Page 29 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“I don’t see that happening.”

“Maybe I could bake her some brownies,” Cole jokes. “Sweeten her up a little.”

“That only works with girls you’re trying to sleep with. Speaking of that, what happened last night? With Olivia’s friend?”

“She went up to my place around one.” He smiles a little. “It was a good night. It got even better when she saw my jersey.”

“She didn’t know you played hockey?”

“Olivia didn’t tell her much. Turns out, she’s a huge hockey fan.”

“Did you tell her what happened?”

“I didn’t go into details. I just told her I hurt my leg and that I’m doing rehab until I can play again.”

Cole was a professional hockey player, but he never got to play in a game. His first week in the pros, a truck slammed into his car and did major damage to his leg, ending his hockey career. That was a couple of years ago and he’s been working his ass off to get in good enough shape to get back on the team. It’s not going to happen, but it’s not my place to tell him that. He’ll realize it, eventually. In the meantime, he’s managing the building, handling the maintenance, and dealing with tenants. And baking. He started baking as a way to relieve stress, but it turned into a way to get girls. Now it’s more about the girls. Either way, it works out well for me and the guys. We’re always getting homemade baked goods.

“I’m gonna hit the gym,” Cole says, getting up. “What are you doing today?”

“I gotta clean up this mess.” I nod toward the party stuff that’s still in the living room. “Hudson said he’d help, but he had to go into work.”

“On a Sunday?” Cole laughs. “Was there some kind of science emergency?”

“His intern quit so he had to go in and monitor some experiment they’re doing.”

Our friend, Hudson, is a molecular biologist. He works in a lab doing research.

“You need me to stay and help?” Cole asks.

“I can do it. You cleaned up last time.”

Cole turns to leave, then turns back. “So why didn’t you tell her?”

“What are you talking about?”

“Trina. Why didn’t you tell her about Bridget?”

“There’s nothing to tell. Bridget and I are friends.”

“Who used to date.”

“A long time ago.”

“I wouldn’t say last year is a long time ago.”

“To me, it is. And that relationship wasn’t serious.”

“Maybe not, but you’re still hooking up with her.”

“That’s only happened a few times.”

“Including last night.”

“Yeah? So? Why do you care?”

“I don’t. I just wondered why you wanted Trina to think you and Bridget weren’t a thing.”

“Because we’re not. Hooking up doesn’t mean we’re dating.”

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