I’ve called in every favor I can think of on this Saturday morning to help clean up the mess in Beckett’s apartment. By now everyone in the neighborhood has heard about the scandal which landed Josh in jail, so people are happy to help out. There’s a beehive of activity in the place, as my sister Connie drafted the construction worker she’s dating and he brought some members of his crew to pitch in. They’re hauling all the heavy construction debris out of the building, while I work with Madison and Rory to sweep, vacuum and do whatever we can to remove the ton of dust so that we can at least move his stuff into the apartment. Beckett is getting his business ready as soon as possible, so he’s downstairs with his sister preparing for a grand opening ahead of schedule. Tish is there with him, preparing a lawsuit, though the feds have no idea where all the stolen money is stashed. Unfortunately she says there are so many people who got conned there is no way there will be a quick resolution to this, and getting restitution could take years, if it’s even possible.

Of course what makes this even worse for me is the photo of Josh being hauled away in handcuffs on the front page of every New York newspaper, one featuring the headline Design Flaw. To think I was unable to see his true character is disturbing as I’ve usually got a built-in bullshit detector. Though not as disturbing as the fact that I was dating him. Thankfully Beckett doesn’t know that and hopefully never will. He’s had enough heartache lately and we need to turn things around for him.

As for the new living arrangements, let’s just say my friends think my decision was a bit too impulsive and that we all should have chipped in to get him an apartment. Madison even offered to let him live in her guest room, but right now I think he needs emotional support, and living with someone who is basically a stranger wouldn’t be good.

Am I apprehensive?

Not a bit.

Okay, fine, you got me. I mean, we’re basically going to be living together, though not in the traditional romantic sense. I figure this will turn out one of two ways. He’ll eventually see me like he does his sister, or we’ll grow closer.

The latter would be fine with me.

But right now, romance is on the back burner as we need to get some semblance of a normal life back together for him.

I’ve got the guest room ready, with an empty closet and dresser, and he’s supposed to start bringing his clothes over tomorrow so he can move in as soon as possible.

It hits me that both men I’ve been dating will be changing addresses and living with someone. Of course Josh will have a different kind of roommate in jail.

Karma’s a bitch, huh?

***

BY FIVE O’CLOCK WE’RE all filthy and exhausted.

But Beckett’s future apartment is clean, if nothing else. The construction debris fills an entire dumpster which is being hauled off as we speak. The guys my sister brought have capped off all the exposed wires so nobody gets electrocuted, which is always a nice thing when stepping out of the shower. While there are no interior walls or a ceiling, the floors are in great shape and with all the exposed brick you can tell it’s going to be a gorgeous apartment when it is completed.

But it aint gonna be cheap.

We’re all sitting on the floor when someone’s stomach growl becomes audible.

Tish pats her belly. “And on that note, my stomach has announced we’re going for pizza. Everybody get cleaned up and meet me at Castelo’s in an hour. I’ll have everything ordered by the time you get there.”

I get up. “Sounds good. And I think I’m going to take the maiden voyage in Beckett’s new steam shower.”

He smiles and nods. “You certainly deserve to christen it.”

***

TISH, MADISON AND RORY are already drinking beer as I arrive with Beckett and his sister. And just as we sit down, a waiter brings two large steaming pizzas loaded with toppings and sets them in the middle of the round table.

I sit down and immediately reach for a slice. “Perfect timing.”

Beckett, ever the gentleman, waits until everyone else has grabbed a slice before he takes one of his own. I start to laugh a bit as I realize his situation. “This is every man’s dream for a Saturday night, Beckett.”

“Pizza and beer?”

“No, out to dinner with five women.” Everyone laughs.

He raises his glass of beer. “Five incredible women. I would be devastated without your help. I’m not sure how I’ll ever be able to thank you. A toast to all of you.”

We all clink glasses.

“Really, you four are incredible,” says Charlotte. “I knew that New Yorkers had big hearts, but what you’ve done goes above and beyond.”

