Dirty Roomie

by Alycia Taylor

  The house was big. I’d go as far as saying that it was the biggest house that I had ever seen in my life. There was no other word for it but grand. A grand house. Nothing like my tiny apartment where I couldn’t even fit an ironing board out in the open. I saw a car in the driveway, and as soon as I parked next to it and got out, I saw that a man was leaning against it.

  “Ah, you must be Riley,” he said as I got closer. The lawyer was wearing a tailored pinstriped suit, which would look ridiculous on most people but somehow seemed to suit him. He was the type of man that you couldn’t imagine in anything other than a suit. I half pictured him going to sleep each night in one too.

  “Mr. Spurdock? Good to meet you.”

  “Nah, call me Quinton,” he said. “Isn’t this house grand?”

  I smiled. “That was the exact word I was thinking of when I looked at it. It’s incredible. I had no idea this house was even here, and I’ve lived around here for such a long time. I guess I’ve just never come down this road,” I said as we walked toward the house.

  “You said the two of you weren’t close,” he said.

  “It’s not that we weren’t close really. We just didn’t know each other. I only met her once when I was a child. Then there was this big family argument. Anyway, it’s a long story that I really don’t even know about. I was too young to know.”

  “Family problems. It happens to everyone. Come on, let me show you around the place before we chat.”

  The house was magnificent. It took us a while to navigate through it all, and it felt like we had just stepped back in time. They just didn’t make houses like this anymore, and I felt a pang at the thought of my grandmother living here all alone. It was far too big for one person. It was the sort of place that should be alive with people, and awash in monthly parties.

  “It’s all very Great Gatsby, isn’t it?” I said as we took a seat at the large living room table. I ran my hands along the varnished wood and wondered how many others had sat there before.

  “It certainly is,” he said as he opened his briefcase and took out wads of paper.

  “Listen, are you sure that she left this house to me? It doesn’t seem right. I mean, I didn’t know her. Maybe she meant someone else.”

  “We have all the details, and you are most definitely named as the successor to her house. I have it all here, and I can show you,” he said as he slid a piece of paper toward me.

  I looked through the document, scanning through it until I saw my name. It was there in black and white. She really had left me her house. I looked at the lawyer in shock.

  “I didn’t really believe it, you know. I came here expecting you to tell me it was a mistake.”

  He smiled. “I had a feeling you would think that. But it’s yours. Now, are you currently a homeowner? Because I’d love to help you discuss ideas.”

  “I rent a tiny little apartment with barely enough space to move. And despite the size, I am battling to afford the rent.”

  He smiled. “Those small apartments are crazy with rent. So, this is going to be quite some adjustment for you then. Are you going to move in?”

  I looked around. I hadn’t really considered it until that moment. Could I really live in such a big place? It seemed unfathomable. But I couldn’t turn it down.

  “You could sell,” Quinton said as if reading my mind. “But, between you and me, it would be a shame to sell a place like this. And it would be a great place to keep as part of your family legacy.”

  Family legacy? They were nice words. I didn’t know how much I wanted a family legacy until then. I imagined myself bringing up a family. I imagined my own children taking over the house one day, and for the house to stay a part of us forever. Distant dreams. But still, the thought remained.

  “What about the upkeep, though? Isn’t it going to be expensive?”

  He nodded. “The upkeep is not cheap. I have it all detailed for you here. But perhaps you could look at getting a roommate. A place this size means you’ll barely be in each other’s way.”

  I hadn’t considered that. I’d sworn that I would never live with someone again after the disaster I’d experienced a few years ago. I’d lived with a group of people that seemed adamant on partying all the through the night and barely lifted a finger around the house. I’d felt old before my time as I walked around cleaning up after them every day. But Quinton was right. I could get a roommate and still enjoy the space. Also, the last place had been me against a group of friends. I would just need one roommate here to help me with the bills. Just one.

  I smiled. “You’re right. I don’t think I could give this place up. I think I want very much to keep it.”

  Chapter Five

  Silas

  Three weeks had passed without a single gig coming my way. With each day that went by, I felt my dreams falling to the wayside. I’d had a toothache recently, and when I was waiting for the dentist to see me, I’d ended up chatting with the receptionist. She asked me what I did for a living, and the first thing that came out my mouth was that I was a construction worker. I’d felt annoyed at myself immediately. If those were the first words I thought of when someone asked me what I did for a living, then it could only mean that it was how I was starting to see myself. I couldn’t exactly take the words back either and tell her that I was really a singer. It would make it seem even worse then. She’d gone on to tell me what a decent job that was and how important it was to have a job that was needed by the people. I’d felt a little sad at the conversation. She was right. People needed construction workers. They didn’t need singers.

  The construction work was part time, and I was grateful for the money. But it wasn’t enough. And when it came around for the time to pay my rent, I realized how low I was on cash. I wished I could go back in time and not have bought those beers for the guys. Although, I doubt it would’ve made much of a difference to my lack of cash flow. I took a deep breath and called my landlord. We got along great when I had first moved in. I had very little dealings with him other than a few times when he had to come fix something around the place. But I was starting to get the impression that he wished I wasn’t his tenant. This wasn’t the first time that I was calling to ask for an extension on my payment, even though I had promised that the last time would be the final time I made the request.

