Page 21 of Roommate Wars
Sophia sat forward abruptly. “Shit! We have to go.” She fumbled with her phone. “We’ll be late for an appointment.”
In addition to taking calls at the shop, I also joined her for Saturday appointments and typed answers into the spreadsheet she’d designed for new clients while she schmoozed.
I was an upscale typist. And totally okay with it because Sophia paid well. I figured I owed her too, given all she’d sacrificed for me…
Her teenage years.
Most of her twenties.
All to make sure I could pay my college tuition, minus the loans I’d been forced to take out, because even Soph couldn’t cover all of it.
My sister was only four years older than me, but she was smart as hell and extremely maternal. It was like having a second mom, only one who razzed me when I did stupid shit like climbing down the fire escape after I slept with her roommate. She was my sister, my bestie, and sometimes my mom, all rolled into one. Though that last one I’d like her to discard at this stage; one mother was enough.
After two lengthy appointments in Pacific Heights, Soph and I finally made it back to the shop around six.
She kicked off her heels and rubbed her feet. “Thank you for today. I thought we’d never leave that last appointment. Good thing I have my assistant to crack the whip when the clients drag things out.”
“Anytime,” I said, smiling. “I enjoy keeping rich people in check.”
“Speaking of wealthy people, how’s my old roomie?” she asked. “You and Jack getting along?”
My heart jumped in my throat. “Shit! I have to get home.” I downed a cup of water and slung my purse over my shoulder.
“Hot date?”
My mouth soured just thinking about my date from last night. “Not even close. I make dinner a few times a week for Jack, and I promised I’d make something tonight.”
Soph squinted. “What are you talking about? You don’t cook.”
I grinned mischievously. “I told him, but he didn’t believe me. He’s letting me live there rent-free in exchange for a few meals and laundry while I search for a better place.”
She shook her head. “That’s very conniving of you. And probably not so good for Jack once he figures it out.”
“Oh, he’s figured it out.” I laughed. “He doesn’t seem to mind my cooking. That man is a garbage disposal. He’ll eat anything.”
My sister nodded. “Probably why he and Max are such good friends. Max needs someone easygoing to mellow out his uptightness.”
I looked up, considering. “Their bromance finally makes sense.”
“Why not live in Jack’s spare bedroom and pay him rent instead of cooking? Jack didn’t go into specifics, but I take it your last place wasn’t so great.”
Absolute understatement.
I dropped her a comical look. “Me and Jack? We’re oil and vinegar.”Except in the bedroom,I thought. “I prefer the barter system, given my salary limitations and need to save.”
Soph sighed. “It’s highway robbery how little they pay you at the city for a job that required a master’s degree.”
“I could make more as a nurse, but halfway through school I realized I preferred sitting behind a computer working on health statistics to drawing blood. Thank you again for talking me into keeping the statistics courses.”
“You’re welcome. It was probably the first and last time you took my advice.”
“How well you know me,” I said and raced out of the store. “See you later!”
ChapterTen
Jack
By the timeI got home from a long Saturday at the office, I was tired and hungry.
