Dirty Roomie

by Alycia Taylor

  She chuckled. “That is a bonus. I wish I could, man. This place is incredible. Are you looking for a roommate still or are you going to just stay here alone for now?”

  “I would love to live alone, but I can’t afford it. The upkeep of this place is too much for me to deal with alone. I actually put an advert in the newspaper. Some guy is coming to see it this afternoon.”

  “Some guy?” she said and raised her eyebrows. “Who exactly is this guy?”

  I shrugged. “Well, I don’t know yet. I haven’t met him. But he read the advert and called me. And he sounds really nice.”

  “And you’re going to let him come here while you’re here all on your own?”

  “Paisley, it’s fine! He sounds nice.”

  She groaned. “And you are far too innocent. Now I’m thinking I should cancel the party to make sure that you are okay.”

  “Don’t be silly. It’s fine. I’ll phone you the moment he leaves.”

  “And if you like him you’re going to say yes to him? Isn’t it going to be weird living with some stranger?”

  “People do it all the time. It’s the only way to afford rent these days.”

  “But what if he’s dangerous? What if he sneaks into your bedroom every night and tries his luck with you?”

  I chuckled. “You’re watching far too many scary movies. I’m sure he’s going to be fine. And if I don’t like him, I’ll tell him that I found someone else.”

  She sighed. “Okay, fine. But promise me you’ll call me as soon as he’s left. I’m not going to be able to relax until I know that you’re okay.”

  “I promise.”

  “Good. Well, one good thing is that this place is big so you won’t be in each other’s way.”

  “Yeah, that’s exactly what I thought. Hey, why don’t you come around after the party? I can be the excuse you need to leave early. We can have some wine here.”

  She looked around at the house again and smiled. “Yeah, that’s a great idea. This is just the sort of place you want to sit around drinking wine and talking about philosophy.”

  “We’re going to talk about philosophy?”

  “I said it was the sort of place where people would do something like that; I didn’t say we were going to do it. But the wine, now that we’ll do.”

  “And we’ll do it well,” I said and chuckled.

  Later that day, there was another knock on the door. This time I didn’t think it was the lawyer and rushed to the door to open up to my potential new housemate. I wasn’t sure what I was expecting Silas to be like, but it certainly wasn’t the handsome young man standing in front of me. Silas was rugged, with dark green eyes, and broad shoulders. And yet, despite this ruggedness, there was a sweetness that was impossible to ignore. His eyes shone kindly; his mouth turned upwards in joy. The moment I saw him I knew that I would like him. I smiled.

  “Silas?”

  “That’s me. Riley?”

  I chuckled. “Yep, come on in.”

  “This place is incredible,” he said as he looked around.

  I smiled. “I know. Everyone has the same reaction when they see it for the first time it seems. Even me. I was shocked. I think I walked around with my mouth hanging open for like a week.”

  “Oh, you haven’t lived here long?”

  “The place belonged to my grandmother, actually. She left the house to me when she passed away. I . . . well, I didn’t really know her. So the whole thing came as a huge surprise to me. I’m absolutely blessed to have had this wonderful fortune suddenly appear in my life. It came at just the right time.”

  “I realize that this is probably a very stupid thing for me to say, but you could’ve put the rent up real high for a place like this. Not that you should, of course,” he said and grinned at me.

  I laughed. “I know. My friend told me the same thing. But I just couldn’t. I mean, I know how tough it is out there. I’ve been battling with my rent for ages now, and I thought it would be nice to rent the room out for cheaper than usual. I just needed the extra money to help with the maintenance of the place. I’m not looking to make any money out of it. Come on, let me show you around.”

  Silas was very easy to talk to. I took him around the house and showed him where his bedroom was, and then we made our way to the living room to talk and get to know each other. He told me that he was in construction but that he had a dream of becoming a country singer one day.