  “Silas, all okay there?” he asked with trepidation in his voice.

  I sighed. “I’m so sorry to ask this of you,” I started. “Things have just been kind of tough around here lately. I have been working, and I will be getting paid, but it just hasn’t been as quick as I would’ve liked it to be. I know rent is due, but I was wondering if you wouldn’t mind me paying a bit later this month? I am sure I can get it all to you in the next week or so. I mean, if you don’t mind? I know it’s a lot to ask.” I realized I was waffling, but I felt too nervous to stop. If I stopped talking, he might turn me down. At least now there was still a chance that he wouldn’t.

  “Again?”

  “Like I said, I’m so sorry about this. But I promise you that money will be here soon.”

  “Silas, I’m sorry. I do like you a lot. And I know you’re not trying to mess me around. But I also have bills to pay, and I simply can’t keep doing this. This is the third time you are asking for an extension. And you promised last time that you would never ask again.”

  “I know. I’m so sorry. But I really do promise this time.”

  “Unfortunately, I just can’t keep doing this. I’m sorry, Silas. But I’m going to have to get that money from you. You’ll just have to make a plan. I hate saying no to you, but things are a little tough for all of us you know.”

  I gulped. I hadn’t really expected him to say no. I knew he wouldn’t be happy, but I still thought he would at least give me another chance. What was I supposed to do now? It wasn’t like I had money lying around to help me at times like this.

  “Okay, well, I understand,” I said.

  “Thanks, Silas.”

&nb
sp; I put the phone down and shook my head. I could probably call one of my brothers and ask them to help me, but it would feel too much like failure if I did. I didn’t want to admit to them that I was doing well. I knew I was being stubborn, but I really wanted them to think that I was doing well. I wanted to prove to them that I had it in me to become a star. A star didn’t ask for favors. I would simply have to sort this out myself.

  I made my way to my boss’s office. Speaking to him face to face would be much better than talking to him over the phone. That was probably what I should’ve done with my landlord too, but it was too late for that now. The office wasn’t too far from home anyway, and it was good to get out the apartment. Being in there only reminded me that I couldn’t really afford to live there at the moment. I needed a plan.

  I knocked on the door, and Gary beckoned me in.

  “Silas? This is a nice surprise. Come on in. Actually, I was just about to get myself a coffee. Would you like one?”

  “Yeah, actually that would be great,” I said and took a seat.

  Gary called his secretary and ordered two coffees. He held up his hand and told me to give him a few seconds while he just finished up on an email. By the time he was finished his secretary had walked in carrying a tray of coffees. I dunked two sugars and took a sip.

  Gary laughed. “Two sugars and no milk? I don’t know how you do it. I need lots of milk in mine.”

  “This is the only way! Milk completely ruins it. I probably should have no sugar too, but even I can't go that far.”

  “Strange boy. So, what can I do for you? Sorry about making you wait like that. I was in the middle of an email. I have the worst memory lately. If I didn’t send it now, I wouldn’t be surprised if I just forgot to send it altogether. It must be old age.”

  I laughed. “That’s okay. I probably should’ve called first. Uh, there’s just something I wanted to ask you. It’s not something I really feel comfortable with though, and I didn’t want to do it over the phone.” I felt nervous and shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

  “You sound like you’re breaking up with me,” Gary teased.

  “Actually, uh, I was wondering if there is a chance I can get an advance on my paycheck.” I cringed as the words came out my mouth.

  “An advance? Silas, you don’t have to be embarrassed to ask for something like that. Unfortunately, though, it’s not something I can do. I’ve already had one of the guys ask me before, and I turned him down. We have quite a few members working for us, and we adhere to strict rules regarding payment. If I do a favor for one guy, then I won’t be able to turn down the next. I feel bad because I really get along well with you, but I have to stick to the rules. I’ve made a similar mistake before, and I was in a world of trouble. I know you wouldn’t say anything, but you know how word has a way of getting out.”

  I sighed and sat back in my chair. I was grateful for his honesty, but I had no idea what I was going to do anymore. I nodded. “I totally understand. I thought it was worth at least asking you.”

  “Of course! I’m glad you did. What’s going on? It’s not like you to be so strapped for cash. Is it?”

  “Sort of. I mean, I just haven’t gotten many gigs lately,” I said honestly. “And I think I’m paying far too much for rent. More than I can afford. I guess it’s all just caught up to me lately.”

  “Yeah, these things happen. Look, you’re doing a great job here, and I’ll try and get you more work if you like. You know what it’s like here: we’re either super busy or super quiet. There never seems to be an in between. But maybe you should look at moving anyway. Maybe you can get something cheaper.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, it looks like that’s what I’m going to have to do. I just hope I can find something. Rent is crazy expensive at the moment.”

