Page 5 of Screwed By My Roommate

“Are you sure about this?” my mom asks for the hundredth time.

“Yes. You and Dad can keep living in your empty nest and I’ll still feel like I’m out on my own. It’s better for me, Mom,” I say, smiling at her.

My parents came to help me pack up my things because today is moving day. It’s bitter-sweet. I’m going to miss this apartment and my roommates so much. But I’m excited to start something new.

“We wouldn’t have minded having you home. It’s quiet,” my mom says, laughing.

“You have a pool, I’ll definitely be over,” I say, joking.

She wraps her arms around me, and I hug her right back. “I’m so proud of you, Penny. You’re fearless,” she whispers.

“I wish that was true, Mom.”

She pulls back and searches my face. “It is true. When I was your age, I was too scared to be on my own. I was married and pregnant. I loved it, don’t get me wrong, but I never would’ve had the confidence you do to start something new.”

It’s a huge compliment coming from her. She has never acknowledged my successes. She is always too busy pushing love upon me.

“Now, if we could just find you that great love you need.”

There it is.

“Stop pushing her to find love,” Henry says, walking into my room.

We both smile and I hug him tight. “I didn’t think you were going to show up.”

“Why the hell not? I told you we were coming to help,” he says.

“Oh is Jace here too?” my mom asks.

He nods, wrapping his arm around my shoulder. “Yeah, he stopped to help Dad carry some boxes.”

“He’s so helpful,” she gushes.

I roll my eyes as Henry laughs. “I guess we’re not,” he says, removing his arm.

“Oh, I didn’t mean it like that, son.”

I ignore them both and grab a couple of boxes. They can talk about how wonderful Jace is while I’m not around. I’d rather struggle carrying these boxes than listen to that shit.

My arms are burning as I walk to the elevator. I didn’t realize how heavy these were and I’m grateful when I reach the elevator that I can put them down. When it opens, I push them on and hit the button for the bottom floor. I lift the boxes back up just as the door opens.

“Penny, what the hell are you doing? You’re going to hurt yourself,” my dad says.

“I’m fine, Dad, just move so I can get past you,” I say, struggling to keep my voice from straining.

The load immediately lightens as the top box is lifted off. I look over to the angry scowl of Jace, holding the box.

“Thanks, Jace. I’m gonna head up and get the bed apart,” my dad says, walking into the elevator.

“I don’t need your help,” I say.

He doesn’t say a word, just follows me to my dad’s pickup truck. My body is burning. Partly from rage and partly because he looks so damn good.

He puts his box in the truck and grabs mine before I even have a chance to make it to the truck. I’m breathing heavily as I look up at him. He’s avoiding eye contact, as always. But I realize that this man is going to be my roommate and maybe it’s time to bury the hatred.

“Thanks, Jace. I appreciate your help,” I say.

He keeps his eyes focused on the wall behind me and simply nods.

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