Page 58 of Surviving Slater

"Yeah," I replied causally, trying to keep my tone light and unemotional, the total opposite from how I was feeling inside. My medication was wearing off. I would need to take more soon.

"Okay. I'll call you tomorrow when I get the report," he said before the call ended.

I let out a deep breath. Matthew watched.

"He's going to run a background check, isn't he?" he asked with a growing smile.

"You know him well." To anyone who didn't know Connor, they would think it was over the top. But to those who did, it wasn't—it was normal.

"You'd better hope your friend passes or Connor will be paying you a visit."

"That's not funny," I remarked with a playful glare. Matthew put up his hands in mock surrender.

"I warned you," he added with a mischievous glint in his eye.

I leaned back against the counter and smiled. It was the first time since my soul had been darkened with the memories of my childhood. He had a way of lightening the mood. It reminded me of what I was going to miss when he left.

"Why are you looking at me like that?" Matthew asked, catching me staring at him.

"I'm really going to miss you."

His eyes softened. "Same here."

It sucked. I understood why he had to go, but I didn't have to like it.

I looked down at my phone. It was time to organize my life. Searching through my contacts, I found Levi's number. I couldn't think of anyone else I would rather have around than him.

I dialed his number and pressed my phone to my ear as it rang.

"Hey, you," Levi greeted.

"Hey," I replied. "I have something to ask you."

"Sure. What?"

"My roommate is moving out and I wondered if you'd like to move in with me?" I asked, holding my breath as I waited for his answer.

"How much is the rent?" he asked.

"Nothing."

"Really?"

"Yeah. Taylor's brother rented it out for the year and Taylor moved out. Matthew is moving out this weekend. So I'll be on my own."

He considered it for a few moments.

"Are you sure?" he asked. "I might be one of those guys who doesn't put the toilet seat down or leave my dirty clothes lying all over the place."

"Are you trying to talk me out of this?" I asked as I paced.

"No, not at all. I'd love to. I can't think of a nicer person to room with," he said, and I felt relieved. I'd never had a problem being on my own but since I was feeling more vulnerable I was glad I wouldn't have to stay in the apartment by myself. "But I have to warn you up front, I'm messy."

"I'm sure I can handle that." I had picked up after my mom for years while she had daydreamed about the next love of her life. Being responsible had been inbuilt in me. It wasn't something I had chosen.

"I'll have to give notice where I am but I'm happy to move in right away."

"That's great," I said, clutching my phone tighter, feeling like I had accomplished something.