Page 81 of Mine

His face fell as he held his hands up. “I’m sorry, just a sucker for a pretty face.”

I laughed as he moved onto another girl, who seemed a little more receptive than I.

Eventually I was in a cab, riding through the bright lights of the city heading for my apartment. I was excited to meet my roommate. The rent was surprisingly good, so I had hoped it wouldn’t be in too bad an area.

I marvelled at the skyline as it fell into view, and I got that famous New York gawp I had heard about. The cab made its way through the traffic, the driver reluctantly answering my many questions. He seemed bored to tears, to be honest. I sat back in my seat and marvelled that I was finally here.

Slowly but surely my cab pulled onto a residential street that was very pretty, considering it was still quite central. I pulled out my money and paid him, being sure to give him a tip as he pulled my luggage from the trunk for me.

I longed for Cal suddenly, feeling vulnerable.

He hadn’t been in touch before I left, telling me he was shitty at goodbyes but that we would try the long-distance thing. I sighed, pulling my suitcase up to the steps to the door that read ‘11A’.

I searched my phone once more, making sure I was pressing the correct buzzer. I waited patiently as I heard footsteps come towards the door, and I gulped, trying not to be nervous. This was, after all, my new roomie.

The door opened to reveal a striking brunette with large brown eyes studying me.

“I’m Gretchen. You must be…” I racked my brain to recall her name.

“Nancy,” she drawled, and moved back so I could walk in, not offering to help at all. She wore black thigh-high boots, which left a gap of flesh between them and a long red shirt that hung over one shoulder. Her dark hair was poker straight and her lips were painted red. She closed the door behind me as I dragged my case in awkwardly.

She folded her arms and sighed. “So, we share the top floor,” she eyed my bags. “There’s no elevator, so it’s gonna be a struggle with your things.” She reached into her pocket and pulled out a silver key. “This is yours. I’ll see you around.”

She turned on her heel and walked out of the door I had just come in.

I closed my eyes and wished more than anything Cal was here.

How the hell am I going to get this case to the top floor?!

Why is my roommate such a bitch?

She literally had waited to let me in, then she had left without offering to help.

Ugh, was this what all New Yorkers were like?I gazed at the stairs, trying to think of a solution.

My phone beeped, and I felt my heart lurch when I saw it was Cal.

CAL:

Settling in okay? I miss you already.

Tears pricked my eyes as I imagined him back in Winterburg, in his cozy house, all alone.He better be alone, I thought, texting him back quickly.

GRETCHEN:

Roommate isn’t too friendly. I’ve got to get my case up three flights of stairs. Any suggestions?

I tried to be jovial, but I just sat on my suitcase in frustration.

CAL:

Leave it downstairs and pay someone to take it up for you later. Are you okay, Raven?

I laughed despite myself.

That wassoCal.

Pay someone to sort it for you.