  “Construction worker by day, country singer by night. That has a nice ring to it,” I said and smiled. “And it’s nice to meet someone that is so clear with what he wants out of life. You’re going to become a star. I just feel it.”

  “That’s nice of you to say. Most people tell me that I’m crazy for wanting to be a singer. I’m used to people telling me that it’s a waste of a dream.”

  I stared at him in surprise. “Seriously? What’s wrong with people? That’s not exactly very nice. I bet they’re just jealous because they have no idea what they want to do with their lives. Or, even worse, they do know what they want to do, but they’re doing nothing about it. That’s a bit like me, to be honest, but I feel inspired by people like you.”

  It was a surprisingly deep conversation to have with a man that I’d only just met. I wasn’t usually so talkative with people that I didn’t know, especially men. I was used to the men at the bar who wanted nothing more than to take me to bed. It was so refreshing to finally talk to someone that could hold a decent conversation.

  “Look, Silas, it’s impossible to really get to know someone so quickly. But I like you. I think you have a great vibe about you and I’m sure we’ll get along great. I’d love for you to move in if you’d like to. We can always just run it on a trial basis. If it’s not working out, we can just let each other know.”

  He smiled. “Seriously? That’s amazing. I thought I was going to be one of many sitting here today looking at the place.”

  “Oh no. I couldn’t be bothered going through all of that. I didn’t think I’d find anyone so quickly though. So, this is a nice surprise. When would you like to move in?”

  “Does Friday work for you?” he said.

  I smiled. “Friday is perfect.”

  I felt relief when I closed the door after letting him out. I had found a roommate, and I would now be able to afford the upkeep on the house. Which meant that I would be able to enjoy living in it without worrying about money each month. I felt released by the freedom the thought gave me. I walked past a picture of my grandmother hanging on the mantelpiece and gave it a quick kiss.

  “Thanks, Gran,” I said. I liked that photo of her. It was the only photo of her that I had found with her smiling. And the smile made the world of difference to her otherwise somewhat harsh features. This was the photo that made me think we would’ve gotten along great.

  Then I immediately called Paisley.

  “I’m safe. He’s a cool guy. And I have a new roommate.”

  “Wow, you sure move quickly.”

  “Still coming for wine?” I asked.

  “Are you kidding me? It’s the only thing getting me through the party. I’ll be there in an hour!”

  Chapter Seven

  Silas

  It was a lovely day when move-in day came around. It had been a hot month, but that day the air seemed cooler, and the slight breeze wrapped around me as I threw everything into the car and drove off. When I arrived, I saw Riley outside, walking around the garden. She was wearing a little black dress with tiny white hearts all over it, and she looked beautiful. I’d been so surprised the first time I’d seen her. I knew from her voice that she’d be young, but I hadn’t expected her to be quite so gorgeous too. I hadn’t been too keen to move in with someone, but I was more than happy if that someone looked like her. It would make the transition a lot easier.

  “Oh, hi Silas,” she said as I got out of the car. She peered inside, at my car stuffed with boxes and frowned. “I thought you’d have a van help you with everything.”

/>   I laughed. “Yeah, so did I. Turns out I don’t have nearly as much stuff as I thought I did. I guess that’s what happens when you live in a small place. No space to buy stuff. Oh, and a lot of the furniture was already there when I moved in. I have to make one more trip though, but I figured I’d rather do two trips than pay for someone to do it for me.”

  “You should’ve called me. I could’ve helped!”

  “Nah, it’s fine. It’s a short drive.”

  “Well, let me at least help you take some of these boxes in.”

  “You really don’t have to,” I said as I began hauling boxes out onto the pavement.

  She stacked a few of the smaller boxes and took them inside. I smiled as I watched her retreating figure.

  “Thank you,” I said as I followed her inside. It was nice to have someone help, and within no time all, the boxes were safely in my new room. I looked around and smiled at the new room.

  “Is it okay?” she asked.

  “This room is about double the size of my last room. I think I’m going to like it here.”

