Work Text:
While Gina wasn't entirely sure she could move her life into her new apartment all by herself, she knew she'd try her hardest. It wasn't like she had much of a choice.
Her decision to find a place to settle had been a tough one. It meant leaving her mother, the one person she'd always had by her side, and facing a new place all alone. She could hate her job, or hate the people she met. She could hate her new apartment and her new neighbors and there was nowhere for her to run back to. This apartment on the seventh floor was all she had now, and it was terrifying.
But, if Gina was one thing, it was tough. She always figured out a way to make things work for her.
Dragging a couch out of the elevator was one of the harder things she'd ever had to conquer, made worse when she heard one of the apartment doors open. She had a total of three things in her apartment and she was already getting in the way.
"Hi, sorry," she said through gritted teeth, tugging the couch by the armrest as she heard footsteps approach. "I'll be out of the way soon, I promise."
The neighbors came into view, a couple about her age. They wore polite smiles as they watched her struggle.
"Need a hand?" The man asked, tilting her head as Gina shifted the couch another inch across the floor.
"Oh, it's okay, I don't want to get in the way of plans. I'll get there eventually."
The pair shook their heads, then headed to the other side of the couch, lifting it from the bottom. Gina smiled, lifting her side with ease.
"Thank you," Gina said graciously, a little breathless as she shuffled backwards.
"Please, it's the least we could do," the woman replied with a grin. "Welcome to the seventh floor. I'm Kourtney, this is Jet. We're in 7B. You're 7E, right?"
"That's me. I'm Gina. I think I was being ambitious thinking I could get this thing all the way to the end of the hall by myself."
"Well, we're happy to help," Jet said. "We'll see who else is home, get all hands on deck."
Gina couldn't quite believe her luck. She didn't hate her neighbors, so that was a good start.
"I don't want to disturb anyone-"
"Oh, that's not a problem!" Kourtney said cheerfully as they turned the corner into the apartment. "We're all super close on this part of the floor. We've all been looking forward to seeing who moves in here. I think you'll be a perfect fit."
A perfect fit. She'd never felt like that before.
"I'll go and see who's here," Jet decided once they'd lowered the couch in its new spot. "I'll direct everyone to the lobby, does that work?"
Gina grinned and nodded, and felt a little giddy when Kourtney linked their arms and took the elevator back downstairs.
"So, Gina, tell me everything. I want your life story."
Gina chuckled. "Well, I'm Gina Porter. I was born in California but I've lived in practically every state. My mom travels around for work so I never really stayed in one place too long. This is the first time I'm really living alone in one place."
"Why did you pick New York?"
"I lived here for a few months when I was a teenager, and it was the best time of my life. There's something magical about this place. I've wanted to come back ever since I left."
Kourtney picked up a box. "Well, I hope things go well for you. It'll be nice to have a full floor again. Though, I should warn you, you've probably never had neighbors like us."
Gina smiled as they headed back into the elevator, arms full with boxes. "What does that mean?"
"Well, we're all close. We like to see our floor as one big apartment. Our doors are usually unlocked and we all have keys to each others places. We like to be social. We have movie nights, and little dinner parties every week. Consider this your official invitation, by the way."
That took Gina by surprise. "Really? But, you don't know me."
"And what better way to get to know you than over dinner? Jet and I are hosting tomorrow. Please say you'll come."
Gina had totally been thrown into the deep end. She'd prepared herself for a lot of loneliness and awkwardness and, honestly, failure. Yet, less than ten minutes into talking with someone new, she was being pulled into traditions she had no right to be a part of.
"I'd love to join."
This whole thing was terrifying. It left her giddy, and her stomach flipped when the elevator doors opened and Jet, along with three unfamiliar faces, grinned back.
"Meet your movers, Carlos, Ashlyn and Maddox. Ricky's at work, but I'm sure you'll meet him soon enough. What do you need, Gina?"
With all eyes on her, she should've crumbled, but the smiles paired with each stare made her certain that this was about to be the greatest experience of her life.
She started feeling perfectly okay with being the boss, telling everyone where to put things and listening to short stories about the old, grumpy neighbor before her. It was only an hour or two before the lobby was empty and her apartment was full, with all her things and all her new friends.
How she already had friends was beyond her.
"If you need any help with decorating, we'd love to help," Maddox said. "We're in 7C."
"Oh, me too!" Carlos added. "I'm not so great at the heavy lifting, but I know how to make a room sparkle."
Gina grinned. "Thanks. I'll let you know."
They headed back to their apartments with waves and bright smiles.
"We've got grocery shopping to do, but here." Kourtney held out her phone. "Put your number in and I'll send you everyone else's. Oh, and tell me if you have any allergies- and if you need us to pick anything up, let me know. In fact, send a list. The key to a happy home is a full refrigerator. Speaking of keys!"
She fished into her pocket, and held out a silver key, 7B written on the head with sharpie. "We're happy to have you here. You know where we are if you need anything."
Gina wrapped her arms around Kourtney without much thought, holding the girl tight with the hope that she could convey an ounce of her gratitude.
"This is a better welcome than I ever could've imagined," Gina mumbled. "You're much too kind to strangers, Kourtney."
Kourtney chuckled, squeezing her arms around Gina. "I suggest you get used to it. See you later?"
Gina nodded, with every intention of leaving her door unlocked for every one of her neighbors. She made a mental note to get some more keys.
The second she was left alone, she dropped onto the couch, covering her face and squealing with joy.
Her life was about to become a dream come true.
Gina had everyone's number saved. She didn't send Kourtney a shopping list, but when she heard a knock on her door a couple of hours later, she knew exactly what was to come.
"It's open!" Gina called out, sat on the floor as she built her coffee table. The door opened and, as expected, Kourtney appeared with way too many bags, Ashlyn following behind.
"I just got the essentials for now. Oh, and I got you a bagel. I don't know what you like, but the shop down the street is so amazing I don't think there's any that you'd dislike."
Kourtney excitedly opened up the bags. Gina had never seen someone so happy to unpack groceries.
"Kourtney, sweetie," Ashlyn said softly, "how about you sit down for a second?"
She paused, then looked between the girls. "I'm being a little intense, aren't I?"
With a chuckle, Gina shook her head. "Trust me, I'd rather this than be alone. Thank you for this stuff. Will you help me put it away?"
Gina didn't need help with anything. It was just nice to have the company.
"You've made this place look great already," Ashlyn said, opening up the cupboards. "Maddox and I were never this organised. I'm not sure any of us were. I don't think Ricky's even completely unpacked, and he's been here for nine months."
"Did all of you guys meet here?" Gina wondered, sitting up on the counter. Kourtney and Ashlyn insisted she had a break.
