Page 23 of Mail Order Splash

“Uh-huh, life-shattering was the term I think you used.”

“Exactly. Have you no heart, girl?”

“You are ridiculous, you know that, right?” I pushed him away and began pacing. “There’s something you don’t know and I’m sorry in advance I didn’t tell you.”

“Doubt it, but hit me with it.”

“I’m moving out of my apartment.”

“Alright, not earth-shattering information.”

“This is where my home will be from here on out.”

“No, you can’t. Your granddad asked you not to do that and look at this place, it’s wall-to-wall supplies.”

“It has to happen. The apartment is using up money that could be used here, and why pay for it when this is available?” I crossed my arms. “Josh, I’m here almost every night anyway. This way, I don’t go home to an empty apartment at night, which isn’t safe.”

“That’s one way to look at it,” he turned and paced, “but living here by yourself feels weird to me. Wouldn’t you be afraid?”

“Actually, I would feel safer here than anywhere in the world because of all the memories.”

“There are plenty of those, but this is a gigantic hollow building.”

“You could live here with me, then.” I nervously moved boxes around. “You’re about to lose your apartment when your girlfriend leaves, right?’

“Sure, but there isn’t anywhere for two people unless we were a couple, which we will never be.”

“Truly gross.” I fake gagged.

“Thanks a lot. You know, other people don’t feel that way.”

“Joshy, you’re very handsome and funny, just not my type, especially since you happen to be my best friend.” I opened my arms for a hug. “Say you’ll live here with me. We can figure out the space. For instance, we have that second office that could be your apartment.”

“It could be fun, but it’s gonna be a lot of work to get it ready.”

“Then we bunch up together until it’s cleared and painted. Besides, I have two weeks left on my lease and your girlfriend doesn’t leave yet either.”

“All true. You’re not making this easy to turn down.”

“Then don’t turn it down. Think of the money you’ll save living here for free.”

“No way. If I do this, I’ll pay for half of the living expenses.” He stopped pacing to look at me. “I mean it, Kleine. Say you agree.”

“Yes, I agree.” I put my hand out to shake on it. “Should we get started on it right now?”

We were so excited once we made the decision that the clear out was moving at a rapid speed. Josh had put music on in the original apartment, leaving us to sing and dance our hearts out. We worked late into the evening and began again after our morning rescue mission. One room was already useable to the point that I could start bringing my belongings by the weekend once I painted. Three shades of blue and two shades of yellow were stuck to the wall to be chosen or eliminated, but it was the one grey that stood out to me, maybe because it was the shade of a dolphin.

“Kleine, I was thinking about the party tonight.” Josh turned down the music we had on once again.

“Don’t you dare back out on me.”

“Not happening.” He tossed a wad of paper at me. “Do you have a dress for the party?”

“Oh, no, what am I going to wear?”

“You have more to think about than a dress. I mean, look at that hair and those nails.” He snickered. “Do you even know what a pedicure is, or conditioner?”

“Josh, that’s mean. You know I’m in the water all the time.”