they could become an ‘us’ again—if they couldn’t, they would permanently part ways.
* * * *
Spencer lifted his bag then looked around the room he’d been staying in for the last year. There was a lot of stuff he was leaving behind for now—he’d bought the items since he’d moved in with his brother. He’d left his things at the house he used to share with Regina, unable to take them with him—he’d only grabbed some clothing when he left. Now he was returning with the just the same, although he had some new things. Spencer stopped stalling and exited the room. He went down the hall then descended the stairs, before pausing by the base and dropping his bag. He headed to the living room on his left, stopped in the doorway then looked at Driscoll, who was sprawled on the couch before the television. He was watching Bones —Driscoll loved the show.
“Not Bones again,” Spencer protested just for fun. He liked the show himself, but enjoyed teasing Driscoll.
“Hush, you. First in the room, so I get to pick.” Driscoll turned his head to look at him. “Not that it matters, since you’re leaving to go home anyway.”
Spencer scowled. “How the hell did you know?”
“You’ve been washing your clothing and straightening up your room for the last three days.” Driscoll smiled. “Unless you’re going on a long overdue vacation, I figured it had to be you were going home. ‘Bout time, Spence.”
“Yeah. We’ll see how it goes. Regina might not be welcoming, so I might just be back here later tonight.”
“Too bad. I already have plans to rent out your room. I have a nice clown waiting for it to become vacant.” Driscoll wrinkled his nose. “I told him as soon as the present one moves out, I will let him know.”
“Ha ha. Not funny.” Spencer leaned against the doorjamb.
“So, you need my help moving your stuff back home? You have a lot of shit you’ve gotten over the last year.” Driscoll went to stand.
“No need. I’m just taking my duffel with some clothing.”
“Just like you arrived.” Driscoll shook his head. “Way to hedge your bets. If you’re going to do this, you need to go in with it wholeheartedly, or don’t waste time.”
“You seem to have a lot of advice about me and Regina. What are you, a fairy matchmaker or something?” Spencer straightened and turned before heading back into the foyer.
“Another piece of advice. If you want to get anywhere with her, call her Reggie, because she’ll throw you out on your ear otherwise! She’ll know you’re not serious!” Driscoll yelled.
“Nosey man. Mind your business.” Spencer grabbed his bag.
“You are my business. I need you out so I can rent that room.”
He went back to the open doorway. “Like you would. You like your privacy too much.”
“True. But I’ve lived with you for over a year, so I’m sort of used to having someone around.”
“Awww…you love me.” He moved closer.
“Just shut up and come here.” Driscoll rose and they hugged. Driscoll released him and studied him. “Whichever way it goes, I’m here if you need me.” Driscoll pushed him playfully. “I can’t say the same for your room.”
“My room better be there and with everything the way I left it. You can have Aida clean it, but nothing else.” Spencer paused. “Tell her I said bye. At least for now. As well as Irene.”
“Nope. Not getting between you and Aida—hell, or Irene. You make sure to call them both and tell them yourself.” Driscoll sat and lifted a finger in warning. “Tomorrow afternoon at the latest.”
Spencer nodded. Aida was the house manager and kept it running well—she was a force to be reckoned with when crossed. Irene was Driscoll’s assistant and she ran everything else, from keeping him on track with business-related to personal things like doctors’ appointments and such. Spencer found her so efficient, she was scary. She’d been organizing his things too, and their relationship had