  “I hope so. I’ve been here for a few days already, and it’s a great place. I know it’s a bit old-fashioned right now, but I’ll slowly start to change that. I didn’t want to make any drastic changes too soon.”

  “I actually really like some of the old stuff.”

  She grinned. “Yeah, me too. There’s a sense of history in this place. Are you going to back to get your other boxes now?”

  “No, I’ll probably go a little later or maybe even tomorrow.”

  “Okay, good. I was just about to make myself some lunch. Can I make you something? You must be starving.”

  “Oh, you really don’t have to. I’m sure I can go out and get something.”

  “I’m only making toasted sandwiches. It won’t take me much extra time to make another one for you.”

  “Well, okay then. Thank you, Riley. Is there anything I can do?”

  She shook her head. “Nope. You can sort out your room if you’d like and I’ll call you when it’s ready.”

  I thanked her and went to my room. It felt like I was in a hotel with her making food for me like that. I felt guilty, but it was nice. I was actually starving, and I wasn’t yet sure how the kitchen situation was going to work. I was going to have to talk to her about that. In my room, I started sorting out my boxes. I opened the one with my clothes and began putting them away in the large oak closet. I would actually have space now to buy more clothes, as by the time I was finished, more than half of the closet was still empty. Had Riley’s grandmother really lived in this place all alone? I wondered what the story was behind it, and how many other people had once shared this home. The house whispered of good times and chatter.

  When Riley walked in, she was carrying two plates. She handed one to me, and we sat down on my bed to eat them. She’d made simple cheese, tomato, and ham toasted sandwiches.

  “These are amazing,” I said as I took a bite and the cheese oozed out of the bread.

  She laughed. “They’re just sandwiches.”

  “I’m starving. So trust me, this is great.”

  “Good, I’m glad. It’s so late for lunch, but I got so caught up in the house that I totally forgot to eat. I’ve been like that a lot since I moved in. I keep walking around and discovering new things. It’s a lot of fun.”

  “I can imagine. Look at my closet. I’ve already put all my clothes inside, and it’s still so empty.”

  She chuckled. “Mine is the same. It makes me want to go on a shopping spree, which I haven’t felt like doing in ages.”

  “Are you getting anyone else to move in? I know there are another two rooms or so free,” I asked. It was something I had wondered from the moment I’d stepped inside. She could make some good money by simply renting out the rooms, and there certainly was a lot more space for it.

  I was surprised but glad when she shook her head. “No, definitely not. I hope you don’t mind, but it’s just going to be the two of us. I know I could make money that way, but I also have to live here, and I really don’t want to live with a whole bunch of people. I already did that before, and it didn’t suit me. I need my space, and two people will be just fine for me.”

  I grinned. “I’m so glad. I wouldn’t have minded, of course, but I do agree with you about the space thing. I think this is going to be better. So, what are you doing tonight? Got any plans?”

  She sighed. “Yep. I have to work. I work at Dante’s, and it’s definitely going to be a busy night. Friday nights are my worst.”

  “Dante’s? Oh yeah, that place is going to be very busy. Weekends must get crazy there. Although, I’m assuming those are the best nights for tips?”

  “The best. But it sometimes doesn’t feel worth it to me.”

  “Sorry, Riley. Hopefully the fact that it’s busy will make it go quick.”

  “Yeah. I think so. Anyway, I better get going. I have a meeting this afternoon first before my shift starts. I hope you don’t mind me leaving like this. I got a key made for you though, so you can come and go as you please too,” she said. “I need to quickly get changed, and I’ll come back with it after.”

  She came back moments later wearing black leggings and a black top and handed me the key. “I hope you have a good first night,” she said. “I will probably only see you tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Riley, and good luck for today.”

  I chuckled as she grimaced and as she walked out, I couldn’t help but think about how beautiful she looked even when she was wearing plain black clothes. She was a tiny little thing, and when the two of us stood together, I had towered over her. I smiled at how lucky I was to be living with someone like her.