"Jet and I moved in first," Kourtney stared. "Then Carlos came a few weeks later, and if it wasn't obvious, I love making friends. The rest of our neighbors at the time were pretty boring, but Carlos was anything but."
"Maddox and I got here next," Ashlyn continued. "That's when our family dinners started, like double dates plus Carlos. And then there's Ricky. Oh, you'll love Ricky."
Kourtney laughed, shaking her head a little. "He's really something. A total mess, in the best way. I think it was a week before he started letting himself into our apartments. You'll always know when he's home because he leaves his door wide open. He makes me seem distant."
"I've known Ricky since high school. He's a total sweetheart, always has the best intentions even when he's stupid. If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, Ricky's the one to go to."
Gina hummed. "That's good to know."
"Oh, and he's cute," Kourtney added.
"It's true," Ashlyn agreed. "I am in a loving relationship, but he sure is nice to look at. Seriously, if you ever get bored of listening to him, his face is a great distraction."
Gina didn't care too much about looking for love so soon. That didn't mean she wasn't curious about this boy.
Once the girls had left, Gina got a good look at her half-full fridge. She only had the ingredients for pancakes, but she'd dreamed of handing out baked goods on her first day, and after the day she'd had, there was nothing she wanted to do more than give something in return.
She piled the goods up in boxes, then headed into the hall. She welcomed Kourtney's hug graciously, and Ashlyn and Maddox's too. She spoke to Carlos for who knows how long, and every minute of conversation was easy.
Ricky's door was wide open. She almost felt nervous, tapping on his door with her knuckle.
"I'll be right-"
His head appeared around the corner of his hall, stilling as he caught sight of her. It looked like he was still in work clothes, but the first few buttons of his shirt had been popped, the bottom untucked from his pants.
"Hi," he said softly.
"Hi," Gina returned.
He was cute.
"I, uh- I made pancakes," Gina mumbled, almost embarrassed as Ricky stepped forward, eyes firmly on her.
"How'd you know I love pancakes?" Ricky wondered with a dazzling smile. Gina couldn't help but match it, shrugging.
"Lucky guess."
He hummed, leaning opposite her against the doorframe. "Good job. What's the occasion, stranger?"
"I just moved in. Figured I'd make a good impression."
His eyes gleamed, his smile growing. "You're our new neighbor?"
"That's me. I'm Gina."
After a moment of quiet, he let out a laugh, and Gina couldn't quite believe the scene she was watching as he danced around his living room in celebration.
"This is great! Do you know how glad I am that you're here? The last guy that lived there was so old and mean. I tried to be nice but he totally hated me. But now I- we have you!"
Gina was certainly amused. She definitely understood why Kourtney and Ashlyn spoke so highly of him.
"What's so special about me?" Gina said. "I could be mean too."
Ricky scoffed. "You're not mean. You're pretty and you made pancakes."
She had to remember to take a breath, otherwise this man would be the death of her. As she took her breath she held out the plastic box. "Here. Enjoy."
With a grin, he took the box, meeting her eyes. Gina breathed again.
"You're coming to dinner tomorrow, right? I imagine Kourtney invited you the second she found the right moment."
Gina chuckled, nodding. "I'll be there."
"Good. I'll finally have someone to walk with. We'll meet right here in this doorway."
"To walk ten steps together?"
Ricky nodded confidently. "Friday night dinners are very important Gina. It's been heartbreaking to show up alone."
With an eyeroll and a fluttering stomach, Gina smirked up at him, nudging the box to his chest.
"Enjoy your pancakes. See you at eight?"
Ricky's eyes gleamed. "See you at eight, Gina."
She could feel him watching as she took the very short walk back to her apartment. As soon as she closed the door behind her, she fell against it, dropping her head into her hands.
She wasn't supposed to like her neighbors that much.
It was no surprise that, when she opened her door the next evening, Ricky's was already wide open and welcoming her. She knocked, even though she wasn't sure she needed to, juggling her plate with the other hand.
"Just a minute!" Ricky called out. Gina smiled at the sound of him hurrying around, knowing he'd gotten home no more than five minutes earlier.
He stumbled out of his room suddenly, still in his work clothes. Gina had expected him to be a little dishevelled, but the dirt on the cuffs of his pants told a different story.
"Is everything okay?" Gina questioned. Ricky grinned, but he looked a little wild.
"Now, I know you haven't been here long, and you don't know everyone that well yet, but do you think Kourtney would let me bring a cat into her apartment?"
Kourtney's words about Ricky from the day before rang in her head. A total mess, in the best way. He was really living up to expectations.
"What kind of couch do they have?"
Ricky winced. "Velvet."
"No way."
"Okay. I figured you'd say that, but look. No one can say no to this face."
And then he held up a cat, a tiny black kitten. It was only a little bigger than his hands, mewing quietly in his gentle hold.
A total mess.
Gina had never been happier.
"How did this happen?"
She stepped forward, grinning and giving the cat some attention. It rubbed its head against her palm, purring quietly.
"I found her by the side of the road. I don't think she'd been there long. I can't leave her here in this strange place all alone."
He was killing her with kindness, aiming straight for the heart. Still, Gina stayed strong.
"You're going to keep her?"
Ricky nodded immediately. "Her name is Pepper, and I really hope she behaves." He walked ahead, before turning around to face Gina again. "Is that a cake?"
Gina glanced down at her plate. "I wanted to bring something. You've one-upped me now, though."
"In a week, Pepper will simply be another member of the family. If the rest of your bakes are anything like those pancakes, though, we'll be raving about them forever. The spotlight's all yours, Gi."
The smile that grew on her face was uncontrollable, not that she had any desire to wipe it away. She skipped forward, and Ricky lifted his arm so she could loop hers around it. She liked being close to him.
All this in twenty-four hours was a lot. Gina was used to a fast-paced life, but she'd never liked it much. She always wished things could slow down.
That didn't apply to Ricky. Watching him grin down at his new best friend made that glaringly obvious to her. Love at first sight was dumb, and she was delighted to give into its stupidity.
When Kourtney opened her door, she looked between them both, down at their joined arms, and then at the animal in Ricky's arm.
"If she pees anywhere, I promise I'll clean it," Ricky said quickly. Kourtney sighed.
"You're so lucky I love you. Anyway, Gina! Hi!"
Kourtney pulled her into a hug, swatting Ricky away. Gina giggled as he exaggeratedly rolled his eyes and strolled strolled to the kitchen, turning his head back to shoot Gina a grin. When Kourtney pulled away, she was smirking.
"So, I see you met Ricky."
Gina hummed. "I sure did. You were right."
"About which part?"
"Well, he brought home a kitten and he wears those button-ups really well. So, all of it."
Kourtney smiled, pulling her inside. "I guess I should've seen this coming. I'm pretty sure everyone who meets Ricky falls in love with him. Just be careful."
