Just as I’m about to tell Brandon I’m ready to go, I get a phone call and see it’s Sophie.
“Hey, what’s up?” I answer.
“Lennon.” Her voice cracks, and I instantly know something’s wrong.
“Soph, what is it? Are you okay?” I immediately panic.
“Yeah, I-I’m just having some roommate issues. Figure you were the best person to talk to about that.”
I snort, nodding in agreement, though she can’t see me. She knows all about my troubles with Hunter.
“What kind of issues? I thought you and Maria got along great.” They’ve been roommates the past few years, and she’s never complained about her.
“We are, we do. It’s…well, she’s asking her boyfriend to move in with her. With us.” I hear the struggle in her voice.
“Carter?” I ask, knowing exactly who she’s talking about. She gets along with him as well as I get along with Hunter.
“Yep. I don’t know what I’m going to do. Or can do rather. The lease is in her name. She took me in, so it’s not like I can really say anything. Him moving in here is going to make my life a living hell, and I do not have time for his bullshit. I’m swamped with private lessons and orchestra practice as it is. The last thing I want is to come home and deal with his lazy ass.”
“Sounds all too familiar…” I groan. “What about getting your own place?”
“I can’t afford it right now or in the near future. Not when they’d want the first and last month’s rent along with the security deposit up front.” Her voice softens, and I know she’s defeated.
“Want me to come over? Brandon and I were going for an evening joyride, but I can have him drop me off instead. We can drink wine and eat ice cream.”
She releases a choked laugh, which makes me smile because I was hoping that suggestion might lift her spirits a bit. “I don’t want to ruin your date night.”
“No, it’s okay. We can do it another night. I’ll come over, and we can talk,” I insist, and she finally agrees. “I’ll be over in twenty.”
Once I explain the situation to Brandon, he’s understanding, as usual, and tells me it’s no problem. We hop on the bike, and he drives us to Sophie’s apartment. Once we’re there, I swing my leg over and get off the back. The engine continues to run as I take off my helmet then strap it to the back and give him a big smile.
“Sophie will bring me back home. I have a feeling we’re going to be chatting for a while, so I might not be home until late.”
Brandon takes off his helmet and pulls me close, smiling against my lips. “You girls have fun. But not too much fun,” he says, giving me a wink.
I lean forward and steal another kiss. “Don’t worry. I need to get her mind off potential asshole roommates, so romantic comedies and junk food it is since I might know something about that.”
I give him a pointed look, and he chuckles. “I love you, baby. Have fun.” He wraps a hand around my neck and pulls me in for one last deep kiss.
“I love you, too.” I hum against his lips. “Be careful on that thing. I’ll see you when I get home,” I tell him.
“I always am.” He winks, then replaces his helmet and revs the engine. I wave as he drives out of the parking lot and watch as he slowly turns back to the road.
I walk to Sophie’s apartment and knock. She answers almost immediately, and the defeated look on her face has me giving her a big hug.
Moments later, we’re on the couch watching 10 Things I Hate About You with a bottle of Merlot and a pile of snacks.
“So things are still World War III for you?” Sophie asks after our second glass of wine.
I groan loudly to emphasize my point. “Yep. Every damn day. He’s a slob, disrespectful, arrogant, selfish, and rude. All of the above.”
Sophie chuckles, then sips her drink. “Still blows my mind, considering he was hitting on you that first night you guys met.” She waggles her brows at me, and I playfully shove her shoulder.
“Stop. It was nothing. He was hitting on half the bar. Brandon swept me off my feet, and I’m supposed to be with him, and I’m happy!” I reassure her.
“I know you’re happy, which makes me happy! I just can’t help wondering if you hadn’t dated that douchebag who cheated on you in college if you would’ve pushed your insecurities aside and pursued Hunter?” she asks, and it takes me by surprise. “You told me all about spring break week afterward and mentioned him but then ended up dating his roommate. I mean, that’s why you chose Brandon, right? He was the ‘nice guy’?”