Page 14

Tealey

My smile is instant, my heart beating faster to meet the joy I feel seeing my two best friends waiting for me. My pace picks up as I hurry toward my building. “What are you guys doing here?”

Cammie, dressed in yoga pants and a sweatshirt, waves. “We thought you could use reinforcements.”

Marlow stands in sleek white pants and a fitted black silk top, not looking like she’s here to pack. She’s holding a tray of drinks, though, so I won’t complain. “And I brought coffee.”

I readjust my bag on my shoulder and hug them. “Thanks for being here.”

The three of us have been best friends since we were assigned to the same tour group on the first day of freshman orientation at New York University. Although we couldn’t be more different, we clicked, and as the saying goes, the rest is history.

Cammie grabs the handle of the door. “When you texted that you’ll miss a few lunches to finish,” she says, punching in the code, “we figured we could knock it out quicker together.”

“There’s not a lot left to pack, but I appreciate you being here.”

Marlow wraps her arm around me. “We’re always here for you.”

Although I know she won’t pack much, her being here, with coffee I might add, makes the chore not so bad. “Mocha latte?”

“You know it.”

We file up the stairs, and after I change clothes, I come out of the bathroom and say, “I’m moving in with Rad,” more for Marlow since Cammie already knows.

Marlow’s eyes widen, and then she smiles. “You are?”

“I am. He offered, and I accepted. We’re a match made in roommate heaven.

” I fold the flaps of a box down while Cammie drags tape along the seam.

Realizing how that might be taken the wrong way, I add, “As friends, of course. Friendly roommates. That’s all.

Nothing to see or discuss. We probably won’t even see each other much. Just two friends?—”

“We get it.” She winks at Marlow. “It’s platonic.” Double wink. My mouth drops open as she grins and adds, “No one thinks otherwise, Teals.”

Marlow relaxes on the couch, shoes on the floor, her legs tucked under her, and her shoulders shaking with laughter. “I’m happy that worked out. I told him the other day to help me convince you to stay. I guess he worked his magic.” She smiles mischievously and then clicks her tongue and winks.

“Okay. Okay. Enough. He’s not working any magic on me,” I snap. “It’s only temporary, and he has a spare room, so?—”

Cammie laughs. “I think you’re handling it great.

Keep calm and carry on and all that.” She points the tape dispenser at me.

“I mean, why would you feel otherwise? Just because you’re moving in with the one guy you’ve crushed on forever .

. . What could go wrong?” She stands, looking at me expectantly with the tape dispenser, ready to battle the next box.

Marlow adds, “When so much could go right.” Remembering how he said my body has so much right with it has my cheeks heating. I play it off as frustration.

“There is not going to be any wrong or right with Rad. We’re friends. You guys know this better than anyone.” I busy myself with the box flaps to avoid their stares and the questions I spy populating in their eyes.

“I’ve been thinking about this,” Cammie starts, worrying her lip. “Are you sure moving in with him is a wise idea? This will either bring you closer or destroy a good friendship. It could ruin . . .” She catches herself before she says the words.

I say them instead. “The group dynamic. I worry about that, too, but I can’t live on your couch.

” Trying to lighten the mood, I add, “Cade made it more than clear that you two have christened that thing fifty times over. Anyway, you guys need your couple time, alone .” Reaching across the box, I squeeze her hand. “So it wasn’t even an option to ask.”

Marlow pushes off the futon and holds the flaps in place. “I want to help.”

“Then help,” Cammie snaps, causing Marlow to recoil. “Grab another box and get to it.” The screeching of the tape breaks the standoff of silence that follows.

Reaching down, she lifts a box to the top of the stack and says, “Cade’s right. The stress is getting to you.”

After Cammie zips the tape over the top, she sets the tape down and hugs Marlow. “I’m sorry. I’m the worst.”

“You’re not the worst. You’re awesome. You just have a lot going on. We’ll get through it, and so will you, and then you’ll live happily ever after.”

When they both finish hugging, and the tension evaporates, I move a box to a stack by the door.

She peeks inside a box on the bed and says, “I would have offered my couch, but it’s really not made for sleeping.”

Cammie and I exchange a knowing look, and then she laughs. “It’s not even made for sitting. It’s for looks, Marlow, and the most impractical sofa ever.” The red velvet couch is so overstuffed, it’s stiff, hard like a rock. Sleeping on it would be impossible.

“I like what I like.” Marlow shrugs. “And I’m rarely home to ruin it.” Swift to change the topic of conversation, she asks, “How’s the wedding planning?”

Cammie bends to tape down the edges of an extra-full box.

“Good. I think. I don’t know. I promised myself I wouldn’t worry about it tonight, and Cade told me to take the week off from it.

Everything that needs to be done is done, so he’s right.

I should.” She laughs to herself, but anxiety weaves through the sound.

“I just worry everything’s going to fall apart.

He’s been a good sport, though, and is just worried about me. ”

“I think Cade’s right. Nothing will happen this week to ruin your whole wedding. If something comes up, we have months to get it fixed. Just let us know, and we’ll help.”

“Thanks. I’m going to try to focus back on life this week, give myself time to decompress.” Since all the boxes are taped up, Cammie moves into the kitchen and opens a cabinet. “We’re on for Saturday too. You secured the storage unit?” She gasps.

Her gasp causes both me and Marlow to startle. With my hand over my thumping heart, I ask, “What?”

“Where are your mugs?”

“Oh, good lord, Cammie. You scared me.” I start to giggle. “I sent them with Rad last night.”

“ Whaaaaaat ?” she says, smiling like she knows a secret. It’s not a secret that he was here, hence why I said it like it was no big deal.