"Careful?" Gina wondered.
"Ricky is complicated. It brings a lot of joy, like kittens, but things aren't always that great with him. I won't get into it, but just... don't dive in too soon."
Gina wanted to ask more questions, but as her mouth opened, Pepper ran back into the room, Ricky hurrying in soon after. It was a perfect distraction from thinking about what could possibly be wrong with a guy like this. Though, watching moments like this and knowing she was about to experience so many more, she already knew she'd be willing to get through the tough stuff too.
Gina was losing her mind.
It had been one of those days, where everything goes wrong; being late for work, messing up more times than she could imagine, and getting caught in the rain on the way back, all before having to host her first dinner.
There was no way she'd bail on that before she'd even had a chance to prove herself, not that she had anything to prove. In the past couple of weeks, the people around her had become family. She saw all of them everyday, in one way or another. Her heart was full, but her head was busy.
She felt endlessly lucky that Ricky's door was open when she got home.
"I need you."
He looked up from the couch, tilting his head at the sight of her. Even Pepper gave her a stare from his lap.
"What's my job?"
"Help me cook?"
He smirked. "I'm only the best chef on this floor."
Gina scoffed. "I'd like to hear what Kourtney has to say about that. I just need you to get things started while I- I don't know. I need to rearrange my brain."
Pepper hopped off Ricky's lap, and Ricky stood up a second later. While the cat strolled out of Ricky's apartment and into Gina's, Ricky stopped in front of her, his hands resting on her arms.
"Are you okay?"
His smile was soft, but his eyes were starting to fill with worry. Gina started to smile just knowing he cared a little.
"It's been a very tiring day, but I want to do this for everyone. I've been looking forward to it all week. I just need you to help me keep my sanity."
Ricky grinned, then headed to her apartment, draping his arm around her shoulders even though she was soaked through with rainwater. "I'll do whatever I can, Gi. You go and get changed, I'll start cooking. Got a recipe?"
"On the kitchen counter. You're the best."
"Whatever you say, sweetheart."
Gina had to focus on every step after that. She was stumbling over the way he said that word, right to her.
Don't dive in too soon.
Yeah, she still didn't care much about that.
When she returned to her kitchen, Ricky had made it his own, navigating himself around effortlessly. Pepper watched on from the counter, asking for attention once she saw Gina enter.
"Wanna take over?" Ricky asked. "I can stay for moral support, or get out of your hair if you're the type that needs silence. I'm not that good at silence."
Gina happily took the wooden spoon from his hand, nudging him away. "Stay. I like company."
He smiled, sitting up on the counter. "You like my company."
"I was talking to Pepper."
"Oh, I'm sure you were."
Gina grinned down at her sauce. She could see Ricky's in the corner of her eye.
"I want to know more about you," Gina said. "Things I'm supposed to know."
He hummed. "Like what?"
"Like... your favorite colour."
"Purple."
"Your favorite animal."
"Pepper."
"Not what I meant."
He thought for a second. "I liked sharks when I was a kid."
"What were you like as a kid?"
Ricky's smile grew. "Unruly. Happy. Loud."
Gina grinned. "That checks out."
"You think?"
She nodded. "Sometimes I wonder if you've grown out of it yet."
He scoffed, rolling his eyes playfully. "Shut up. Next question."
"What are your family-"
"Skip."
Gina looked up. Ricky was looking back, his smile still bright on his face, but something in his eyes had changed.
She knew what the not-so-good mess was, then.
"What's your favorite dessert?"
"Why, are you making me something?"
The glow in his eyes had quickly returned. Gina felt overcome with warmth again.
"Maybe, if you're lucky."
"I love everything you make. Surprise me."
"You're feeling lucky, then?"
He shrugged. "From the smile on your face, I think the odds are in my favor."
Gina could feel how close she was to doing something stupid. She was thankful for the knock on the door before she could let her words betray her, and glad she could finally take the time to breathe again when Ricky was distracted by Ashlyn and Maddox.
She was grateful that, in all of the bad, dinner went perfectly. As long as these people she loved shared a room with her, nothing could go wrong. She'd dreamed of having a full house, of hosting sweet little evenings with the friends she hadn't made yet. It was hard to believe she had it all now.
Of course, her perfect night had to turn sour the second they all left. Ricky hadn't even walked back into his own apartment before Gina's phone was ringing. A joy, at first.
"Hi Mom! I'm glad you called."
"Hi sweetie. How are you?"
"I'm great, so great. This place is amazing. You need to come and visit when you can. My neighbors are my best friends now, I'd love for you to meet them."
There was no answer in return.
"Mom?"
"I need to tell you something, honey."
Gina felt a familiar sickness, the kind that came along when she packed a suitcase or boarded a plane, or looked at her mother's sad eyes for too long.
"What state did they put you in?"
Again, silence.
"What, are they putting you in Canada now? Answer me."
She heard a sigh on the other end of the phone. "I'm in Germany."
Gina's heart dropped.
"It's not forever. A few months, a year tops."
"A year?" Gina questioned. "I won't see you for a year?"
"Hey, look, we can find ways. We both have phones-"
"You never answer my calls."
"I'm very busy, Gina."
Gina sighed. "Don't you get sick of it? Moving around all the time? Do you even have a home anymore?"
"I've always said to you, Gigi. You're my-"
"Bullshit. What kind of home am I if you're never around? You've never been around. You know, this whole living alone situation is so much easier than I thought. I suppose it's because I've always been alone."
"Gina-"
"You haven't checked up on me once since I moved. You have no idea what's going on in my life. You never knew. You never cared. Every second of your time goes towards working and moving. I figured I wouldn't hear from you as much with a little distance between us. I didn't think it would be like this. You left the country and I had no idea, and you didn't even care to text. God, you wouldn't care to know if I was still alive-"
"Gina, don't say that-"
Gina scoffed, shaking her head like her mother would see it. "What would you do if you found that out? Would you come back? Does your schedule allow that?"
Quiet, again. Gina was about to throw her phone against the wall.
"I think you need space to think."
Gina had always wished her mother knew how much she hated to be alone. Instead, her mother hung up the phone. With a deep, shaky breath, she finished off her glass of wine, followed by the rest of the bottle, then wiped her eyes and looked at the dim light peeking through the bottom of her front door.
If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, Ricky's the one to go to.
And, well, she had enough liquid courage. So, she opened her door and padded straight through his open one. He looked up from the couch as she entered, immediately noticing her shiny cheeks and glassy eyes. Without a word, he held out his arm. Gina fell into his embrace easily, leaning against him and closing her eyes, pushing back a wave of tears.
