So this seems to be happening, despite the fact that it would have been more timely a month ago and writing is even harder than usual…
Driving up the street to his mother’s house felt like some strange time warp. He was sure the colored lights strung up around the roofline were the same ones they’d had during his own childhood, washed-out warm colors looking like faded Polaroids next to the vibrant cool colors of the neighbors LEDs. And though his inner ecohipster knew he should prefer the more efficient, blue-tinged modern lights, those large, soft incandescent bulbs felt more welcoming.
His mom was out on the porch before he’d even finished parking in the driveway, giving them each a hug before relieving them of Nathan so they’d have both arms to carry in the luggage. Nathan was chattering away with her as if he visited all the time, and Zach was suddenly very grateful that his mom had learned how to Skype so she wouldn’t be a stranger to her grandson.
“Oh fuck me, it’s cold,” Chris said as he met Zach at the back of the car to help bring in the luggage.
Zach snorted, biting back the suggestive comment he would have normally made and handing Chris a bag. “Aren’t you glad I talked you out of flip flops for the flight?” Because really… Chris could be ridiculously So-Cal sometimes.
“They would have been fine for the flight,” he said with a grin. “But we would have had to amputate toes after the walk to the rental car.”
“We can’t have any harm to come to your feet,” Zach said, thinking of the many times that innocent foot massages on the sofa had turned intimate. “Or your dainty ankles.”
“I have very manly ankles,” Chris protested, sounding more defensive than his banter would be normally.
“Hmmm,” Zach answered, heading for door.
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