It’s no big deal . . . or is it? They are a part of my heart. Oh God , did I send a piece of my heart home with Rad last night? My subconscious is a devious bitch.

“He came by to check on the packing and said I could start staying there tonight.” I do a quick sidestep I learned in tap class when I was five and add jazz hands, cracking myself up. “Don’t make a big deal out of this.”

Leaning against the counter, she holds her hand out, ready to tick her fingers. Oh great. I roll my eyes, bracing myself, which is something usually reserved for Marlow. Speaking of . . . she joins in the fun and stands next to her. Two against one. Even better. . .

I cross my arms defensively over my chest. “Bring on the mockery. Let’s do this and get it over with.”

Cammie touches her index finger. “I want someone to love me like I love coffee.”

I restrain my grin even though that mug is one of my favorites. “It’s a classic.” That barely earns me a smile.

Marlow asks, “And that ugly, brown ‘Happy Birthday, Gerald’ mug?”

“That awesome flea market find is already at Rad’s.”

“I’m surprised your mug collection left the premises. I would have thought you’d be personally escorting them to the city.”

“I love mugs, but I felt they were safe with him.”

Marlow laughs as she returns to the futon. “I can’t wait for Rad’s reaction when he sees them.” Touching her chest, she adds, “We’ve been good friends keeping your addiction under wraps.”

“You submitted my story to Hoarders to be featured in an episode.”

“Although true, does one need that many mugs?”

“No,” I reply, holding my chin up as I defend my mug-loving ways and sit on the bed.

“But I think the real question is do I love them? Yes. I do . Do they make me smile? Absolutely. Quippy mugs are sort of my thing. It’s a collection.

I have one to fit every mood.” I point at a lone box by the door.

“For the record, though, I did set a few aside in the donation box.”

Cammie pads across the room and looks down. “Three? You have like two hundred. As Marlow said, I think you are past love at this point and well into obsession. Did the ‘Happy Accidents’ mug make it?”

“Bob Ross is an American treasure. Of course, his mug made the cut. Anywho, what kind of collector would I be if I broke up the band, Yoko?”

Her hands plant on her hips, and although Cammie tries for serious, she can’t contain her grin. “Yoko did not break up The Beatles. They were already splintering.”

“Whatever you have to tell yourself to sleep at night.”

Giggling, she flops down on the bed next to me and lies back. “You’re ridiculous, Teals.”

Marlow smirks to herself. “I think it’s great that you took them to Rad’s. He needs a little chaos in his life.”

Knowing she’s not intentionally insulting me, I ham it up. “Are you calling me chaos? I thought I was fun. Phoebe fun.”

“You are fun with a side of chaos,” she replies, “fun chaos.”

My brow furrows. “Fun chaos?” I shake my head. “Fine, I’ll be the fun chaos.” Packing takes precedence again, so I drag myself to my nightstand and start tossing stuff into my suitcase. “I found out that our budget’s run out at work.”

Marlow crooks her head. “Quarterly or yearly?”

“I didn’t get the details.”

“It’s only May.”

The vibe in the room changes. I know they’re looking at me, probably worrying about both my passion and my paycheck.

I agree, so I don’t look at them. I don’t even know why I brought it up.

It probably won’t even happen anyway. I do feel better getting it off my chest, even if I now have two sets of wary eyes directed at me. Cammie asks, “What does that mean?”

“Cutbacks. We run out of money every year, though, so I’m not worried.”

“We know,” Marlow says, “And then every year, you accumulate weeks on the clock and don’t get paid. You can’t keep doing that.” Ideally, no, I wouldn’t, but I’m left with no choice.

“Would you suggest I let people suffer?”

“I’m not trying to be heartless. I’m worried about you . You deserve to be paid for your efforts and the hours worked.”

“And to have a life outside of work, especially if they aren’t paying you,” Cammie adds.”

“I agree, but what am I supposed to do?”

Sighing, Marlow huffs, sending her bangs flying up from her forehead. “I don’t know. I just worry about you.”

“I’ll be fine.”

Cammie sits up, resting her weight on her hands behind her. “What if they shut down the office?”

A deep-seated fear bubbles to the surface. It’s one I’ve tried not to think about without knowing any specifics. But it’s always there in the back of my mind.

What if I lose my job?

What if I sign a new lease and then lose my job?

How long can I stay at Rad’s? Those details haven’t been worked out. I know that I refuse to be a burden to him or cramp his lifestyle.

What if I end up back in Texas after all? I’d have to get new certifications, and would I return to my parents' house? Tail tucked between my legs . . . Off the top of my head, I reply, “There are other centers I can transfer to.”

She nods, and when I glance at Marlow, she’s staring at her lap. This topic is a real downer. My stomach interjects its own opinion with a growl.

Marlow sits up abruptly. “Hey, how about we go out for dinner? My treat.”

I suggest, “There’s a new Thai restaurant one subway station away. I’ve been wanting to try it.”

“Thai sounds great,” Marlow starts while slipping her heels back on, “but Louboutins do not belong on the subway.”

Cammie pops up. “No worries. I’ll order a car.”

As I slip on my sneakers, I listen to them chatting about everything and nothing. It’s good to be surrounded by the sound of friends and them showing up without me even asking—I’m a lucky girl.

I just hope that it carries me through this stint at Rad’s and that moving in with him will only bring us closer and not the alternative. Although it feels a lot like everything’s on the line, I suck down my worries and grab my purse.

Marlow opens the door. “You ready?”

For dinner or Rad? Either way, I say, “As ready as I’ll ever be.”