Melanie

I clear the empty pizza boxes from the table, stacking them neatly as Mallory stands up to help me. She gathers the wine glasses and plates, and carries them into the kitchen, and I follow right behind her. Mallory places the glasses in the dishwasher as I dispose of the empty boxes, the rhythmic clink of dishes filling the air.

"I really missed you, Mel," Mallory says, her voice soft with sincerity.

I smile at her, feeling a warmth spread through me. "I really missed you too," I admit, my heart swelling with affection. "I hate that you're living so far away, but I'm so happy for you. And I know Adam takes good care of you."

Mallory returns my smile, her eyes sparkling. "He does," she agrees. "And I hope you find someone who takes care of you too."

I feign nonchalance, shrugging lightly. "Someday," I reply, trying to keep my tone light. "I'm not in a rush."

"I get that," Mallory says understandingly. "But I would hate for you to miss out on someone great. Sometimes what we think we want and what we really need aren't the same thing."

I sigh softly, feeling the weight of her words settle over me. "I just... I don't want to make any decisions I might regret later," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper.

Mallory looks at me thoughtfully, her expression gentle. "I don't think you will," she says firmly, her confidence unwavering. "You deserve to be happy."

"Just so we're clear, Mal," I say, my voice tinted with amusement. "You are talking about Marcus, right?"

Mallory's cheeks flush slightly, and she nods shyly. "Yes," she confirms. "I am."

"I know you're rooting for me and Marcus," I say to Mallory, my voice tinged with gratitude, "but I need some time."

Mallory's brows furrow in concern as she asks, "Are you thinking about getting back together with Daniel?"

I shake my head firmly, the thought sending a shiver down my spine. "No," I say quickly, the word slipping out before I can stop it.

Mallory mumbles under her breath, "That's what you said the first time."

"It was different then," I reply, my voice firm. "This time, it's over for good."

Mallory's gaze softens, and she reaches out to squeeze my hand reassuringly. "I really want you to get together with Marcus," she says earnestly. "But honestly, right now, you breaking up with Daniel and never getting back together with him is enough."

A small smile tugs at my lips as I lean in to hug her. "Thank you," I whisper, feeling a wave of gratitude wash over me.

Mallory pulls back, a warm smile on her face. "Don't mention it," she says, her eyes filled with affection. "Just keep me in the loop when something happens in your life, okay?"

I feel a pang of guilt as I realize how much I've kept Mallory in the dark about my relationship—or whatever this thing is—between Marcus and me. "I will," I promise her.

"We should get going," Mallory announces, her voice tinged with exhaustion. "We're a little tired after the trip."

"Sure, you should go and rest," I reply, nodding in understanding.

Mallory smiles gratefully. "I'll see Kylie tomorrow," she says, "and how about we meet on Tuesday?"

"Sounds good," I agree, relieved to have plans to see her again soon.

After another warm hug, Mallory and I walk out of the kitchen together. "Ready to go, baby?" Mallory asks Adam.

"Yes," Adam replies, standing up from his seat.

He walks over to me, wrapping me in a hug. "We had a great time," he tells me sincerely. " We'll see you again soon. Your apartment looks great, Melanie. I hope you'll enjoy it."

"Thank you," I say, genuinely touched by his words.

Adam then turns to Mallory, wrapping his arm around her waist and pulling her close. Mallory gazes up at him with adoration, a look that makes my heart ache with longing. They're so damn cute. Walking them to the door, we exchange good nights, and as I close the door behind them, I close my eyes and let out a sigh, feeling a mix of emotions swirling within me.

I open my eyes, a single thought consuming my mind: I should text Marcus, ask him to come over. His presence is like a drug, and right now, I need my fix.

Walking to the coffee table, I retrieve my phone and sink onto the couch, pulling my legs up to my side. With trembling fingers, I type out a message, "I missed you."

Staring at the screen, I watch as the little bubbles appear, indicating that Marcus is typing. His message comes through, and my heart skips a beat as I read his words: "I missed you so much it hurts."

A smile spreads across my face as I type back, "Will you come over?"