"Wanna talk about it?" He asked softly. Gina shook her head, careless about the way she curled up into him. Ricky seemed to have no problem with it, wrapping his arm around her and shielding her from the TV light. They didn't speak, but they didn't need to. Ricky rubbed her arm gently, lovingly, a sweet reminder that she still had someone. She still had him.
She woke up on his couch, her head nestled into a pillow and her body wrapped under a blanket. On the table in front of her was a mug of coffee, a glass of water, a box of aspirin and a note.
Stay put, I'm at the store. Making pancakes!
Gina took the pills, then hurried back to her apartment, only to get out of yesterday's clothes. Despite the headache, she felt okay. She felt better.
Ricky made things better.
She was curled up in the corner of his couch when he returned. Pepper sprung from her lap when the door opened to greet him, circling around his feet until he gave her some attention.
"Good morning," Gina said softly. Ricky looked over at her, beaming.
"Hi. How are feeling?"
"I'm good. Thanks for the coffee. Thanks for the pancakes."
He chuckled. "I wouldn't thank me for those yet. They need to go right first."
"It's a good job you have me, then."
He stared at her for just a second, with that same sweet smile that made her melt. "This is my gift for you. You just sit there and watch."
She wasn't going to say no to that.
It was peaceful in his household, Gina sipping her coffee as Ricky moved around the kitchen. She was thankful for the open room, giving her the ability to keep watching him as he hummed around the kitchen. Pepper nestled in her crossed legs, and Gina thought about how this had always been her dream life; a home full of love.
Ricky was successful. Pancakes weren't exactly hard to make, but Gina could tell he was trying to make them the best he could, and he did a good job. They certainly lifted Gina's mood, though she'd felt herself healing just being in his presence.
"Thanks for letting me stay last night," Gina started, her voice quiet as they ate on the couch. "Sorry you had to see me all drunk and sad."
Ricky tutted, shaking his head. "Please, don't worry about that. You can turn up sad and drunk whenever you need to."
Gina smiled, relaxing in her corner and taking another bite of food. Ricky smiled too, then looked down at his plate again.
"Do you want to talk about it? I'm a good listener, and I'm no stranger to problems with parents."
She'd never really had anyone to talk to about this before. The idea felt strange to her, she was so used to talking to herself until she found a new distraction.
But this was Ricky. She could tell him everything.
"She moved out of the country and didn't tell me. It feels like she was waiting for me to leave her so that she could be free, like I was the one holding her back. Maybe I was, but she's held me back too. This is the first place I've been able to call home. I've never had real friends like this, I've never even properly decorated a room because I was never there long enough. This is the first time I've felt normal my whole life. I'm so happy here. She didn't even let me tell her that."
Gina cursed the tears that blurred her vision, quickly wiping them away.
"Sorry. It's fine, really. I'll get over it, I-"
Ricky put their plates down, before reaching forward and taking Gina's hands. "Don't be sorry. You're allowed to be upset."
"You don't have to say anything-"
He sat straighter, a little closer. "You have a home here. You have a family. You have a mom that loves you, even if it doesn't always feel like that. We all love you. You're not alone anymore."
Gina welled up again, leaning forward and hugging Ricky tightly before he could see her cry again. He knew anyway, his arms wrapping tightly around her, pulling her closer.
"Thank you," she whispered, breathing him in while she had him close.
"I'm always here," he whispered back. "No exceptions, I promise."
She held tighter. "This means you have to be my best friend. Are you ready for that?"
He laughed, keeping a hold of her. "Born ready, Gi."
And she sunk into him completely, remembering his warmth, the way his arms wrapped around her, the way he kept her secure. She'd never had someone like Ricky. She imagined she'd never have this again. So she'd hold on, for as long as she could.
Naturally, Gina had never known routine. There were things that had always stayed the same, but everything else was constantly changing. She'd never been in one place long enough to enjoy the little things.
Little things like leaving her door open, like having dinner with her friends every week. Things like saying goodnight to Ricky every night without fail, like waking up to coffee every weekend because he had a key.
She was happier than she'd ever been. This was the life she was meant to live; with all her friends, with a little cat, with Ricky.
Gina had never been in denial about Ricky. She could admit he was different to the others. Of course, she was close to everyone, but Ricky was the last person she saw every evening, the first she saw when she woke up. He was the first person she wanted to go to, for pretty much anything. Their doors were always open for each other. Ricky was her best friend, and something so much deeper. She knew she didn't love him the way she loved everyone else. These people were her family, through and through. Ricky was her person.
Even if she hadn't told him that yet.
On the weeks it was Ricky's turn to host, she showed up earlier than everyone else. She'd long forgotten the awkwardness of strolling freely into his apartment, picking up Pepper in her arms and being his sole source of company before the others arrived. As much as she absolutely adored being around everyone, she savored their moments alone.
Like now, watching Ricky cook peacefully. He was pretty when he was concentrating. She imagined watching this everyday, watching him make breakfast in pajamas, dinner in his work clothes. She imagined distracting him just for a moment, slipping into his arms, beaming up at him, feeling his kisses on her cheeks. She imagined their life. It didn't look much different to how it already was.
"What are you staring at?"
Gina snapped out of her daydream, smile growing as she met Ricky's eyes. "Nothing, just watching. That smells good, might be your best yet."
"Come and taste. Consider it a sneak peek."
He held up his spoon and Gina stepped closer, letting Ricky feed her before leaning against the counter so she didn't fall at his feet.
"Incredible as always," she said. Ricky grinned.
"So you're saying I'm the best chef on this floor?"
Gina hummed. "If I say yes, you can't tell Kourtney."
"Your secret's safe with me, sweetheart."
She didn't get a moment of rest around him.
"Need me to do anything?"
He shook his head. "I've got everything handled. Just stay here and look pretty."
"I suppose I can do that. What do I get from you?"
"Good food and a sweet smile."
He grinned at her, and Gina tried to keep her composure. She didn't tell him she wanted to kiss that sweet smile over and over and over-
"What are you doing tomorrow?"
Gina looked back up to his eyes. "If we're being realistic, I'll be hanging out with you."
He hummed, looking back to the food. "Do you want to hang out with me at a nice restaurant?"
Her heart thumped at the thought. The feeling made her grin, and she held the counter a little tighter as to keep herself upright.
"I like that idea."
It was clear Ricky was trying to bite back his own grin. "Okay, good. Pick you up at eight."
Gina could feel herself blushing and had no shame in it. "It's a date."
He met her eyes again, practically glowing. "Yeah, a date."
She smirked, leaning a little closer just to be a tease. Ricky was rarely nervous, she wanted to indulge in the moment. "Want me to close my eyes so you can do a happy dance?"
He let out a laugh, then nodded his head. She made a show of it, smiling brightly as she shut her eyes delicately only to open them again a few seconds later. Ricky wasn't dancing. In fact, he was completely still, staring right at her with a gleam in his eye. Staring right at her smile.
