Page 113 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“If you need anything, you know you can still come to me, right?”

“Well, you’re my landlord, so yeah,” I say with a laugh.

“I’m not talking about your apartment,” he says in a serious tone.

“Thanks, but I’m good.” I straighten my shoulders. “I don’t need your help. Have a nice day!”

I hurry out of the building, my eyes tearing up as I go down the street. Seeing Scott for just that brief moment has my emotions all over the place. I’m angry at him, but also still have feelings for him.

I wish things could go back to how they were before Scott and I got involved. I’d even go back to when I thought he was a jerk. At least then I could show up at his door, talk to him, or yell at him for having his music too loud. Now I feel like I can’t even be around him. Because when I am, it reminds me of what we had, and that I’ll never have that with him again.

CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO

Trina

It’s been over a week since Scott and I ended our arrangement. That’s what I’ve decided to call it since it wasn’t an actual relationship. And calling it that makes it less personal, which I was hoping would make my feelings about it go away, but so far, it hasn’t worked. I’m still sad that it’s over, and I really miss Scott.

We don’t talk anymore, other than a quick hello when we see each other in the hall. Scott’s back to having clients over in the morning, so there’s always people coming and going from his apartment. Yesterday, I saw Bridget go into Scott’s place and wondered if they’re back together. Then I wondered why I care, since I told myself I wasn’t going to pay attention to what Scott’s doing.

It’s now Friday night, and I’m home with nothing to do. Frank’s been having me work during the day on Fridays so I can go out with my boyfriend at night. He doesn’t know Scott and I aren’t together anymore. I decided to let Frank continue to think Scott’s my boyfriend so he doesn’t try to set me up with Wally again.

I’ve been home for an hour and I keep hearing people going into Scott’s apartment. Maybe he’s having one of his parties, although I haven’t heard him taking stuff from the storage room. Maybe he’s just having some people over.

There I go again, thinking about Scott. I really need to stop that, but it’s hard when he’s right next door. Getting out my phone, I find one of the many job sites I’ve been searching the past week. I go through the listings to see if anything new has been added.

This is not how I want to spend my Friday night. I consider calling Sara to see if she wants to do something but then remember she has a boyfriend. I need some friends who are single.

My phone rings and my pulse picks up when I see Asher’s name on the screen. I haven’t heard from him since we met at the coffee shop. That was over a month ago.

“Hello?” I say, like I don’t know it’s him calling.

“Trina, it’s me,” he says. “How are you doing?”

“I’m good.” I try to sound upbeat so he won’t be able to tell my life’s a total mess. “How are you?”

“I’m okay. I’d really like to see you. Could I come over?”

“You mean here? To my apartment?”

“Yeah.” He pauses. “I’m actually waiting outside your building.”

I race over to the window but don’t see him on the street. He must be standing outside the door.

“Why are you here?” I ask. “What is this about?”

“I need to talk to you. Could you let me in?”

“Um, yeah, okay. I’ll be there in a minute.” I end the call and quickly change out of my baggy t-shirt and put on a sweater. If I’d known he was coming, I would’ve fixed myself up, maybe put on a sexy dress, so he’d know what he could’ve had if he hadn’t dumped me.

Going out to the main entrance, I see Asher there, still wearing his suit and tie from work. He always looked good in a suit, and this one looks new. I haven’t seen it on him before.

“Hi,” I say, opening the door to let him in.

“Hey.” He smiles at me, then pulls me in for a hug. “It’s really good to see you.”

Why is he hugging me? This is strange.

“So where’s your apartment?” he asks, letting me go.

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