  “Oh, hey, I actually saw something in the paper today. I was looking for something for a friend of mine when I came across it. I remember thinking it was a great deal. Almost too good to be true, really. Hang on; I think I still have the paper here.”

  Gary rummaged through his desk and retrieved the newspaper from under a stack of files. He flipped through until he found the advert for me and handed it over.

  “Oh, I think I know this place. It’s huge. I’ve often wondered about who owns this place. But I’m not sure I want to share a place with someone.”

  “Yeah, but at that size, you can probably share without really getting into each other’s way. Also, you can just stay there until you get yourself on your feet again. It sure beats worrying about rent each month.”

  I nodded. He was right. And the rent was so much better than what I was paying now. It was at least half in fact. That was just what I needed. Although I was sure that someone would’ve already snapped it up the moment the advert went out. I thanked Gary and immediately got out my phone to call the number.

  “Uh, hello, I’m looking for Riley,” I said as I scanned the name on the newspaper.

  “Speaking.”

  “Hi, Riley. My name is Silas. I’m calling in regards to the ad in the paper. Is the room still available?”

  “Oh, you’re quick! Yeah, the ad just went out today. You’re actually the first person to call about it.”

  “Really? I was worried it would’ve been taken already.”

  She chuckled. “I guess more people look online for places to stay then they do in newspapers. I only realized that after I put the ad in the paper.”

  I laughed. “That’s true. Well, we must be old school then. I’m glad it’s still available. It’s come at a very good time for me. So, I’d love to find out more.”

  “Would you like to come over tomorrow to take a look at it? I’m used to living on my own, so I’d like to meet you first if you don’t mind.”

  “I’m used to living on my own too,” I said and smiled. It was good that we were in the same boat. “And tomorrow sounds perfect.”

  I put down the phone and grinned. Riley sounded nice. She also sounded very young, which was unexpected. I figured that the owner of that big house would be someone a lot older. I quickly sent my landlord a message to ask him if I could pay half the rent today and half next week. I also told him that I was going to start looking for somewhere else to live. He replied to tell me that he thought it would be for the better too. Now I just hoped that Riley and I wanted to live together because if not, I was going to have to work fast to find another place to live.

  One day I would look back on all of this and laugh. For now, I was the true definition of a starving artist.

  Chapter Six

  Riley

  I moved into my new house almost immediately. I’d been worried that I wouldn’t be able to sleep the first night, especially since the house was so big, but it had been wonderful. I kept expecting the lawyer to phone me to tell me that there had been a mistake. How could I own such an amazing house all by myself? How was I suddenly a homeowner? The thought continued to thrill me with each passing day. I found myself spending my time walking through the house. I was still nervous about changing anything, but I made mental notes as I walked around with what I would one day do the place. As great as it was, it wasn’t me. I definitely wanted to make the house a little more in line with who I was, rather than leaving it the way it was. I hoped my grandmother wouldn’t mind, but I suspected she would assume that I would change it. I walked around the house wondering what sort of person she was, and whether or not I would’ve gotten along with her. Sometimes I’d see something that would make me smile, and I’d think that perhaps we could’ve been friends after all. The thought made me sad that I’d missed out on something great. I was determined to make her proud and to make sure the house was well looked after and loved. It was the least that I could do for her.

  I was sitting in the living room reading a book that I had found on the bookshelf when there was a loud knock on the door. I jumped up in fright and looked at the time. I had someone coming to see the house later that day, but it was far too early for him. Unless
I had gotten the time frame wrong. And then it hit me. What if the person standing on the other side of the door was the lawyer who had come to tell me that he had made a mistake? There was nobody else that it could be. I walked to the door, heart heavy with sadness as I said a silent goodbye to my short-lived home. But when I opened the door I breathed a sigh of relief to see Paisley standing at the door. She grinned at me and then frowned.

  “What’s wrong? A whole mixture of emotions just ran through your face in like a few seconds. Were you expecting someone else?”

  “I thought it was the lawyer coming to tell me the house wasn’t mine.”

  “Haven’t you already signed?”

  “Well, yes, but I’m still battling to believe it.”

  “Believe it! It’s yours. Now, are you going to let me in or what?”

  I laughed, gave her a quick hug and let her through the door. She looked around and sighed with contentment.

  “Isn’t it beautiful?” I said.

  She nodded. “It’s like you’re living in a castle or something. It’s beautiful. Isn’t it creepy on your own though?”

  “Surprisingly not. There’s a nice energy in this place. I like it.”

  “Well, I like it too. We’re going to have to celebrate soon.”

  “Today? Why don’t you stay?”

  “I wish I could, but I have this stupid party to go to. I was actually on my way there now, but I thought I’d pop by and see you first. I’d much rather stay here than go to this party, trust me. So we’ll have to reschedule. Come on, take me on a tour.”

  I took her around the house, and chuckled as she swooned and sighed at every room that we entered.

  “You sure you don’t want to move in with me?” I asked. I had already asked her before but she was stuck in a contract with her own house and wasn’t able to get out of it for a while. “Now that you’ve seen the place, I’m sure you want to. Plus, you’ll have the added bonus of living with me.”