Page 15 of I Wanna Text You Up

Ugh.

“Pasttense.”

“Why, Zoe? Why can’t we be roommates? We know each other. I’d say we’re comfortable enough around each other, and you don’t have to be worried about letting some stranger danger move in. This is the perfect setuphere.”

I shake my head. “No. Noway.”

“Why? Give me one good reason whynot.”

“Because you’re my best friend’s ex-boyfriend, that’s why.”And because I find you extremely attractive,idiot.

With how much I’ve been noticing him lately, there is no way in hell I can confine myself to an apartment with the guy. That’s a recipe for disaster and too many late-nightme timesessions.

He sighs and scrubs a hand over his face. “Who gives a crap about that? It feels like a lifetime ago. She’s moved on,I’vemoved on—that’s not a realreason.”

“It’s reason enough forme.”

“And if I were to march over there right now and ask Delia if it was okay and she said yes, thenwhat?”

“Then the answer would still be no. It’smyapartment.”

He lets out an exasperated sigh and his shoulders slump. I almost feel bad for telling him no, but I can’t say yes. It’d be too weird knowing he’d just been sleeping there as Delia’s boyfriend less than a yearago.

“Zoe…” My name comes out as a plea, and my resolve begins towaver.

“Why? Why do you need it so badly? I thought you had a placealready.”

“I do, but I need something cheaper. I… Fuck, I screwed up, okay? I got into a…scuffle. Yeah, let’s call it a scuffle. I messed my hand up pretty damn bad.” He holds up said hand to show me the brace again. “Anyway, my medical bills are going to start stacking up and I can’t risk them taking over my budget. I was already looking for something cheaper because my hours got cut, but when I add this on top of it…yeah. Ineedthis, Zoe. You have no idea how bad either.Please.”

I can hear the desperation in his voice, and a part of me wants to say yes, but hesitation is still winning. I don’t want things to turn awkward, and I think they will. I mean, how does onelivewith their best friend’s ex-boyfriend? When it hasn’t even been a year since the breakup? When he’s stupidattractive?

I cast one last glance his way, the look in his eyes giving me pause. They’re tired and sad and needy all at once. I don’t know what to do withthat.

Studying his face, I notice he’s worn down beyond the normal senior-year-coming-to-an-endfatigue.

He’s emotionally and mentally drained, and he desperately needs to catch abreak.

I can’t turn him away, not right now. I just need to pull my big girl panties up—and keep them pulled up—and offer him my spare room like any good friend woulddo.

“Do you really have a petcat?”

“Why would I lie aboutthat?”

Shrugging, I say, “Who knows. People areweird.”

“Yes, Mittens isreal.”

“Ask Delia,” Iconcede.

“Are yousure?”

I nod. “I’m sure, but Deliahasto be okay withit.”

Just like that, he sits up a little straighter, eyes shining a littlebrighter.

Maybe this won’t be so bad afterall.

Four

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