Gina had never cared much for first date etiquette. If she knew she'd kiss him in twenty-four hours, she had no problem kissing him now too. But just as he leaned in to close the little gap they had left between them, they heard the voices of their friends growing loud down the hall. Ricky sighed, and Gina giggled, simply holding onto the last few moments they had being closer than they'd ever been.
He tilted his head, kissing her cheek instead just as everyone strolled in through the open door. Gina stayed as he went to greet everyone, savoring the tingle on her skin and the flutter in her stomach, taking one more moment just to watch him before joining in with the group. They never distracted her from him, though. Her eyes always found their way back to him, her smile was always biggest for him, and she tuned everyone else out entirely when his hand found hers under the dining table.
Ricky would be the death of her. Gina was counting down the hours.
"I have nothing!"
Gina fell onto the pile of clothes on the bed, groaning into the fabric. Kourtney, Ashlyn and Maddox watched over her, undoubtedly amused.
"You've looked great in everything you've tried on," Maddox said. "Do guys even notice this stuff? Would Ricky? I don't think I've ever seen him go on a date."
"It needs to be perfect," Gina mumbled, rolling onto her back. "I need to look good, but I can't give it all away on the first date. I can't be too much, but I want him to think I'm pretty-"
"Okay, Gina." Ashlyn sat down beside her, pulling her to sit. "You could show up in the ugliest thing ever, and Ricky would drop dead. He's obviously obsessed with you. What matters is that you're spending time with him, right?"
"Well, yeah, but I always spend time with him. This is different. This is dating."
"Is it really that different? You didn't dress up for him tonight and he was all over you. So, pick a dress, any dress, and then spend the rest of your night thinking about how much you love him."
Gina chuckled, rolling her eyes. "I don't love him, but fine. Where's that pink dress?"
Kourtney handed it over to her. She'd been quiet, Gina had noticed. She took the dress from her anyway, putting it back on and twirling in the mirror before deciding it was, in fact, perfect.
"We'll come over tomorrow for a pep talk," Ashlyn insisted as they got ready to go home for the night. "I'd give you the Ricky Bowen rundown, but I think you already know him inside out. So, we'll come over to tell you to have fun."
Gina giggled, hugging her and Maddox. "I can't wait. Thanks for the help."
She waved them down the hall. Kourtney lingered behind in the apartment. Gina waited until the door closed, before leaning against it and looking at the girl.
"You don't want me to do this."
Kourtney sighed. "It's not that. I'm so happy for you both."
"But?"
"I just don't want you to think he's perfect."
"Nobody's perfect-"
"But I can see how you feel about him. It's intense, Gina, and that's not a bad thing, just... he doesn't do well with big feelings. He runs. The second he loses control he disappears. I can tell he cares about you, Gi, but- I just need you to be prepared. He's got a lot going on. He's going to run from you eventually."
Gina took a breath. She hated the thought of him leaving.
But he hadn't left. Not yet.
"I've never been in love, Kourt," she said softly. "Maybe Ricky isn't the one for me. Maybe he'll run away, maybe he'll make me hate him, but I want to make the most of what we have now. I want to go on dates with him and kiss him and call him mine. Maybe he'll leave, and it'll hurt like hell, but at least I would've had him for a little while. It doesn't have to be forever. Right now, I just want to go on a date and kiss him at the end of it. Okay?"
Kourtney was still for a moment, then stepped forward and pulled her into a hug. "Okay. Have fun. Tell me all about it when you're back."
Gina wrapped her arms tight around her. "I love you, Kourt."
With one more tight squeeze, Gina watched Kourtney stroll next door and into her own apartment. Then she headed back to her room, put all her clothes away, and fell into bed, falling asleep before she could start to wonder what Ricky could possibly want to run from.
She thought she'd be nervous. She had been when she first woke up, but then she saw the mug of coffee on her kitchen counter, paired with a heart drawn on a post-it note, and knew she didn't have a thing to worry about.
She was going on a date with Ricky, and she was counting down the seconds. It was a little ridiculous, how giddy she was, but she skipped around the apartment anyway, trying to busy herself but finding her mind always returned to thoughts of him anyway. She wanted time to go faster. She wanted to see him, wanted him to see her. She couldn't wait to hold his hand on the table and listen to him ramble and kiss him at the end of the night.
Or the beginning of the night, if she found she couldn't handle it any longer.
Ashlyn and Maddox joined her for that promised pep talk, though it was mostly a chance for Gina to let out her excitement. It felt intense for a first date, but this was different. This was Ricky, her neighbor, her best friend. This was a dream. She didn't care if it was intense.
She got ready on her own, stared at herself in the mirror, and felt the need to fix her hair a million times over. Her door was open, so was his, but she refused to go near before it was time. She didn't want to seem as eager as she was. Given the choice, she would've ran into his apartment, and his arms, hours ago. Instead, she waited, and the second the clock changed, she was ready to go.
Ricky was stood in her doorway, fixing the rolled-up sleeves of his shirt when she appeared. He looked up at the sound of her footsteps, and his eyes grew, mouth falling open slightly as he looked her up and down.
"Wow," he mumbled. A blush rose to Gina's face as she giggled and gave him a spin. When she looked to him again, he was grinning from ear to ear.
"Ready to go?" She wondered as he took her hands.
"You look beautiful."
Gina took a breath, gazing ahead at him as his eyes traveled her face. If this was the direction things were going in, she wasn't sure she'd last the night without swooning.
"Well, you look very handsome," she returned. "I guess we look pretty good together, huh?"
Ricky smirked. "Oh, definitely. I can't wait to show you off."
She closed up her apartment, keeping one hand in his, and never let go as they strolled to the elevator. "So, where are we going?"
"Well," Ricky started, "I booked a table at that Italian place you keep talking about. There's a little something before that, though."
"What is it?"
He chuckled. "Let's just say we're not exactly dressed the part. I think you'll like it."
Mini golf. He'd taken her to mini golf.
Gina could feel herself falling for him more and more each second. He was a perfect idiot.
"I should warn you before we start," Gina said as they strolled to the first course. "I have never done this before."
Ricky squeezed the hand he'd never let go of. "Well, it's a good job you've got me to teach you. I'm something of an expert at this."
"Oh yeah? I'd love to see that."
He smirked, making a show of putting down his blue golf ball and shooting it cleanly into the first hole.
"Your turn, sweetheart."
Gina feigned confidence, trying to remember and mimic what Ricky did. He made it look so easy. She wondered if it was obvious that she had no idea what she was doing.
Ricky was trying not to laugh. Gina could only think about how cute he looked, but she shot him a glare anyway and hit the ball. It bounced on one edge, then the next, all the way to the end and back again. It rolled to a stop right at her feet.
