Moving out

Walking down the street, Nora was still amazed at how easy it all went. When she was transferred, she was more than happy but the image of the Innovation department in her mind was completely shattered when she entered it. It didn't have the serious environment she expected, the head wasn't scary like the others, he had a more friendly approach. But everything did come with a price. But it was fine, at least she didn't have to work 9 to 5 or chase a deadline or anything. She could just work at home and show up on the day of the meeting and no one would say a thing. She was happy.

She looked down at her watch, it was already 5. She decided to head back directly for her dorm because her feet were killing her. This was the first time she wore heels and for such a long time. Moreover she almost twisted her ankle, for god knows how many times. She called Tina but it went to her voicemail. She tried again but the result was same.

Nora was starving, she didn't even have time to get herself a lunch and now with Tina not picking her phone made her hangry. As she neared her dorm, she saw two SUVs parked in front the gate, one of them she immediately recognised as Luke's. She wanted to walk quickly to get there but her heels didn't allow her. Next she saw Tina who was carrying out boxes followed by Nick and Luke. "What the heck is happening?" She murmured to herself and increased her pace.

Tina saw her approach the gate and handed the box over to Nick and came to her, "Oh Nora. You're just in time." She hugged her.

"What's the matter? Are you moving out?"

"Yes, and it's just not me, you are too. We are moving out of the dorm." She said.

"What? Why? I mean we were just living here this morning."

"We are no longer Freshers and have to vacate the room. We knew it was going to happen anyway." She shrugged.

"Yes I knew that but they could've at least given a prior notice or something before throwing us out." Nora crossed her arms.

"Actually they did. Two months ago, I forgot to mention it." Tina smiled sheepishly.

"Seriously Tina?! Now what are we going to do. Where will we live?" Nora yelled.

"Don't worry. I have it all planned. For the time being I'm moving in with Nick."

"What about me?" Nora arched her eyebrows.

"You're going with me sweetheart." Luke kissed on the top of her head.

"What?! This can't happen. I cannot live with you. I mean it's too soon. And–" she blurted.

"Easy Nora. It's all planned out. Luke will help us look for a place. Until then you'll stay with him and I'll be with Nick. It's going to be fine. Moreover, it will help us increase our savings." She held her face.

"But–"

"I'm sorry for messing this up, but right now this is the best for us." She looked in her eyes, "Also, it's been so long you got into a relationship and I can bet you moved beyond kissing. This your chance Nora. Grab it." She whispered in her ear.

"Hey!" Nora pushed her away. Nora's face started to heat up, she could feel the anger and embarrassment rising in her. She felt a hand wrap around her waist, "It's going to be fine Nora." And immediately she felt her anger drop.

Tina smiled wickedly at the sight, "So now that everything is settled. Goodbye Nora, I'll see you soon. Your stuff is already in Luke's car. I made sure to get everything and I double checked." With this she ran off to Nick and took the box from him.

***

"Are you sure it's going to be fine?" Nora asked as she grabbed a box from the trunk.

"Yes I am sure." Luke took the box from her hands and shut the trunk. "Now Nora, I've said it a thousand times and I'll say it again. It's going to be just be fine. Don't worry."

"Okay." She said and picked up one which was taken away by Luke.

"Let me take them." he said, only to get an annoyed look which made him smile, "I know you can pick them up but I also know you're tired. So please call the elevator for me." Nora narrowed her eyes but did what he said.

When they reached his condo, Jerry was stepping out of it, "Good evening Miss Nora."

"Good evening Jerry." She said.

"Sir, the room is all cleaned up and the luggage has also arrived. Anything else I could do?"

"No that's it for now." Luke said.

"So I'll take a leave. Have a good day." And he was gone.

"Come on get in. What are you waiting for?" Luke looked down at a dazed Nora. She nodded and moved inside.

"Okay so your room is the one beside my bedroom. Go freshen up, I have your favourites today." He said and moved toward the kitchen.

Without any further questions Nora rushed to the room. She closed the door behind her and leaned against it. This was the second time she was staying at someone else's place, the first place being Tina's which was only for a night. She looked around the room, it was spacious and was beautifully furnished like the rest of the house. Her bags were on the bed with a few boxes on the coffee table. She reached for one of the bags which had her clothes. She grabbed an oversized t-shirt and sweatpants but something struck her mind and she put them aside. She couldn't wear them in front of him.

Luke was downstairs preparing the dinner. When he got Tina's call this afternoon, he didn't expect to hear what she said. They were moving out. He was worried about Nora moving away from him but then she dropped it, Nora was going to stay with him and he couldn't be more happy. He knew she wouldn't agree right away but in the end she would give in. He immediately got to the dorm and shifted most of her things, leaving only a few boxes. He was well aware about the little fit she would throw but he was also sure he could manage it.

When he was done, he grabbed the boxes and headed for her room. The door was ajar as he entered, Nora was sitting on the bed with her clothes all over the bed, "What happened here?" He put down the boxes and moved to her. "Um, nothing." She said looking around.

He looked down at her, she was already an open book for him and now after so long he could look right through her. And at that moment he could see the stuff going on inside her mind, "Nora," he kneeled down in front of her, "What's the matter sweetheart?"

"Nothing, it's fine. I was just looking for something to wear. I'll be down in a sec." She smiled.

He sighed and looked down, his eyes fell on her feet, she still had her heels on. Reaching down he unbuckled her heel and slipped it off, he rubbed her feet for a moment and then went on to do the same for the other, "Nora, no matter what you wear, you're still the most beautiful woman I've come across." He looked in her eyes. "I know how you feel about this. And it's okay, there's nothing to worry about. I love you and everything about you, these trivial things don't bother me. I just need you, even if it's in a baggy shirt or sweatpants."

"Hey!" She said trying not to smile which made him smile. "So come on get ready, the raviolis' getting cold." He kissed her forehead and got up. He headed for the door but stopped in his steps and turned to look at her, "Nora, you know what I would prefer to see you in?"

"What?" She looked up at him.

"In my shirt. That's all, just my shirt on you. Nothing else."

She opened and closed her mouth like a fish, but nothing came out. "But you know what? My favourite would be you sans clothes." He winked at her.

"You! Get out of here!" She threw the first item of clothing her hand could find at him. He just caught it easily and laughed while she just stood there flushed, fighting a smile.