Page 18 of Accidental Roommates

“Yeah. Whatever.”

She ends the call. It didn’t even sound like her. When we were together, her voice had this syrupy sweet tone, especially when she wanted something. Now she sounds cold and indifferent, as if I mean nothing to her. Maybe I never did. She doesn’t seem upset that we’re over. I doubt she even misses me. She’s moved on with someone else. She doesn’t need me anymore.

“You okay?” Kenzie asks, coming to sit beside me on the couch.

“Yeah. I’m good.” I fake a smile. “How about you?”

She drops her head and shakes it side to side. “I feel like my heart’s been ripped out and stomped on, then had acid poured over it. Then gas. Then lit on fire.”

I try to stifle a laugh but can’t. “Sorry, I shouldn’t laugh but that description was a little over the top.”

“It’s true.” She sniffles. “I can’t believe he did that to me. I loved him. So much. He said he loved me too. He said it every day. He said he wanted to marry me. And now it’s over.” She turns to look at me. “He didn’t even try to fight for me. He just walked away. Let me go.” She looks down. “He hasn’t tried to text me, or call me. It’s like he doesn’t even care how much he hurt me. Like I don’t matter anymore.”

“I know what you mean. When I found Nikki with… him.” I clear my throat. “She acted like she didn’t even care that she’d been caught. Honestly, I think she was happy I found them together. Now she can be with Carter without having to sneak around. But just like with your ex, Nikki didn’t care that she hurt me. She was only concerned about herself. She didn’t even consider what this would do to me. She didn’t care. She still doesn’t. I called her just now to get my key back and she acted like we had no history. Like I was just some random guy asking for a key.”

“I’m sorry.” Kenzie puts her hand on mine.

I take her hand and give it a squeeze. “I’m sorry too. I’m sorry he did that to you. Knowing how much it hurts, I’m sorry you have to feel this way. I wouldn’t wish this on anyone.” I let go of her hand and turn to her. “It’s going to be okay. You know that, right?”

She nods. “I know I’ll feel better, eventually. I just wish I could make it stop hurting so much right now.”

“I know. Me too.”

We both lean back on the couch and stare at the blank TV screen, lost in our thoughts. I don’t know what Kenzie’s thinking but my thoughts are about what should’ve happened tonight. If Nikki hadn’t cheated, we’d be having our romantic dinner right now and then spending the rest of the night in bed. It was going to be perfect. But it never happened. Our relationship is over. I can’t even wrap my head around that.

I glance over at Kenzie. She looks so damn sad. I wish I could make her feel better. I wasn’t kidding when I said I wouldn’t want anyone to have to go through this, but especially Kenzie, because she seems really sweet and caring and I can tell she really did love that asshole, more than she should have. I wish I could get her mind off of him, even for just a little while.

As I’m thinking that, I get an idea.

“Hey.” I nudge Kenzie’s arm and she looks at me with those sad brown eyes.

“Yeah?”

“You hungry?”

“Not really.”

“If I made something, would you at least try it?”

“Um, I guess. What are you making?”

“Some really expensive steaks and steamed asparagus. And if you’re not opposed to carbs, I could make potatoes and maybe some rolls.”

She crinkles her nose in the cutest way. “I thought you didn’t cook.”

“I don’t. But I was going to do it for Nikki. I even searched for recipes online. I already bought the food. I might as well make it. What do you say? Will you have dinner with me?”

“I don’t know. I’m not really hungry.”

“You still have to eat. C’mon. I don’t want to eat alone, especially the dinner that was supposed to be for Nikki. I’ll just sit there thinking about her. I’d much rather spend the time getting to know my new roommate.”

She smiles. “Then yes, I’ll have dinner with you. Can I help?”

“You can pick the music.”

“Music?”

“I like to play music when I cook. I usually play it really loud, but you can keep the volume down if you want.”

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