“Where is it?”
“Pentrieve Lane,” I said. “Pretty close to campus and right next to the ice cream parlor I hope to work at. Professor Milton is putting in a word for me.”
“That’s nice of her,” Seth said. “She’s always been good to you.”
“She has,” I said, sipping my coffee distractedly.
Seth seemed to notice my preoccupation. “Are you alright?” he asked. “You seem a little… nervous.”
“I am nervous,” I nodded. “I’ve never had any luck with roommates.”
Seth frowned, and I knew he didn’t like the idea of me living with a total stranger. “Why not look into renting your own apartment… without a roommate?” he asked.
“Because I can’t afford that.”
“Maybe… I could help you out a little,” Seth said.
“Oh no,” I said immediately. “I love you for offering, but that’s really going to put a dent in your earnings, and I’m sure Cory would not be ok with that.”
“Cory won’t mind.” Seth was oblivious to his girlfriend’s obvious disdain for me. “She likes you.”
I smiled awkwardly but didn’t say anything. I didn’t want to get in the middle of Seth’s relationship. As long as he was happy, I would keep my mouth shut.
“So what do you say?” Seth asked.
“No,” I said firmly. “I can manage… once I get the job, I’ll be able to hold my own.”
“But you have school to think of too.”
“I’m doing well in school,” I said. “I’ve managed to keep on top of things, and anyway, this is my last year. After I graduate, I’ll look into finding myself a real job and things will be a lot easier when I do.”
Seth sighed. “So much pride… I mean, I’m proud of you for wanting to do this alone, but I wish you’d let me help you.”
“You’ve helped me by letting me crash here,” I said, giving Seth a little kiss on his cheek.
Maybe it was the eight-year age difference between us, but there were moments when Seth almost felt like my father. He was as protective as one, and he looked out for me like my biological father should have done. It was for that reason that I never felt the loss that badly when my father did leave.
“Who’s this person you’re meeting?” Seth asked. “Does she seem… normal?”
I paused. “Uh… I’m pretty sure he’s a man.”
“Your new roommate is a man?” Seth asked.
“He’s not my roommate yet,” I pointed out. “He might be if this meeting goes well.”
“I don’t know how I feel about you moving in with a strange man.”
“I don’t know how I feel about it either,” I smiled. “But desperate times.”
“Why don’t you just stay here until you find the perfect place and the perfect roommate… preferably a girl.”
I smiled. “Because there’s no such thing as the perfect roommate or the perfect apartment… at least in my price range. I appreciate your concern, but I’ll be ok. I think I can tell a jerk from a decent guy.”
“Maybe I should come with you?”
“Please don’t,” I said immediately. “I need to do this by myself, and I don’t want you scaring this guy into rejecting me.”
Seth smiled, and I shook my head at him. “You’re an ass.”