Page 13 of Roommate Wars
“This was your idea. If you recall, I wanted to return to my apartment and the items I left behind.” I lifted a blue blouse that had gaudy orange flowers on it. It wasn’t my style, but I wanted to see his reaction.
His mouth twisted as though he’d eaten something bitter, and he turned his thumb down.
Okay, so his taste was on point. No wonder Soph had used him when she needed fashion advice.
“Think of it as a window into a woman’s life,” I said. “This will help you with your dating situation.”
He snorted. “There is no situation. Your sister was a good wingwoman, but I’m flying solo. Don’t need the complication.”
I wanted to ask why, because in some ways Jack was verywhat you see is what you get, yet not so much in other ways. For instance, only Max knew everything Jack did for a living. I’d confirmed it with Sophia, who was clueless, even though she’d lived with the guy.
“I feel you. Relationships are on the back burner for me too,” I said, “though I’m up for other things.” I put the floral blouse back on the rack.
He leaned his tall, athletic frame against a divider that separated the women’s section from the men’s. “What exactly do you mean by other things?” His expression was suddenly intent.
I shrugged. “I’m not against companionship. Just not interested in a serious relationship.”
“Why not? You’re passably attractive.” He said this all casual-like, as though he was just considering it.
I rolled my eyes. “Thanks for the vote of confidence.”
He grinned and tipped up his chin, changing the subject with his next comment. “You going to wear that one pair of pants every day?”
I held up the black slacks. They were cute, in a crepe-like fabric, and lined, which I gave Target bonus points for. I could absolutely rock these for a couple of weeks until I had more options. “Yep. I’ll borrow a pair of Sophia’s sweatpants for bumming around and pick up a pair of jeans somewhere, but for now, this will do.” I twisted my mouth. “I considered leaving a few things behind at my mom’s, and now I’m kicking myself for not doing it.”
He frowned. “One pair of pants and borrowed sweats isn’t enough to get by.”
“Course it is. I also have the boxers I stole from you.”
He sighed. “Elise, let me buy you more clothes. I own multiple businesses, remember? Paying for a Target shopping spree is nothing.”
Jack probably didn’t think me incapable the way I’d internalized myself to be over the last few years, but I wanted every one of my actions to speak to independence. So even if he meant well, I wasn’t going to take him up on the offer. “Target can get pricey. Having multiple businesses doesn’t mean you have money to blow.”
“It does, actually.”
I looked up abruptly, catching his flat expression. “But you live in a rental inside Max’s building.”
“Because it’s practical. Max can’t go a day without seeing me.”
I rolled my eyes in disbelief. “You mean the other way around.”
He sighed. “We’ve been in a full bromance for over fifteen years. Happy?”
I smiled. “As long as you admit your love affair.”
“The point is,” he said, brushing off invisible dust from the divider, “we spend a lot of time together, and living in the same building makes sense. Plus, it’s fun.”
I nodded thoughtfully. “This is true. Isn’t there a third unit?”
“A studio. It’s vacant.”
I had no interest in moving this close to my sister. I wanted to build a life of my own that Isharedwith my sister. Still… “How much is Max asking for it?”
Jack rattled off a number that was a third higher than what I paid for my last place. Max’s building was in a fancy section of San Francisco. Even if the rent was super cheap for Russian Hill, it was still too rich for my blood. “I can’t afford that.”
“Which is why I haven’t suggested it.” Jack yawned.
I still wasn’t taking him up on his offer, tempting as it was. “Thank you, but I’ve got this.”