Almost immediately, Marcus responds, "I thought you would never ask."

I chuckle softly to myself, feeling a warmth spreading through me. He makes me so genuinely happy.

Another text from Marcus appears on my screen, and I eagerly read his words, "I'll gather some things and be right there."

I quickly type back, "I can't wait," because it's true—I can't wait to see him.

Marcus

I'm stuffing clothes into my duffel bag in a hurry, my mind racing with anticipation. As I turn around to grab my charger from my desk, I'm met with the sight of Natalie leaning on the door frame, a mischievous grin playing on her lips.

"Oh, for fuck's sake, can't I have some privacy?" I exclaim, frustration evident in my tone.

My father walks by my door, chuckling softly. "When you get your own place, buddy," he remarks, his tone filled with amusement.

Natalie chuckles in response, and I roll my eyes, trying to ignore her presence as I focus on gathering my things.

"What'cha doin'?" Natalie asks, her tone teasing.

I shoot her a pointed look. "What does it look like I'm doing?" I retort, my voice tinged with annoyance.

Natalie raises an eyebrow, unfazed by my irritation. "Off to spend the night with Melanie?" she suggests with a smirk.

I sigh, realizing there's no escaping her prying questions. "Just be quiet," I mutter, already regretting my admission. "And yes."

Natalie's smirk widens. "I thought you guys were taking things slow," she comments slyly. "If that's slow, what's fast? Getting married?"

I resist the urge to roll my eyes again, feeling the frustration bubbling within me. "Cut it out, Nat," I snap, my patience wearing thin. "I'm not going to complain that I get to spend the night with Melanie, even though she said she wants to take things slow."

Natalie throws her hands up in surrender, her grin still firmly in place. "Just asking," she says innocently, though her eyes twinkle with mischief.

I glare at her, silently willing her to drop the subject. Natalie's grin only widens in response, and I resist the urge to throttle her as I zip up my bag and sling it over my shoulder.

I walk towards the door, where Natalie is still standing, seemingly blocking my way. Irritation courses through me, but I try to stay calm as I address her. "May I?" I ask through gritted teeth, my tone strained.

Natalie steps aside, still grinning. "But, of course," she says, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

I make my way hurriedly downstairs, my heart racing with anticipation. Just as I reach for the front door, my mother's voice stops me in my tracks.

"Where are you going, Marcus?" she asks, her tone filled with concern.

"I won't sleep here tonight," I state firmly, my tone leaving no room for argument.

My mother's brow furrows in confusion. "That's not what I asked," she replies gently.

Natalie, standing in the middle of the staircase and leaning on the railing, chimes in with a teasing tone. "Yeah, Marcus, that's not what she asked."

I curse under my breath, shooting Natalie a glare before turning back to my mother. "I'm going to a friend's house," I tell her, hoping to end the interrogation.

My mother raises an eyebrow, her expression curious. "Which friend?" she inquires.

Natalie, clearly enjoying my discomfort, adds her own commentary. "Which friend, Marcus?"

I rub the back of my head, feeling the pressure mounting. "You don't know her," I admit reluctantly.

My mother's eyes widen in surprise. "So, it's a her, huh?" she remarks, a hint of amusement in her voice. "And she's just a friend?"

I nod, feeling a twinge of irritation at the implication. "Yes," I confirm, my tone firm.

Natalie snorts, earning another glare from me. I turn back to my mother, hoping to put an end to this conversation. "We're taking things slow," I explain.

My mother chuckles softly, her eyes warm with understanding. "It's okay, honey," she reassures me. "I hope I'll meet her someday, soon."

"I hope so too," I reply sincerely, feeling a sense of relief wash over me.

My mother's eyes lighten, and she nods towards the door. "Go on then," she says gently. "Have a good night."

"Goodnight, Mom," I say, offering her a small smile as I turn towards the door.

"Goodnight, Marcus," my mother replies, her voice filled with warmth.

With one last glance back at my home, I step out into the cool night air, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through me. I can't wait to see Melanie, to hold her in my arms again.