Page 23 of Collin: Episodes 1-3
“Who are you going to call?”
“My roommates, sir.”
“Why?”
“If I tell you sir, you won’t like it. And I won’t like it. Could we not discuss it, I mean? Could we just, may I just make the call, sir?”
“Tell me, Collin.”
“I can’t, sir. If I tell you it will sound like manipulation. And I’m not going to do that, sir.”
“Consider it an order, Collin. You can’t manipulate me if I’m ordering you to do it.”
“I could, sir. There are a lot of ways to manipulate. I’m a bartender, remember. I hear it all.”
“You’re going to tell your roommates to find someone to replace you.”
Collin kept his head low, but he nodded.
“I need a verbal answer, Collin.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And you’re planning to be homeless.”
Collin nodded again.
“Verbal answers, boy.”
“Yes, sir. But, it’s not that bad, sir. I’m a student. I have lots of spaces I can be and a gym for showers. And it’s not like I spend much time in the apartment anyway. If anything, it will save me the commute.”
“What’s the passcode to your phone?”
“Four-four-nine-one-eight-six.”
“Name of your roommate to call?”
“She’s under Jinx.”
“Here.” Mr. Reevesworth handed Collin the phone.
Collin swallowed and accepted it. Jinx answered on the fourth ring. “Yo, Collin, dude, what’s up?”
“Hey, um, I wanted to let you know that I’m going to stay closer to my school. So, yeah, you should get someone to replace me. I’m not going to be able to cover any more rent. Like the last payment is going to be my last payment.”
“Dude, that only gives me like ten days to find someone. You sure you can’t stay on a little longer?”
“I got to do this, Jinx.”
“Fine. Fine. I’ll find someone. When are you moving out?”
“I’m a little busy but as soon as I can get back. I’m staying somewhere else right now. Lots going on.”
“Did you find someone, like, a smexy someone? Dude, don’t tell me you’re leaving me in a lurch for pussy.”
“Jinx, yuck, no. And you know I don’t like girls that way. Sheesh. Seriously. I’ll be back to get my things in…a week.”
“Fine. If I’m not there when you are, leave the key under the ugly cookie jar on the counter.”
