“Thanks Joziah. And from what we have been through so far, I think best friends suit us. Don't you think?” I laughed as I took our plates to the sink.

“Perfect babe.” he responded. “Now about that chocolate cake?”

I laughed and reached into the cabinet and pulled out the supplies.

“Box cake? Really? That's the homemade recipe?” he snorted as he walked up behind me to see what I was doing. I grabbed a bowl and a spoon, and started to mix the ingredients together.

“Yep. When I was a kid, my mom could turn anything into a meal. She can find a can of corn and butter and she could turn it into a four course meal. But give her baking ingredients and she would burn the house down.” I smiled at the memories. I held out the spoon for him to lick. “For one of my birthdays, my mom tried to make me a cake... yeah... lets say we ended up at the ER with her hands having burn on them. That is when box cake came into the picture. My dad used to say god made her perfect. But, if he allowed her to bake, then it wouldn't be fair to other women,” he licked the spoon and I blushed. I turned and poured the batter in the dish and popped it in the oven.

“Sounds pleasant.”

“Yeah, one day I hope to find someone who will praise me and for me to praise the way my mom and dad praised each other.” I looked at Joziah and smiled. We stared at each other for a second till I saw the redness come back. “You know, I never really made a box cake for my ex. So consider yourself lucky. She wasn't a big fan of sweets.”

“Yea, Bridgette isn't either. But me, I like sweets.” he said as he made his way to the small love seat in the middle of the room. I grabbed us both another beer and sat down next to him.

As we were getting lost in cake and conversation my phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Hello my love! I was calling to check on you. I'm so sorry it's late but it's been a crazy day.” The sound of my mother's voice makes me smile and warm. She sounds so happy.

“It's never too late to talk to you.” This makes Joziah give me a puzzled look. He probably thinks i'm talking to a lover. I smirk.

“I was wondering if you could ride out here tomorrow.” my mother asked.

“It's a bit last minute, but sure. I can come over tomorrow. Is everything okay?” knowing Joziah can't hear my mom makes his face go in full panic. I'm loving it.

“I wanted to tell you in person but I guess I can't wait. I sold the house!” she squealed. My heart turned and twisted. I felt like I was going to vomit. “Son you there?”

“Do you need any help packing?” Joziah looks like he was about to barf as well.

“Yes. That's why I am calling you. I need your help moving some furniture. You can take a few things with you.” I hear shuffling. She must be packing some things already.

“Well, I'm excited. I can't wait to see you.” Joziah gets up and walks to the bathroom and slams the door.

I start to laugh. “Son, is someone there?” I hear her sounding very interested.

“Actually yes, I’'m having dinner with my partner, Joziah.” I replied.

“Oh! Well I'm sorry to interrupt. Enjoy your night my son. And be safe. Please bring him tomorrow! I need to meet him.” I hear her giggling. I'm not sure why though.

“No problem, Ma. I love you.” I smiled as I got up and walked toward the bathroom.

“I love you too.” She hung up and I knocked on the door.

“You okay?” I said. I hear shuffling and the door opens.

He looks fucking pissed. I snort and smile.

“Are you dating someone? And you didn't tell me about it?”

I start laughing so hard I start to cry. “Jesus Ziah, you are easy to fuck with. No, like I said, I am hard to date so no worries there. It was my mom.” 

His shoulders relax and his face scowls. “You were fucking with me the whole time?”

I nodded laughing. “You are fun to fuck with babe. Not sure why it bothers you so much with me dating someone or not.” I reached out and ruffled his hair. “Come on let's eat this cake, and get some rest. Because tomorrow we have a road trip.”

“Road trip? To where?” he asks as we walk our way to the kitchen.

I smiled and looked at him. “My home town.”

......... 

"Uhm. So yea." We both stared at my bed. "I don't have a spare room and the couch feels like bricks."

"Dude, totally fine. That means we can snuggle." He teases.

I roll my eyes, "I don't mind sleeping on the couch."

"And then have to get up at the ass crack of dawn to move furniture and shit? No. It's fine. I promise."

I crawl into bed as does he. We both lay down and get comfortable. I dig my way into my bed. Thank God I washed my sheets yesterday.

"So your mom wanted me to come? Why?" 

I shrug looking up at the ceiling, "I think it is because I have mentioned you a few times."

"I hope all good things." 

I chuckle, "Nope. Told her your were a psychotic sociopath who is going to kill us all in our sleep."

"Well, damn. Ruin my plan." He laughs. 

"You wouldn't do it. You would miss my steaks to much." 

"That is fucking true babe."

We laid in silence as our breathing evens out from laughing. 

"I never got to thank you Zaire." I hear him whisper. "You really have been a great friend to me."

I roll to my side and he does the same. "Joziah..."

"I know its hard for you to be around people and open up. But I'm thankful you trust me enough to talk to me and let me be here even though it must make you uncomfortable."

"Nothing is uncomfortable with you, shockingly. Sure the first month was brutal but for some reason you are easy to talk to." 

He softly smiles as his eyes closes, and whispers, "I'm glad we met."

"Same babe."