Melanie

Evie prowls around my desk, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "So, how's it going with the move?" she asks, her tone teasing.

I stretch, feeling the tension in my muscles as I lean back in my chair. "Exhausting," I admit, letting out a weary sigh.

Evie raises an eyebrow, a hint of amusement in her expression. "Is it now?" she replies. "Just moving a couple of duffel bags at a time, huh? You pulled off an entire move in a couple of days, and now you're exhausted?"

I shrug, feeling the weight of exhaustion settling over me like a heavy blanket. "Maybe it's all catching up with me," I mumble, rubbing my temples. "It's been a lot, anyway."

Evie nods in understanding, sympathy flickering in her eyes. "Tell me about it," she says, her voice tinged with frustration. "Even I feel tired from all that crap."

I nod in agreement, a yawn escaping me. "Not to mention, I really don't want to be moving Marcus' stuff in right now," I confess, the thought of it draining what little energy I have left.

Evie tilts her head, a curious expression crossing her face. "Did you change your mind?" she asks, her tone cautious.

I quickly shake my head, eager to dispel any doubts. "No, no, nothing like that," I assure her. "It's just... I'd prefer to spend my afternoons curled up on the couch, under a blanket with Marcus. You know, the fireplace lit, just enjoying each other's company."

Evie's eyes light up with understanding. "Oh," she says, a hint of mischief in her voice. "And with the snow falling non-stop, talk about an ideal romantic situation."

"Exactly," I reply, a wistful smile tugging at my lips. "But instead, all we do is go back to his place to bring Marcus' things and then find places for them in the apartment. By the time we're done, we order in and then go to sleep."

Evie waggles her eyebrows suggestively, a playful glint in her eyes. "Go to sleep or, you know, sexy times?" she teases.

I chuckle at her suggestion, shaking my head. "Well, for a couple of days it was sexy times," I confess with a smirk. "But last night, I was so tired that I fell asleep instantly. And I guess tonight won't be any different."

Evie tilts her head, a thoughtful expression crossing her face. "When do you think you'll be done moving Marcus's stuff in?" she asks, her voice curious.

I lean back in my chair, considering her question carefully. "Probably Friday," I reply, my voice tinged with determination. "We really want to be done by then, so we can enjoy the weekend."

A mischievous gleam enters Evie's eyes as she waggles her eyebrows suggestively. "Sexy times!" she exclaims, her voice filled with playful anticipation.

I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "Definitely sexy times," I agree, feeling a surge of anticipation coursing through me.

Evie's eyes light up with excitement as she leans in closer. "So, you two aren't up for a double date Saturday night, huh?" she asks, her voice brimming with anticipation.

A surge of excitement courses through me at the thought. "Oh, we definitely are," I reply eagerly.

Evie grins, her eyes dancing with excitement. "Great," she says. "I'll talk to Jason so he can talk with Marcus to set the whole thing up."

"Or we could come up with plans ourselves," I suggest tentatively.

But Evie shakes her head firmly. "Nope, no, no way," she insists. "I've been single long enough, I want to be spoiled to no end."

I laugh, shaking my head. "Okay, let the boys set up the date," I say, a hint of amusement in my voice.

Evie grins in agreement. "Great," she says, her excitement palpable.

As I stifle a yawn, exhaustion creeping over me, I can't help but groan. "God, I'm so tired," I admit wearily.

Evie's brow furrows in concern. "Maybe you should take it easy," she suggests. "Continue with the move next week. Doesn't Marcus have everything he needs?"

I shake my head firmly, a sense of determination settling over me. "No," I say resolutely. "I want to be done with it. No loose ends. I've been waiting long enough."

Evie nods in understanding. "Okay, just take it easy," she says softly, her tone gentle.

Letting out a heavy sigh, I can't help but voice my frustrations. "You know what's the most strange thing?" I say, a sense of incredulity creeping into my voice. "I'm practically doing less than half of the job. Marcus packs his things, and I just drive to his parents' home to pick him up. Marcus carries the bags, and I just help him organize his stuff back at the apartment."