"Okay, I'll show you," Ricky said. Gina giggled as he came up behind her, loving the fluttering through her body as his chest pressed lightly against her back and his head settled right next to hers.
"I'm starting to think you brought me here just to do this," she mumbled, happy to let his hands rest on hers.
"You caught me," he replied. "Ready to play?"
"Show me how it's done, baby."
Ricky gave her butterflies. She liked making him feel them too.
They dragged each other to each course happily, and even though Gina quickly got the hang of it, she kept him close anyway. It was painfully obvious when she'd mess up on purpose, but Ricky would smirk and give in every time.
Neither of them wanted this to end. They loved that it didn't have to.
"I'm glad I can finally tick mini golf off my bucket list," Gina said as they got seated at the restaurant. It was seconds before they were reaching for each other the hold hands on the table, like it was instinct to find each other.
"Well, what can we tick off next?" Ricky wondered. "I'll get planning for our next date."
Gina hummed, leaning a little closer. "Our next date, huh? We haven't even finished this one."
He shrugged. "Well, will you let me take you on another?"
She smirked. "Depends on how that goodnight kiss goes."
His eyes glowed, his cheeks pink. "I'll make sure it's unforgettable, then."
Gina wanted to kiss him right there, right in that second. She knew he wanted the same, it was clear in the way he stared at her lips. But they knew it was worth the wait, and they had wine and great food to distract them until then.
Although, Gina ever stopped looking forward to the moment. Not when his thumb brushed her knuckles as they spoke, not when they curled up in the back of the Uber home, not when they took the stairs up to the seventh floor just so they could elongate the date a few minutes longer.
They lingered at Gina's front door, Ricky still keeping close as long as he could as she opened her door and turned back to him.
"Thank you for tonight," she said softly. "I had a lot of fun."
"Me too," Ricky replied. "I really would like to take you out again, if you'll let me."
She beamed at him, overwhelmed by warmth. "I'd love to."
Ricky stepped closer, both of his hands weaving with hers. He was so close Gina felt like she could only breathe him in, and there was nothing she'd rather do. She knew what was next, a part of her felt she'd known it since the day they'd met.
It was a sweet, gentle kiss, full of peace and joy and first date nerves. Ricky's lips were soft and he kissed her smoothly, like he'd always known how to kiss her, just her. Gina felt warm and full, like this was exactly what's she'd needed to feel whole. The gap between them had never felt so obvious when they pulled apart. She wanted to kiss him again and again and again.
"Goodnight, Ricky," she whispered instead, fighting her urge to pull him in again.
"See you tomorrow, Gi."
Gina didn't like closing the door on him. She didn't like not seeing his face anymore, not feeling the skin of his hands or his lips on hers again.
She didn't want to say goodnight just yet. She wanted one more minute, one more kiss. Just one more look at him, and she'd be satisfied.
When she opened her door again, he was still stood in place. Gina would forever adore how they were always on the same page.
There was no more than a few seconds of stillness before the gap between them closed again, Ricky's arms pulling her in by her waist as she cupped his jaw, kissing him deeply with the hope that it would tell him everything he needed to know.
Kissing Ricky was addictive. Gina couldn't wait to dream about it, and wake up in the morning and kiss him again. Until then, she was simply glad she didn't have to settle with hope anymore.
It was no surprise that Gina woke up joyously. There was a smile on her face the second she woke up, blessed with the memories of the night before.
As much as she'd grown used to change, she'd never enjoyed it, yet she was excited for what would change between her and Ricky. However, she could keep appreciating what they'd always had, like the mug of coffee on her counter, and the post-it note paired with it.
Good morning, sweetheart. My door is open, Pepper misses you! (and I do too)
She took the mug and opened her door, more excited than ever to stroll freely into his apartment. Ricky was humming away, cooking in the kitchen and shooting her a grin when he saw her.
"Just in time for breakfast," he said. Gina felt overwhelmed with comfort, standing beside him and pressing a kiss to his cheek.
"Smells amazing. It makes me sad you aren't hosting dinner for over a month now."
"I will cook for you whenever you ask me to. You get special privileges."
"Oh yeah? Why's that?"
He smirked down at her. "Because you're pretty, and I don't have a crush on the others."
It wasn't like it was news to her, but she grinned anyway at his words. "You have a crush on me, huh?"
"Did our kisses last night not make that obvious?"
Gina shrugged. "I think I'd need a couple more to really get the message."
Of course, Ricky didn't hesitate to focus all his attention on her, meeting her lips and letting sparks fly the way they had the night before. When Gina pulled back, Ricky dragged her right back in for another, kissing her deeper. She melted right into his arms, her own rising to wrap around his shoulders just to keep herself steady against him. She didn't want to stop kissing him, so she didn't, and by the way Ricky held her close by her waist, it was clear they were on the same page.
Gina cursed whoever cleared their throat in Ricky's doorway.
"Don't mind me," Jet said with false innocence as he strolled into the apartment, "I'm just here to get our bowls back."
Ricky glared as he casually made his way into the kitchen. "You had to get them right now?"
Jet shrugged, opening one of the cupboards. "Your door was open. First date went well, then?"
"It was great. Go home."
Jet tutted. "I can't stay for breakfast?"
Gina giggled at Ricky's unimpressed look. Jet simply nodded.
"Okay, I'm not invited, got it. It's for the best, I've seen you making out enough for one day already. Have fun, lovebirds!"
He headed out of the apartment with a grin, making a point of closing the door behind him. Gina laughed again.
"I guess we were never going to be good at keeping this to ourselves."
Ricky chuckled, smiling down at her again. "I'm okay with it."
Gina pecked his lips, just so he'd know she was okay with it too. "Don't burn breakfast."
With one more kiss (there would never be enough), Ricky turned back to their food. Gina hung around the apartment, playing with Pepper and making herself at home, but always found her focus returned to him.
In the three weeks after their first date, Gina and Ricky were around each other at almost every opportunity. They'd be together the second Ricky got home from work. Ricky would always be up waiting for her after her night shifts, even if just to stay goodnight. Gina had started to lose count of the number of dates they'd been on, considering Ricky called everything a date, from restaurants to grocery shopping. In the third week, they started spending the night with each other, alternating apartments. They hardly had a moment alone.
They both knew things were moving fast, but they didn't want that to change. When they were apart, they only thought about the moment they could be together again. Ricky hated saying goodbye, always asking for five more minutes. Gina had never once said no to him.
"Stay here tonight?" Ricky asked her softly after dinner at Kourtney and Jet's. It hadn't even been a discussion for Gina to follow Ricky into his apartment, getting comfortable on the couch. Her head rested on his lap, their hands linked and fingers fidgeting gently. Ricky's question was hardly a question worth asking.
