Page 16 of Off the Wall

Pros: A roommate to be with while folding laundry, eating Red Vines, and watching garbage TV likeThe Bachelorette.

Cons: Losing that same roommate, along with the sexy lingerie I never wanted in the first place.

“I was worried I might run out of all my regularunderwear,” I say. “And I’m tired of resorting to bathing suit bottoms as backups.”

“You mean if you run out of all yourboringunderwear.”

“White cotton isn’t boring.” I fold my arms. “It’s bleach-able.”

Hayden coughs out the word “boring” under her breath. Then she gnaws off another length of Red Vine. “Anyway, if the thong I gave you is such a joke, wouldn’t bathing suit bottoms be a better substitute?”

“Yes, and that’s why all my old suits are stretched out. And this season’s options won’t be on sale for another month.”

She chews, swallows, smirks. “You don’t even swim.”

“But I love the sunshine and tanning and being by the water. And those things are definitely better in a bathing suit.”

“So let me get this straight.” Hayden narrows her eyes. “Your plan is to buy a new bathing suit once they go on saleand use the bottoms as backup underwear. And until then, your spare pair is a thong. Got it.”

“That is so not the point,” I say, ignoring her sarcasm. “My point is, I would never wear any piece of clothing that hadn’t been washed beforehand. Especially clothing that goes … there.” I surrender to a wince. “And now that particular piece of clothing is missing.”

Hayden glances at my empty laundry basket. “You’re right. Better check the laundry room.” She picks up the remote again.

“But I’m already in my pajamas.” I sweep an arm down to indicate the sky-blue flannel covered in snoring sheep. “And you’re the one who bought the stupid thong for me in the first place.”

“Hey!” Hayden aims the remote at my forehead. “I gave you a special gift for being my best, most favorite maid of honor in the whole wide world.”

“I’m your only maid of honor.” I smirk. “Which also makes me yourleastfavorite.”

“Good point.” She nods. “Then I’mdefinitelynot rescuing your underwear from the laundry room.”

“Come on, Hayden,” I protest. “You owe me.”

At this, she guffaws. “How do you figure?”

“You’re sticking me with an entire apartment’s worth of rent when you move out.”

“I already told you I’m cool with kicking in my half until you find a new roommate.”

“But I don’twanta new roommate,” I moan, probably sounding like the whiniest of her preteen students. “And that’s all your fault, you know. I got super-spoiled by your total awesomeness.” Including a compliment along with a complaint is something I learned in multiple business classes.

For all the good those courses did me.

“You could always find a more affordable place,” Hayden suggests, completely ignoring my compliment.

“I can’t move. This apartment is my home.” I stick my lip out in an exaggerated pout. “The only home I remember, that is.”

When Hayden’s face falls, I realize I’ve probably laid the teasing on a little thick. But the truth is I don’t want to leave The Serendipity.

I just might not be able to stay.

“I was only kidding.” I bump her shoulder. Well, mostly kidding. I reallydon’twant another roommate. And Idohave some savings to cover the rent for awhile. Either way, this isn’t Hayden’s problem. And I shouldn’t have made her think it was.

Yes, she took over the second bedroom here when East and Becca moved out. And yes, I thought that solution would last more than six months. But Hayden couldn’t help meeting the love of her life and falling hard.

She and Jasper are made for each other.

“I just want my bestie to be happy,” I say. “Don’t worry about me.”

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