Page 9 of Hard to Take

I’m fine with that.

3

BROOKE

“So, why are you really getting a roommate?”

Nova holds the door for me as we step inside the donut shop. The place is decorated in pink and white and has a long line. The glass cases lining the front are packed full of beautiful pastries.

“I meant what I said in the group chat. I miss having someone in my space. I should have thought of it sooner.”

“It’s not because your mom cut you off?” Nova always says what she’s thinking.

Missing out on the deal with Elise threw me, but it exposed the bigger problem beyond making enough influencer money to pay my rent month to month: I want a career that makes me unshakeable so that even when life sends me on a rollercoaster, I don’t have to run to my mom or brother.

Losing to Caroline didn’t send me spinning out—it lit a fire under my ass. I need to figure out my way forward.

But it’s a lot easier to do that with a roof over my head, and splitting the bill is the only practical way to do that if I’m not willing to go into debt.

We reach the front of the line and order a fluffy donut for each of us. Mine has white icing and raspberries, and hers has caramel drizzle and brownies.

We take our treats to an available table.

“I put an ad online and have a bunch of interested people, even after weeding out the weirdest ones. The first person is coming over tonight.”

I slide into my seat, brushing my ponytail behind me.

“Are you sure about this?” She shifts forward, her big eyes widening. “Because our new house?—”

“I’m not moving in with you and your husband! I love you for offering, but that’s final.”

Nova sighs so I continue.

“I said I wanted a roommate, and Clayton Wade does not fit the bill. He’s too broody. He’d bring down the entire vibe.” I tilt my head. “Besides, you guys are in the honeymoon bliss phase. Enjoy it.”

“It has been pretty great,” she admits. “I thought things would calm down after we got married, especially with the season. I miss him when he’s gone, but when he gets home…” Her eyes drift closed.

“Not envious at all that you’re having an orgasm just thinking about it.” I take a bite of the donut and the sticky sweetness melts in my mouth. “Mmmm. Speaking of, this is amazing.”

She mumbles her agreement as I look around. Usually, I’m the one who’s up to date on the new places.

“I’m so proud you discovered this.”

“I’ve been doing more on social media. Which has upsides and downsides.”

Now I’m curious. My friend sounds stressed, but building a brand and managing an image feel more like a game to me.

She pulls up her phone. “I started doing these AMAs, and mostly I get great things, but once in a while someone will say something shitty.”

“What kind of shitty?”

I look at her screen at the messages.

You haven’t made anything new in forever. Are you retired?

How can you call yourself a real artist?

I can’t believe you took Clayton Wade off the market.

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