"I'd love to," she said softly. "I'm not moving yet, though. You're comfortable."
Ricky chuckled, nodding. "I'm okay with that."
With his spare hand, he drew gentle lines along her face, staring down adoringly as Gina let her eyes close. She loved how soft he was, his touch always replicating his kindness. It was like she could feel everything he was feeling, just from the tips of his fingers.
"You're so beautiful," he whispered. Gina's smile grew uncontrollably. She'd never get tired of him saying that.
"You're beautiful too, baby," she mumbled, opening her eyes again. He smiled down at her with adoring eyes, and Gina felt the comforting pressure of everything they felt for each other.
She was seriously falling for him, and loved every second of the fall.
"Hey, Gi," he said softly, glancing at their intertwined fingers. Gina hummed, and he looked back to her again. "Can I be your boyfriend?"
Gina's heart flipped, then her stomach did the same. Once again, she couldn't get rid of the growing grin on her face, not that she'd ever want to. She sat up, making their faces level and taking a second to take in his hopeful smile.
"Only if I get to be your girlfriend."
Ricky chuckled, nodding his head. "I think we can make that work."
She kissed him sweetly, smiling against his lips, then kissed him again and again until they were both laughing.
"I'm so lucky," he whispered. Gina kissed him once more.
"So am I. There's no one else I'd want to be with."
Ricky's eyes were full of love. Gina imagined she looked much the same.
"Bedtime?" She suggested. Ricky hummed. One more kiss.
"Something like that," he said, grinning at Gina as she stood and pulled him up to his feet. She shrieked when he bent down and picked her up over his shoulder. She was sure she was giggling for hours after that, and wouldn't have been surprised if she'd slept with a smile.
Waking up in the morning in Ricky's bed, to the smell of breakfast with Pepper asleep at the foot of the bed, Gina knew she never wanted this to change. She wanted to keep waking up to this. She wanted to wear his clothes in the morning and kiss him and stare at him just because she could. And she could, whenever she wanted. She'd long forgotten anything Kourtney had said about him. Gina was in this for the long run, officially. She wouldn't let go of this, or him. No matter what.
The first two months were sickeningly sweet. Gina understood what people meant by a honeymoon phase, because they were totally obsessed with each other. They were attached at the hip, except for the moments Kourtney kicked him out for girls nights. Even then, Ricky would be waiting for her at the end of the night. They were head over heels for each other. It was nothing short of perfect.
Until it wasn't.
It was just a bad day at first. Ricky had had a long, hard day at work, but he'd accepted Gina with open arms nonetheless. He was quieter than usual, but he kept her in his arms, and she liked to think it helped. The cycle repeated for a couple more nights. He didn't tell her what was wrong, as much as she suspected there was more to this that work. She didn't push, just held him, and hoped he'd come to her with it when the time was right.
Instead, he didn't come home.
It was Friday night, his turn to host. He wasn't home at his usual time, but Gina figured he'd gone to the store first. She texted him, waited, texted her again. At 7pm, she let herself into his apartment, just in case he'd come home and she hadn't noticed. Pepper greeted her at the door, hungry. There was no sign of him. By 8pm, she'd heard nothing from him, and by then she was feeling frantic. This wasn't like him.
She was starting to shake when she let herself into Kourtney and Jet's apartment. They were getting ready to head to Ricky's, but the second they saw her they both stopped in their tracks.
The second Gina started to cry, Kourtney was sitting her on the couch and Jet was grabbing his jacket, pulling on his shoes.
"It's okay, he's okay," Kourtney reassured, kneeling in front of Gina. "He wouldn't have gone far."
"What if something happened to him?"
Kourtney quickly shook her head. "Nothing has happened to him. How's he been the past few days?"
Gina shrugged. "Quiet. He had a bad week at work."
"He's just... running away. He does this."
"He's not answering my texts. I'm pretty sure he's declining my calls. Is he running from me?"
Kourtney quickly shook her head. "You've done nothing wrong. This isn't anything to do with you, Gina."
"Does he think he can't come to me?"
Again, Kourtney shook her head. "He doesn't go to anyone until we make him talk."
"How often does this happen?"
She shrugged. "Every few months, I suppose. Look, he'll come back, he always comes back. Jet is going to go get him, and we'll all make sure he doesn't run off again, but... this won't be the last time this happens, Gi. You need to know that."
Gina shook her head, pulling her phone out. "I need to talk to him-"
Kourtney took the phone out of her hands. "Not now. He's drunk. He won't answer."
"I'm his girlfriend-"
"And he's out of his mind right now. We need to sit, and wait for him to come back."
Gina felt like she hadn't taken a breath in far too long. "Are you sure he's safe?"
Kourtney nodded. "He's always safe. He's stupid, and he's a mess, but he's never anything more than drunk. The best thing we can do is wait for him. This is temporary."
"Until it happens again."
Kourtney sighed, resting her head on Gina's knees. She didn't say anything, and Gina knew it was because nothing she said would be reassuring.
A total mess.
Gina hated waiting, but she did. The others had shown up, and they all waited together, but Gina only wanted Ricky. Waiting was horrible. She felt like she couldn't quite catch her breath, her cheeks never drying out of silent tears.
Jet messaged when they were on the way back, and again when they were in the elevator. When he entered the apartment, Gina watched Ricky keep walking, stumbling down the hall back to his own place. She jumped up, pushing past Jet despite protests and following Ricky to the end of the hallway. He got the door open and practically fell through it, landing on the couch. Gina followed, closing the door behind her. Ricky looked over at her, eyes hazy and unfocused.
"Come on," she said softly, taking his hands and pulling him to his feet again. He groaned, then let go of her, his steps uneven as he made his way to the bathroom. Gina followed slowly, taking a needed deep breath before sitting with him on the bathroom floor. They didn't speak while he was throwing his guts up, or when she got him out of his work clothes and into bed. He watched her sleepily as she closed the bedroom door, turning out the lights and climbing in beside him.
"I'm sorry," he whispered. Gina sighed, pulling him closer.
"The next time you plan on running off, tell me. Promise me that."
He didn't say anything. His hand found hers and he nestled his head into her shoulder. Gina knew better than to force anything out of him at that point, knew it was better to let him sleep away the alcohol first.
She had every intention of speaking her mind once he was hungover, though.
When she woke the next morning, she made him coffee and left it on his bedside table, along with a glass of water and pills to ease his impending headache. She fed Pepper and started with breakfast for them both. The swapped roles would've been nice if it wasn't for the situation surrounding it.
When he emerged from the bedroom, he looked tired, clearly feeling the consequences of the night before. He sat on the couch, curling into the corner with his mug and staring at the wall ahead, completely tuned out. They didn't say anything to each other until Gina had finished with food, bringing plates to him.
