Page 94 of The Jerk in Apartment 1B

“Tall, dark hair, wearing a black sweater?”

“Haven’t seen him.” But I think he’s one of Scott’s friends. I’ve heard him mention him before.

Continuing to my apartment, I go inside and collapse on my mattress. I’m exhausted. I don’t have the energy to go to the party, but I doubt I’ll be able to sleep with all the noise. At least the music isn’t as loud as it was last week.

I’d like to just go to sleep, but I need to shower. I feel gross from being in the stockroom for hours. It’s dusty and has a weird smell that I think follows me home because I swear I can smell it on my hair.

After the shower, I’m putting on my pajamas when I get a text from Scott that reads,5 minutes. Come over for 5 minutes and if you hate it you can leave.

I’m going to bed,I text back.

I’ll double your pay if you show up.

Double my pay? As in another month of free rent? I can’t pass that up.

I search through my pile of going-out clothes for something to wear. I decide on a short black skirt and fitted pink t-shirt that’s cropped to just above my waist. It’s a casual but cute outfit that’s good enough for five minutes at a party. If I was staying longer, I’d put more effort into picking something out. I shake out my hair, refresh my makeup, spray on a little perfume, and go down to Scott’s place.

The door is locked. Why does he lock the door? It’s a party. People should be able to come and go. I knock, but nobody answers. I’m about to text Scott when the door swings open. A good-looking guy with dark hair and wearing a black sweater answers.

“Are you Grant?” I ask, remembering that girl who asked me about him.

He smiles. “That’s me. Have we met?”

“No. I’m Trina. I live next door.”

“Trina,” he says, nodding. “I’ve heard about you.”

“You have?” I ask, wondering what he’s heard.

“You’re Scott’s friend.”

“Yeah, he invited me to the party, but the door was locked.”

“You just have to knock. We had to lock it because people kept showing up who weren’t invited.” He steps aside. “Go ahead. I need to get something from my apartment.”

“You live here?”

“Third floor. Apartment 3F.” He takes off.

I go inside, feeling like I’m walking into a club rather than an apartment. The lights are dimmed, the music’s pumping, people are dancing.

“Hey, you made it,” Cole yells, coming over to me. “Scott didn’t think you’d show up.”

“I’m not staying long.”

“Let’s get you a drink.” His arm goes around my shoulder and I find myself being led to the kitchen. “What do you like?”

“I’ll take a beer.”

He points to the coolers, each one filled with different craft beers. “Take whatever you want.”

I grab a bottle, and when I turn back, Cole’s gone. Where did he go? He’s the only person I know here, other than Scott, but I can’t find him. Just as I’m thinking that, I see him coming out from the hall. The one that leads to his bedroom. And he’s not alone. He’s with a girl. A tall brunette with huge boobs that are practically falling out of her shirt.

“Maybe next week,” the girl says to Scott.

“Yeah, I’ll let you know,” he tells her.

What’s next week? Are they going out?

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