Shane was standing in the doorframe with her arm around Carmen’s shoulders.  “I don’t know how I’m going to pay two-thirds of the rent.  Mark and I were splitting Jenny’s portion.  I’m not going to be able to swing it.”

“What if I moved in?  What do you think?  You know, just to help you out.  I could take his place.”

Shane’s smile was as bright as it had been all day.  “I’d like it a lot if you moved in, Carmen.”

“You don’t think it’s too soon?  You wouldn’t feel like I was messin’ with your game.”

“Nope.”

“Sure?”

“Yep.”  Shane nodded.  She had been thinking about this and to her surprise realized she wanted it.  “You don’t have to stay in the shed.  That would be totally wacked.”

Carmen laughed.  “Maybe not.  It could be fun.  A little role-playing.  You could call me into the big house to service your needs.”

“I want you in the big house.”

“That could work, too.  So, it’s a deal.”  She stuck out her hand and they shook on it.

“Deal,” Shane said.

Carmen lifted Shane’s hand and kissed it.  She looked into Shane’s eyes and felt love.  She wondered when Shane might tell her or if she ever would.  She didn’t ask about that, but continued discussing living arrangements.  “I probably should take the shed, though.  Sometimes practicing my beats can get loud.”

“Okay, your turntables and speakers and mixer in the shed; you in my bed.”

Carmen laughed and they watched Mark pack.

“Can I ask you something, Shane?”

“Uh-huh.  What?”

“Do you really not want the information he found?”

“I really don’t.”

Carmen nodded.

She started off cautiously, clearing her throat before beginning.  “You know, there was nothing that I read that I hadn’t guessed. I know things were rough for you for a long time.”

Shane stared straight ahead.

“What you were has nothing to do with who you are now? You’re not abusing or turning tricks.”  She paused before adding, “I love…being around you.”

Shane pulled her tighter into her body, giving her a one-armed hug while they watched Mark put another box into his car that was parked in the driveway.  Shane’s eyes never left him.  He felt the intensity of the stare and looked at them standing on the deck.