"You didn't promise me last night," she started softly. Ricky looking down at his food, pushing it around with his fork.
"I don't make promises I can't keep."
"I'm making you keep this one."
He looked over at her for a moment, his gaze weak and dull, before looking away again. "I wasn't thinking straight. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to worry you."
Gina sighed, resting a hand on his knee. "You know you can tell me when something's wrong, right? Whatever happened, I'm here. I want to be here."
He shook his head. "I just want to forget about it. I'm sorry I left you. It won't happen again. I promise."
"Can you say that without crossing your fingers?"
"Gina-"
"I'm not going to pretend this is fine. You don't get to run off and leave me in the dark just to brush it off like it's nothing."
With another shake of his head, he put his plate down and stood, making an effort to turn away from her. "I don't want to talk about it, Gi."
Gina followed. "So what am I supposed to do, Ricky? Am I expected to pretend you're fine until this happens again?"
"It's what everyone else does."
"I'm not everyone else. Whatever shit you've got going on, I want to know. You can't expect me to sit around and watch you be miserable."
"I'm not-"
He was interrupted by the ringing of his phone in his pocket. It was obvious, the way his entire body tensed, the way he stilled like he'd been caught, that this was the root of his problem. He didn't move when Gina stepped closer, reaching into his pocket.
His mom was calling, and he looked like he desperately wanted to run from it.
Eventually his phone silenced. Gina put it on the counter, listening to Ricky's sigh of relief as he leaned back against the wall and sunk down to the floor. He dropped his head, taking deep breaths as Gina sat down beside him.
"You're not the only one with mom troubles," Gina whispered. "I know from experience that bottling that stuff up doesn't help anyone, most of all yourself."
Ricky lifted his head to rest his chin on his knees. His eyes were red and rimmed with tears. Gina took hold of his hand, and a moment later, he leaned against her.
"She doesn't talk to me much. Only when she wants something, usually. I used to go and see her when she called, which was dumb, because I never win when I see her. Now, she calls, and I go and get drunk, because at least then I'll have something to blame it on when I give in to her."
"What does she want this time?" She asked softly, running a hand through his hair.
"Money. For her and her fiancé."
"She's getting married?"
Ricky hummed. "I've never met the guy, I refuse. He's half the reason my family broke apart. I'm not going to the wedding, I told her that the first time she invited me. Everytime I say no, she says the least I can do is show that I'm grateful. Like I'm supposed to be grateful for anything she's done."
He sniffled, then wiped his eyes.
"She's been asking me all week. I hated it, but I held my ground. I don't like that she does this to me, and... you made it easier. But then she called me after work yesterday and-"
He shook his head, closing his eyes as tears rolled down his cheeks. Gina wiped them away.
"You're okay," she whispered.
"She's pregnant. I couldn't keep it together after that."
Gina just nodded. There was nothing she could say in that moment, and it wasn't time for that anyway. All she did was hold him and let him finish.
"For so long, it was like I didn't even exist to her. Even before her and my dad separated, she didn't have time for me. She never cared to take me with her when she left. She never offered to look after me or help me. I was the one that had to help her, because I started making money and living a better life than her. And now there's going to be another child, and it gets to have all her love. It gets everything that I didn't. I sound like a monster, being jealous of an unborn child."
"No you don't," Gina said quickly. "You're right. It's not fair. What she does to you isn't fair. You don't deserve it."
He looked at her with misty eyes. "I'm so scared I'm going to give into her again. She's going to use this baby against me for the rest of my life. I don't know how I'm supposed to handle that."
His head dropped again, and he let out a sob. Gina held him close, the pair leaning against each other as Ricky cried.
"She failed you," she mumbled. "You owe her nothing, Ricky, not even a minute of your time. Look at me."
She lifted his head, and he looked into her eyes. His gaze was painful.
"Your real family is right here. You are surrounded by love. Everyone on this floor would walk the earth for you, just like you would for them. They love you. I love you."
His eyes softened. "You do?"
She smiled softly. "Of course I do. I know I can't give you everything-"
He shook his head quickly. "You don't need to give me everything. I just need you. I need you with me."
"I'm here. I won't leave if you don't."
"I promise, I mean it, and... I love you too."
When he kissed her, she accepted it, knowing they'd found peace the second she felt his lips soft on hers.
He pulled back when his phone rang again, but his shoulders didn't hunch like they had before.
"You don't have to answer," Gina said. Ricky nodded, but stood up and took hold of his phone anyway. The ringing stopped, and he held it to his ear.
"I'm not doing this anymore," he said calmly. "Have a happy wedding. Have a good life. Love your child. I have my own life to focus on now."
Then he hung up, put his phone face down on the counter, and sat back beside Gina. Pepper climbed into his lap, stretching out into Gina's too, and Ricky laughed softly.
"This is my family," he mumbled. "You and me and Pepper. My girls."
Gina kissed his cheek before resting her head on his shoulder. "Always."
They'd been together six months when his mom called again. Ricky and Gina were in his apartment together when her name came up on his phone. For a split second, Gina remembered her fear when he'd ran away. That was until Ricky easily declined the call, pulled Gina back into his arms, and kissed the side of her head.
Ricky had new focuses. He focused on cooking, on teaching, on Gina. They were still attached at the hip, as close as ever. Gina loved him as much as she did the first day. It was obvious that Ricky felt the same way, and he had no shame in showing it however he could.
Gina spent all her time at his apartment. Her place was storage more than anything, somewhere to hold her things while she was with him. She didn't even host her family dinner at her place anymore. No one ever mentioned it. No one needed to. It was hardly unexpected.
All the things she needed were at his place. It was easier that way, so she wouldn't have to leave his to get ready for the day.
In less than a month, she'd have to move out of her apartment. She wasn't worried about leaving the way she always thought she would. The last few weeks of her time on the seventh floor weren't quite what she predicted they'd be.
"I need to start packing soon," she said one evening, laying on Ricky's lap. "How easy is it to sell a couch?"
"It's New York, someone always wants a couch. We're selling this one though, yours is better."
She smiled up at him. "It's pink."
He shrugged. "I like pink. So does Pepper. Plus, half my closet is about to be pink too, so I figure I should get used to it."
"You know, I really think you're perfect for me."
Ricky chuckled. "Because I like pink?"
Gina sat up, grinning at him. "Because you put up with it."
He leaned forward, kissing her once. "I love you. I can't wait to have a pretty, pink apartment."
"You'll get sick of it."
"I'll paint the place top to bottom if it'll get you stay."
She grinned, kissing him again. "I love you too. Can we move more stuff in today?"
He nodded. "I'd love to. I'm going to kiss you more first, though."
And, well, she wouldn't say no to that. There was nothing else she'd ever want to do.