T/W:

***
Steve

I have an apartment in Miami. I can't believe I'm coming back after so long. I'm excited to tell Lex that I'll be back this upcoming weekend. And my new place is only about twenty minutes away from hers, so that's a definite plus. However when I return to Lex's, she seems subdued.

"What's wrong?" I ask her, even before sharing my news.

"Steve...do..do you think I'm using you as an emotional..crutch?" I'm shocked by her question.

"No. Why? Did Eric call and say something after I left?" Lex shakes her head, her lower lip quivering.

"My mom and uncle stopped by and I told them we were hanging out. They think I'm simply using you because I...miss..Speed."

"Are you?" I ask quietly.

"No! I really like you."

"Then why are you so upset about it?"

"I don't know." Lex looks away. "I..I guess I'm worried that maybe I am, unintentionally."

Lex looks directly at me, stepping closer and placing her fingers on my cheek. I automatically reach up, covering her fingers with my own.

"I don't feel as if you have been," I say softly. "So please don't worry about it, okay." Lex smiles.

"All right."

"Are you ready for some good news?"

"Definitely."

"I signed on to an apartment here in Miami. And my new place isn't far from here."

"Awesome! When are you moving in?"

"This upcoming weekend," I reply.

"Great!" I realize that Lex's hand is still on my face. She gently curls her fingers around mine and I hold her hand.

"Wanna watch a movie or something?" I smile.

"Sure."

***

After Lex and I finish watching the movie, I reluctantly decide to head back to Palm City.

"It'll be nice when you're closer," Lex says, walking me out to my truck.

"I'm definitely looking forward to that," I say. I unlock my truck door and open it.

"If you need any help with the move, don't hesitate to ask," Lex tells me. I smile, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek. Lex's face softens as she cups one of my cheeks in in her palm.

"I'm so happy you're coming here," Lex murmurs, sliding her hand all the way down to my chest. My heart is pounding.

"I'd never thought I'd ever come back," I tell Lex.

"Are you sure you want to?" Lex looks concerned.

"Hey, I finally have something good to come back for," I say.

"What about your..family?" I shrug.

"I love them, but we've kinda grown apart." Lex nods understandingly.

"I get that." She steps back, moving her hand. "I should let you get on the road."

"Yeah."

"Call me when you get home, okay?"

"I will." I climb into my truck and start it up, closing the door and waving at Lex. She smiles, waving back. As I pull out, I dial up Dave.

"Yo, man."

"Guess what?"

"Do I want to know?"

"I'm moving to Miami."

"What? Why?"

"Lex Graham."

"Oh damn, dude! You're in bad."

"Yeah, man. I am"

***

Lex

Today is the day that Steve is moving to Miami. I won't say I'm necessarily excited, but I'm definitely pleased. Steve had given me the keys to his new apartment, so I could have everything open and ready for when he and his two friends arrived.

I'd even cleaned up the apartment some, scrubbing the bathroom, wiping down the kitchen and vacuuming the carpet. Mom, Uncle Grant and Jay even volunteered to help. (Personally, I think that was only because Jay wanted to meet Steve and Mom and Uncle Grant wanted to spend more time around him and see for themselves what kind of person he was.)

My cell rings. It's Steve.

"Hey, we're just pulling into the parking lot," Steve informs me.

"Great! We're all set here," I tell him.

"'We'?" Steve asks.

"Yeah. I have a couple more helpers for you. Big, strong dudes."

"Lemme guess," Steve says. "Your uncle and his friend?"

"Yup. Don't worry. They promised to be on their best behavior." Steve laughs.

"Or they'll face the wrath of Lex?"

"You got it."

***

As soon as we're all together, introductions are made. I meet Steve's two best friends, Dave Torres and Dustin Thompsen. They both seem really nice, although I can tell that Dave, especially, is curious about me.

Then I introduce my mom, Uncle Grant and Jay. Steve is polite and sweet and I feel a burst of pride.

"Well!" I say. "Let's get rolling, shall we?" Steve unlocks the back of the moving truck and we all start grabbing cardboard boxes and furniture.

"Steve really seems to like you," Dave comments to me as we both grab some dining room chairs.

"I really like Steve, too," I say.

"He's a good guy," Dave says.

"I can tell."

"I couldn't believe it when he told me he was moving back here," Dave continues.

"I didn't ask him to," I say a little defensively.

"Oh, I know," Dave says. "But I figure; he must really like you in order to go through all this trouble." Dave stares at me. I nod.

"Yeah." I head back to the truck, deep in thought. Dave's right. Steve must really like me in order to move back here. I just hope he (or) me doesn't end up sorry.