“Sorry if we bothered you, Drew, but Jeff is spending the next few weeks with me. I hope that’s not a problem,” I say.

“No, of course not. It’s your room. So …”

I can’t believe Drew’s at a loss for words. I know he’s wondering about Jeff. I’m not going to explain, though. That would be too easy.

“Hey, you want to grab a pizza with us?”

“As long as it’s Papa’s.” Drew looks smug, as if he knows something Jeff doesn’t.

“God, I haven’t been to Papa’s in forever. Forget calling a pizza, let’s go hang out there.” Jeff’s enthusiasm immediately squelches the smugness.

“Okay,” Drew replies. “Give me a few minutes to shower. Dora, why don’t you go ask Liam? I know he’s not busy tonight,” he says over his shoulder as he leaves the room.

“Pandora Ann Phillips is living with two guys?”

“No, actually it’s three,” I say, not meeting Jeff’s eyes.

“Three. One being the famous model Drew Johnson. I’m guessing Liam Chandler has be another one. They’re always in the news together with Colin Lawrence. What the heck, Dora? How did you just stumble upon then place?”

“It just sort of happened. I saw a roommate wanted ad posted up in a grocery store and answered it on a whim. Liam has this thing for the number four, and their fourth roommate had just moved out and they needed one. So, they picked me. I guess I’m a safe bet, as I don’t gush over their awesomeness. I’m normal in their eyes.”

“You, normal? Not a chance. I saw a little jealousy in Drew’s eyes when he saw me. I think he’s hot for the little redhead.”

“Yeah, right. And pigs fly. I have no feelings for him or Liam. They’re every woman’s dream, but not mine.”

“Oooooh, I didn’t hear Colin in that sentence. OMG, you’re crushing on him. I’m right, aren’t I? You’re so blushing.”

“Stop it, silly. I have to go and ask Liam to join us, so behave.”

“Can I come too? I mean, I want to see if his intentions are anything like Drew’s.”

I smack him gently on the head before strolling out the door. I have never been in the others’ rooms, even when I was alone. I respect privacy. That, and I’d have a hard time lying to them if they ever asked me. The blushing would give me away instantly. I have a terrible poker face.

Jeff follows me like a little puppy dog as I move toward Liam’s door and knock.

“Yeah, come in.”

Opening the door, I hear strange noises and realize it’s from a video game Liam is playing on a huge flat screen hung on his sitting room wall. “Brains, we need brains,” a creepy voice says from the TV. I watch as an armed figure fires at the zombie’s head, making it explode into a million pieces.

“Take that, you zombie bastards,” Liam says before turning around.

“Hey, Dora, what’s up?” Liam’s eyes move from me to Jeff, who is now standing beside me.

“Wow, is that Dead Awakening two? I haven’t picked my copy up yet. The graphics are killer.” Jeff moves forward and extends his right hand. “I’m Dora’s friend, Jeff, and you’re Liam Chandler, if the magazines are correct.”

Jeff is so natural at meeting new people. I’ve always envied his way of making people feel at ease. I’ve never met anyone who doesn’t like him.

“Yeah, mate, that would be me.” Liam stands and takes Jeff’s hand.

I immediately realize why Liam is the way he is, stand offish, brooding and aloof. But his eyes light up when they rest on Jeff. I know his secret. My empath skills have kicked in. Liam is gay! And the world doesn’t know it. Oh, how I wish I was alone with him to talk about this. I wonder if Drew and Colin know. They would have to, right? They’re his best friends. I just want to hug Liam and tell him it will be okay.

“Dora? I swear, she goes off in her own little world all the time. Dora … hello, Dora?”

“Oh, shush, Jeff. I’m here. Just admiring how realistic the gore looks in this game … gross.”

“Uh-huh,” Jeff quips.

He and Liam start laughing and I have to join in. Maybe I could play matchmaker here.

“So, Liam, the reason we’re interrupting your magnificent game-playing is that Drew, Jeff, and myself are going to Papa’s for pizza, and we want you to come with,” I say, hoping he won’t say no.

“Sounds like a plan to me. I was going to spend the evening playing my game, but pizza, beer, and good company trumps that. Give me a few minutes and I’ll be ready.”

Back in my room, Jeff plops down on the couch and is silent, which is a definite first for him.

“Are you ready to go?”

“Yeah,” he says, and again, silence.

“What’s wrong?” I say, wanting to know what causing him to be so pensive.

“I like your roommates. I really think I’m going to enjoy my time here,” he replies with a half-smile.

“Oh, no, sweetie. You’re going to behave, because we need to study. If you don’t, you’ll be high-tailing it back to that cell you call a dorm room.”

“Aww, Dora, I’ll behave. I hate my dorm room. I tell my dad all the time how unbearable it is. It makes him happy that I’m living what he calls normal living conditions.”

I adore Jeff’s parents. They are truly wonderful people and my family enjoys their company. No, we haven’t had them over for any of our dreaded Sunday dinners with everyone, thank goodness. So, they still live under the impression that I have a somewhat average family. When his parents are in town, we all meet up at a restaurant and hang out. They know that Jeff is gay, but it makes no difference to them. They just want him to be happy.

“Don’t worry Jeff, the next few weeks will be anything but normal.”

He grins, oh how I love his grin.

10

The ride to Papa’s is kind of awkward. Drew is driving, since his car is the only four-seater of the house, and Liam sits up front with him. Jeff and I sit in the back. From my position, I see Drew glancing back continuously. I guess his gaydar is off and he thinks Jeff and I are an item. I can’t believe Drew might be interested in me. I know, I need to quit putting myself down, but let’s be honest.

“Have you heard from Colin lately?” Liam asks, and I immediately sit up and take notice.

“Yeah, everything’s cool now. He should be back in a few days. Life throws some wicked curve balls,” Drew replies.

Great, so much for getting the deets on what’s going on. “Life throws wicked curves balls.” What the hell is up with that? That doesn’t tell me crap I could have said shit, but Henry would probably tell on me, and I’d be in big trouble. Per my mom, I have to be a role model for my younger siblings, and apparently real women don’t cuss, except for Julie, who my mom gives a pass to. Really, I don’t know why she gives Julie a pass. Not fair in my book. Not that I would cuss much, but it might be nice in certain circumstances.

As always, Papa’s smells heavenly. With me leading the way inside, we’re spotted immediately by Mama, who rushes forward and engulfs me in one of her famous bear hugs. It takes seconds for Papa to notice us, and I’m swallowed up by both of their round bodies at once.

“My bella, Dora, it is witha much delight that I welcome you home. I see you havea brought a stranger. Jeffrey, we have missed you, you handsome boy.” Mama reaches out and drags Jeff into the hugfest.

“Ah, Mama, look, she broughta old friends. Liam and Drew, welcome. We’re so honored to have you back in our small establishment.”

Liam’s smile is friendly and sincere, but Drew’s seems to lack the warmth it normally has. What is up with that? Could he be jealous, like Jeff said? I hope not, because I don’t get the warm fuzzies with him like I do with Colin. Warm fuzzies—yeah, right. More like rip-his-clothes-off fuzzies.

I end up sitting with Drew on one side and Jeff on the other. Liam sits opposite us with Mama and Papa. I hear a squeal and Julie and Kevin arrive at our table, causing another hugfest. I envy my friends, their faces glowing with happiness, something that seems so unobtainable to me. More chairs are added and questions fly about. Aromatic pizzas and ice-cold beers and wine soon appear on the table. My glum thoughts turn to happy ones as I’m surrounded by the warmth of my friends and food.