HadleyI'm almost positive these two have picked the three biggest pumpkins they could find to bring home and carve. "Are we even sure these will fit in the car?" I joke as we make our way to where I've parked. For a few minutes I can almost believe we're a real family. I'm pulling a wagon, and Riley's perched in Trick's arms, jabbering away about carving these pumpkins. On my way over to meet them, I stopped at the grocery and picked up stuff to make us dinner, and Trick's mentioned s'mores again. Maybe one day, this really can be my family. I stop at my trunk, opening it, while Trick walks Riley over to the backseat. "I'll get those," he yells, so I can hear him, as he buckles her in. Another thing I'm not used to, someone helping me with all the heavy lifting. It's a lot harder for me to get used to than I ever thought it would be. I fought hard for my independence, and it's hard letting someone help me. Which, I'm aware, is completely insane. Trick finishes up with

HadleyThe door to the apartment opens and in spills Trick, the cat, and Riley. "Damn, it smells good in here," Trick moans as he herds Riley towards the bathroom. "Is it almost done?" "Just have to get the tortillas out of the oven, then it'll be ready. Y'all have perfect timing.""We need to wash our hands, and then we'll be ready to eat, right Riley?""I've got a man-size hunger," she tells me, rubbing her stomach. "He worked you hard huh?" I hear the timer go off, signaling my tortillas are done. "She earned her keep today," Trick grins. "But right now I feel like I could eat all those tacos on my own. Let's go get cleaned up, Sprite."The way she follows him, doesn't question what he says to her, and the way she looks up to him fills me with pride. She's such a good kid, and all she's ever wanted is someone to love her. That's all either of us have ever wanted. I dread what's going to happen when we run out of hours, and we don't have Trick anymore.Unexpecte

Hadley"We can shut the door, but let's not lock it, in case she needs something," I nervously tell him as I run my hand through my hair."Hadley," he tugs on my arms, pulling me over to the bed. He has a seat so he's eye-level with me, and forces me to look at him. "I have no expectations for whatever this," he motions between the two of us, "is.""I don't either," I have to be honest. "But God, when I left this morning, I admitted to myself, I wanted to know what it would have been like to be with you, and when I picked up food to make for dinner, I got condoms."My face is burning, I mean positively on fire as I tilt my head to where they are on the bedside table. I don't think I've ever wanted anything more than I do at this moment. I want him to take charge and make me stop being a fumbling idiot. "But if this isn't what you want…" I let my voice trail off, giving him an out. "I can go sleep on the couch with Riley and we can head home in the morning.""Shit no," his voi

TrickInhaling deeply on the cigarette clenched between my lips, I sigh as I let the nicotine wash over me. I'm doing my best not to be high strung, to have this conversation as level-headed as possible, but there's no denying I'm pissed. Squinting against the bright sun, I keep my gaze trained on the exit of the neighborhood gym. A part of me had wanted to go inside and confront him, but I'm old enough to know he may have friends inside that I don't want to tangle with.Leaning against the brick, my feet crossed, I keep watch. Thirty minutes after I take up my stake out, I see G walking outside, head bent down as he texts something on his cell phone. Walking across the street, I'm beside him before he notices me. Putting my arm around his shoulders, I lean in. "You and I are gonna have a little talk. The diner up there okay with you?" I point my phone to an all-night diner a half a block up.He cuts his eyes at me, I can tell he's trying to figure out what my play is here. "Your

Trick"Jesus Christ," I huff as I pound my feet up the stairs. "I didn't realize how much stuff you would be bringing. I may have revoked my offer if I did," I turn around to grin at Hadley. She shoots me a scowl as she stands at the end of the stairs, trying to figure out how to bring up four bags at once. "I told you," she huffs herself as she starts. "We come with a lot of stuff, and I have to work."Once I get to the top, I take a breather, watching as she hoofs it up the stairs. When she stands beside me, I lean in. "I'm joking, you know that, right? I asked you to be here because I want you here. You and your five thousand loads of stuff," I laugh, groaning when she knocks me in the stomach."Riley, can you open the door for us?" She gives me a glare over her shoulder as she enters the apartment before me.It looks like Riley's made herself comfortable with Tux. That's right, I've given up calling my cat by his given name. He never responded to it, but he does respond