***

AN HOUR LATER WE’RE all stuffed and the mood is definitely lighter, helped in no small part by the beer. Beckett reaches for his wallet and looks around the restaurant. “I don’t see our waitress to get the check.”

Tish shakes her head. “Your money’s no good here. And it’s already taken care of. I, uh... did legal work for the owner and I traded my services for free meals here.”

Beckett turns to her. “You did legal work.”

“Right. Some estate planning for the guy that owns this place.”

“And rather than get paid in cash, you preferred to be compensated with pizza.”

“What can I say, I like the food here.”

He slowly nods, then turns to me. “I must say, you and your friends are the most accomplished liars I’ve ever met.” Everyone laughs. Then he looks at Tish. “Thank you, you’re very kind. First you prepared a lawsuit on my behalf and then took care of an excellent dinner. I will find a way to repay you someday.”

She shakes her head. “Nah. I’ll take it out in scones.”

***

ON SUNDAY EVENING BECKETT arrives with his clothing and a few other personal items. I help him carry things up the stairs and get situated in the guest room. Of course Gypsy is beyond curious about all the activity in what is usually an unoccupied room, so she’s taken up residence in the middle of the guest bed. Watching our every move. Fortunately she’s happy to see Beckett, and with the last box brought in he plops down on the bed beside her. She immediately starts nuzzling him. “Does the cat usually sleep here?”

“No, she sleeps with me. I think she realizes you’re moving in and is simply marking you as her possession.”

“Ah. So I belong to her now.”

“Don’t we all. Basically, we’re just cat butlers.”

“Speaking of which, you should show me what I need to do to help with her care. And I insist on taking care of the litter box.”

“Hey, I’m not turning that down. C’mon, all her stuff is in the closet.” We head to the closet where I give him the basic deal on the care and feeding of Gypsy. “And I’ll bet she’s going to pull that mom-and-dad trick that kids use.”

“What trick?”

“You know how when kids ask mom for something and she says no and then they go to dad to see if they get a different answer? If I’ve already given her treats for the day and she begs for more and I don’t give them to her, she might go to you and give you that sad cat look in the hopes that you’ll give her more treats. Just remember that cats are expert manipulators. Also, remember that she can open doors, so if you really want your bedroom door to stay closed, lock it. Of course, if she is determined to get in she’ll just claw the door and howl till you open it. Bottom line, you have no choice in the matter.”

“So, what you’re telling me is that Gypsy is basically the supreme overlord of this apartment.”

“Yep. We’re just her loyal subjects and serve at her pleasure.”

Beckett laughs a bit, then stifles a yawn and looks at the clock. “Excuse me. I can’t believe I’m so tired at ten o’clock.”

“Hey, you’ve had a ton of emotional things to deal with lately. Maybe you should turn in early. You want a glass of wine to help you sleep?”

“Don’t think I need it. But you’re right, I could use a good night’s sleep and I need to be at the store early anyway to put the finishing touches on it.”

“Yep. Grand opening is just a few days away.”

We head back down the hall toward the guest bedroom. He stops at the door and turns to face me, then takes my shoulders. “A.J., I don’t know what to say—”

“You don’t have to say anything. Just focus on your grand opening and getting back on your feet.” I move closer and give him a strong hug, then lean back. “You’ve got a lot of people pulling for you, Beckett. We will not let you fail.”

“I believe you.”

“And I know you don’t like to do this, but do not hesitate to ask for something if you need help.”

“Very well. Sometimes I do have a bit too much pride. Well, good night.” He leans forward and kisses me on the forehead, then heads into the guest room and notes Gypsy is still on the bed. “Do you want to take her to your room?”

I shrug. “Seems like she wants to be with you tonight.”

“That’s fine.”

“’Night, Beckett.” I close the door and head to my bedroom.

I pray that his business is a huge success.

Not only because he needs the money, but because I want the guy I first met back.