Chapter 53

Bud looked at them with a curious expression, "When do you intend to move in?" he asked, his voice gruff.

Romeo hesitated for a moment before responding, "Tomorrow, hopefully," he said, trying to sound confident.

But Marie was full of concern, "But which part of the house would you live in?" she asked.

Bud's expression turned sly, "In the basement, where I caught you guys having sex," he said.

Marie's face turned bright red with embarrassment, "Oh no, please don't say that," she begged, trying to hide her face.

Romeo put a reassuring arm around her shoulders, "It's okay, we can handle it," he said, trying to sound calm.

But Bud just chuckled, I expect you two to behave yourselves."

*********

Smith looked around at the group, a hint of exhaustion in his voice. "Let's all call it a day, right?" he suggested, his eyes scanning the faces of Romeo, Marie, and Bud.