Page 20 of Some Things Never Change

“You mean, like the sad boxed mac and cheese you used to make for Jonathan and me?”

“What do you mean? That shit was good.”

“Have you had good mac and cheese since then? Because the cardboard food you made for us and Anthony wasn’t good at all.”

“Whatever! That stuff was good!”

“No, Cup Noodles were way better. Why do you think that’s all we ever ate instead of your watery, still hard mac and cheese? We never ate that with you for a reason.”

“It wasn’t hard. It was al dente! I was a culinary genius at thirteen, alright?”

“No, you weren’t. You didn’t even know how to use the timer on the stove’s control panel, and you never bothered to add milk or butter to it because you were always too lazy.”

“Fine, fine. I wasn’t the best cook then. At least I know how to boil water, alright? Unlike Anthony, I actually can cook and I’m better now. Right?”

I nodded, taking another bite of his food. “Much better.”

“Let me show you how much of a better cook I am now. I can cook every day for you.”

I shook my head. “No. You’d just be spoiling me.”

He shrugged with his big grin. “What can I say? I like taking care of you.”

I scoffed. “But you’ll always find some way to complain about how much you spoil me. I can’t have that happen.”

“Oh, come on, Tink. Think of all the amazing things I could whip up.”

I shook my head. “Before you offer to cook me meals every day, why don’t we discuss house rules and rent first? I’m going to be living here after all.”

Andy blinked. “To be honest, I wasn’t really planning to ask you for rent.”

“What? Why?”

He shrugged. “We’re friends. You can even stay here forever, if you want.”

“Just because that’s true doesn’t mean I’m going to live here for free or forever, but I appreciate this. Thank you, Andy. As a way to thank you, I’m going to pay my fair share of rent.” I gave him a big smile.

He flashed me an amused look. “You sound so confident about that.”

“So, you’re not going to let me pay?” He didn’t answer as he continued to eat. He only shrugged. “Andy, I’m not going to live here for free. I’m serious. I’ll move out if you refuse to let me pay for renting out a room in your house.”

A muscle on Andy’s jaw ticked as his lips pulled into a quick grimace. He clearly didn’t like the idea of me moving out. He let out a soft sigh, giving in.

“Fine. You can pay for rent, and we’ll draft up a roommate agreement.”

“What about house rules and chores?”

He sighed again as he set his fork down and sat back. “Tink, relax. My place is your place, alright? I’m not just some guy who’s looking for a roommate for extra cash. Besides, you’re my best friend. Not just a roommate. I even confessed my undying love to you when we were kids. Remember?”

“Andy—”

“If you don’t remember, then I don’t mind saying it again.”

“No, you better not!”

A playful glint glittered in his eyes as the words left his lips. “I love Julie.”

“Andy!” My face became blazing hot as he let out a long laugh. I let out a low, frustrated groan. “You’re so annoying!”

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