’t even know.
I can’t fucking wait for Halloween.
After running a hand through my hair, checking my breath, and putting on a smile, I open the door.
Byron stands there in all his handsome, hunky glory with a bouquet of orange and purple roses. “Hey, love. Got a vase for some freaky Halloween flowers?”
I pull my man to my lips for a kiss, drunken with happiness. “You’re the best boyfriend in the world. A bouquet of freaky flowers?!” I give the colorful roses a deep sniff. “Have I told you I love you lately?”
“Me or the roses?” Byron chuckles and kisses me again. “I’ll find a vase.”
As Byron slips past me, I catch my landlord’s eyes across the hall. Dear Mrs. Shaheen stands at her door, a curious yet distant and contemplative expression on her face. She leans on her cane, purses her lips and studies me for a while, silent.
I cross my arms and lean against my doorframe, smiling. “Good evening, Mrs. Shaheen. Are you looking forward to Halloween in another week?”
She doesn’t respond at first. Then she lifts her chin and adopts an inquisitive smirk. “I’m rather surprised you lasted your whole first year, Mr. James.”
“Are you? Hmm. I guess I just really like this place. Great location. My boyfriend works just down the street and lives within walking distance from here. I love it.”
Her hair is especially frizzy today. “I thought by now you surely would have moved in with him. And yet here you are, still … occupying that old apartment.”
I shrug. “I’m sure we’ll cross that bridge someday.”
“The offer is always on the table,” she tells me. “If you change your mind. If you realize signing the lease for yet another year was a mistake. If suddenly the door to the spirit world opens far wider than you ever could have dreamed in your worst and most tormenting of nightmares …” Her eyes narrow. “I will understand.”
Byron whistles to himself in the apartment behind me as he sets the table for dinner. He found the perfect vase for the roses, which he set on the table right by the window where we’ll eat. Elsewhere in the apartment, or on the fire escape, I’m sure West is likely lounging by himself, content with his existence and pondering what his true purpose might be—which I am certain he will someday discover. And I look forward to every second I get to spend with both of those amazing guys.
I face Mrs. Shaheen, self-assured. “Actually, I think I’ll be sticking around for a while.”
The End.