  When she was gone, I continued unpacking my boxes and then made my way back to my old place to get everything else. When I was there, my phone rang, and I was surprised to hear that it was Able on the other side of the call. Able was a big part of the motorcycle club that I was a part of, and I hadn’t heard from him in a long time. Mostly because I barely got involved in the club that much. I was too busy these days to really give it much thought. Able was one of the older members, one who had been there from the beginning. He asked me to meet him for dinner, and I agreed, mostly because I was curious after not hearing from him for so long. He was in the area so I was looking forward to seeing him again. I dropped the boxes at my new place, took a shower and then headed out to meet him.

  A lot of guys in the club had been scared of Able. I could see why. I had forgotten how menacing he came across with his dark eyes and large body. He always wore black, and I’d never seen him without the rough stubble on his face.

  “You came by car?” he said when I walked into the restaurant. I realized he had seen me arrive through the window. “Where’s your bike?”

  “Oh, it’s at my brother’s place. I had nowhere to keep it, but I just moved into a bigger place now so I’ll be able to get it back.”

  “Good. You really need to start riding more. And getting more involved in the club.”

  I nodded. “I know. I know. Life just gets in the way sometimes. But I’ll definitely come by. How’ve you been doing, man?”

  “I’ve been good; it’s good to see you again, Silas. I thought about you the other day, and I’ve been meaning to call you ever since. Singing going okay?”

  I thought of lying, but I just couldn’t be bothered anymore. “It’s okay, but a little nonexistent lately. I’ve been doing a lot of construction work to get by, though.”

  “Oh yeah? Oh well, nothing wrong with that.”

  The two of us continued talking, ordering burgers and talking about old times. I had always liked Able, even though many of the other club members felt uncomfortable around him. I’d always thought his hard ways were just a front. I was sure that lurking underneath was a nice man.

  “So,” he said as the waitress took the plates away. “I need to ask you a favor. It’s not why I asked you out, of course, but just happens to coinc
ide.”

  “Favor?”

  “I have a box,” he said and pulled a brown sealed box from under the table that I hadn’t noticed when I arrived. “I need you to hold onto it for the club.”

  “What is it?” I asked.

  He shrugged. “I have no idea. I guess it’s your uncle’s or something. But I need to go away for about a month, and I have nowhere to keep it. After I called you, I realized I could just see if you would take it.”

  I took the box and nodded. “Sure. I don’t mind at all. I wonder what it is?”

  “Who knows. Probably something for the club. Maybe memorabilia or something. You know what your uncle is like when it comes to the club. I have painters at the house while I’m away so I’m moving all my things into storage for a while. I’ll let your uncle know he can get it from you.”

  My uncle was obsessed with the club. When he’d first started it, he’d hoped that all the boys in the family would become a part of it. And, for a while, we all were a part of it. But now, everyone lived their own lives, and people had moved all over the country. Different clubs had now opened up in different states, but it wasn’t the same anymore. At least, it wasn’t to me. But as I held onto the box I felt a stab of guilt for not being more involved.

  “I will keep the box safe. Whatever is in here must be important to my uncle.”

  Able smiled. “Yeah, I think so too. Well, thanks, Silas. You’re a good man. I appreciate you doing that for me.”

  I smiled at him. Why were people so scared of this man? He had been nothing but nice to me. I said my goodbyes and drove to my new house. I almost drove to the old one without thinking but remembered just in time. When I got home, I stored the box at the top of my big closet and smiled once again at all the space I now had.

  Chapter Eight

  Riley

  I hadn’t expected to get along so easily with Silas. He’d seemed nice the first time we had met, but I’d worried afterward that it might be awkward. But since the moment he walked in, the two of us had not stopped talking. I was actually a little sad to leave after having lunch with him. I would much rather have spent the evening getting to know him instead of going to work.