Evie twists her lips thoughtfully, her expression thoughtful. "Maybe you should get some bloodwork done," she suggests. "You could have some vitamin deficiency. Could be iron deficiency."

I furrow my brow, considering her words. "Maybe," I concede reluctantly. "But for now, I just want to get through this move and finally start enjoying our new life together."

"Looks like it's getting closer by the minute," Evie remarks, a smile playing on her lips.

I smile, feeling a surge of happiness bubbling up within me. "It does," I agree softly.

In this moment, I am so happy. I can't imagine ever being happier than I am right now. Everything feels perfect, and I can't wait to see what the future holds for Marcus and me.

- - - - - - - - - - - -

Marcus

I speed through the streets on my motorcycle, the wind whipping against my face as I navigate the familiar route to my parents' home. When Evie texted me saying that Melanie had been feeling a little tired from the move, I wasted no time. I asked my manager to let me leave work early today so I could go and collect my things, bring them back to the apartment, and organize them before Melanie even gets there.

Pulling over outside my parents' home, I unmount my motorcycle and a few seconds later, I ring the bell. Natalie swings the door open, her expression one of annoyance.

"Why don't you use your keys, you idiot?" she scolds me, her tone dripping with exasperation.

I roll my eyes, feeling a pang of irritation. "Because I don't live here anymore," I retort, stepping inside.

My mom appears in the hallway, her face breaking into a warm smile when she sees me. "Marcus, you're here early," she says, coming over to hug me tightly.

Natalie pipes up from behind us. "Mom, can you please tell Marcus to use his keys?" she interjects.

My mom releases me from the hug, turning to face Natalie with a gentle smile. "Marcus, please use your keys," she says, her tone firm but loving.

I shoot Natalie a glare, feeling my frustration bubble to the surface. "Okay," I mutter begrudgingly, knowing it's not worth arguing with her.

Natalie crosses her arms, her curiosity evident. "What are you doing here anyway?" she asks, her brow furrowed in confusion. "Aren't you supposed to be at work?"

I nod, trying to keep my irritation in check. "Yeah, it's just that Melanie is feeling a bit tired," I explain, my voice softening. "So I wanted to do everything on my own today before she gets home from work."

My mom's eyes soften with understanding. "That's sweet of you, honey," she says, giving me a reassuring squeeze. "I'm sure Melanie will appreciate it."

"Thanks, Mom," I say, flashing her a grateful smile. "Well, I better go up."

My mom returns my smile, her eyes sparkling with warmth. "Of course, honey," she says, stepping back to let me pass.

I climb the stairs and make my way to my old room, now a jumble of boxes and memories. I start filling two duffle bags with my stuff, sorting through the remnants of my life here. It's funny how you truly can't tell how many things you've got until you have to move them.

Once the duffle bags are filled to the brim, I zip them up and look around me. There's still more to do, but probably one more trip and I'll be done. Taking a deep breath, I sling the bags over my shoulders and make my way out of the room.

"Mom, I'm leaving!" I call out as I descend the stairs.

My mom appears, her expression softening as she hugs me goodbye. "You know, honey, I can always help with the move," she offers gently.

"Thanks, Mom, but I've got it covered," I say, trying to reassure her. "I'm almost done anyway."

My mom nods understandingly, her smile unwavering. "Nevertheless, I'm here if you need anything," she says, her voice filled with warmth.

"Thanks, Mom," I reply sincerely, feeling a swell of affection for her.

She smiles and asks, "Will you and Melanie join us for brunch on Sunday?"

I return her smile, feeling a surge of excitement at the thought. "Probably, yeah," I reply. "I haven't talked to Melanie about it yet, but I'm sure she'll say yes."

My mom nods in approval. "Good," she says, her smile widening. "Now go, you've got work to do."

With a final squeeze, I pull away from her embrace and make my way to the door. As I step outside, I feel a sense of determination coursing through me. I may be tired from the move, but knowing that from now on I'll have Melanie by my side makes everything feel just a little bit easier.