Page 17 of Rinkmates

But honestly, I’m not.

Even though I felt like a superhero with all the belief and power in the world after they told me I’d made it to the next casting round, I couldn’t find a cheap-ass apartment.

After a relentless search through the city, dodging yet another unsettling run-in with a dubious landlord, I now sit perched in Priya’s cramped kitchen. I’m so glad she gave me her number because even renting a car was too much for my savings. She lives in a cozy place where sunlight spills through rainbow lace curtains. Pictures and postcards cover the walls, each telling its own story about her five roommates, who seem to have vanished for the day.

Despite its modest size, there’s an undeniable coziness to her apartment, with enough room for everyone to gather around the small table in the middle of the room. Each chair has a different shape and color.

“Of course, I’ll keep you updated,” I promise Mom. “Bye,Szeretlek.”

Ending the call, I turn to Priya with a grateful smile. “My mom is pleased I’ve found a place to stay for tonight, even if it’s just temporary. Seriously, thank you so much for letting me stay with you, even though we only met today.”

Priya waves off my concerns with genuine kindness shining in her eyes. “Hey, I’m alone in this city too. I’m happy to finally talk with another skater. We’ve got to help each other out, right?” She cringes at the small kitchen and the tiny bathroom around the corner. “I know my apartment isn’t much, just a mattress, and I guess my roommates will go to war with us at some point, but we’ll make it work for some time. We can cuddle if needed.”

“It’s more than I could have hoped for, Priya, I swear I’ll return the favor somehow.” I plaster a smile on my face, but inside, I feel like I’m drowning.

It’s been a fucking rough day, starting with an early wake-up call, a three-hour flight from Orlando to NY, and a frantic rush to get to the TV set after that shitshow with Nina. And now, on top of it all, I was faced with the harsh reality of finding a place to stay in fucking New York overnight without any money. All my funds were tied up in rink fees and basic necessities.

This wasn’t at all how I envisioned my big move to the city.

All the apartments I had lined up to check out were the worst, and one was even more frightening than the thought of living with Riley Huntington.

After cooking noodles for dinner, I tell Priya all about the absurd run-in with Riley and his assistant. Priya’s reaction ispriceless. She sinks into the chair across from me, mouth agape. “You’re kidding. Are we talking abouttheRiley Huntington?”

“Yup,” I confirm, taking a mouthful of noodles.

“I say again: you’re kidding.”

“Nope.”

Priya quickly grabs her phone and proudly displays her lock screen, revealing a shirtless Riley. “Oh. My. Gawd. Look! I’m obsessed with him.”

I snicker at the sight. “That guy is so in love with himself. Gross.”

“No! Don’t you ever use gross and him in one breath again! He’s my baby, and he offered you to live with him! I think I might die right here and now. And you turned it down? Girl, I can’t believe you!”

“Well, technically speaking, it was his assistant who offered it, and I’m not an asset. I don’t want to be his babysitter or whatever. What am I, his mother?”

I shake my head, but Priya just stares back at me incredulously, blinking several times. “I don’t understand you.”

“I did speak English, right?”

She kicks me under the table and I cry out, “Ouch, hey.”

“You’re insane. Can I go instead of you?”

I laugh at her enthusiasm. “Sure, I can text Nina if you like. I’d be happy to live here instead.”

She shakes her head, blushing slightly. “No, my parents would kill me. I’m not allowed to live with a man before I’m married. Pretty conservative, you know.”

“Sorry to crush your dream.”

“But you can live it for the both of us. Go to Riley, girl. I’ll even bring you to him, as selfless as I am.” She wiggles her eyebrows and I break out in a laugh.

Guilt suddenly swoons over me. She probably would love to sleep alone in a bed she’s paying for. Shoot. “I promiseI’ll find another place soon. I’ve been looking everywhere, but everything is either too expensive or in sketchy areas. Even car rentals are ridiculously pricey here, and—”

Priya’s face softens. Her hand stretches out across the table and envelops mine. “Liora, I didn’t mean it like that. You can stay as long as you need.”

I sigh in relief. “I honestly don’t know how to thank you enough, but I will find a solution to this, I promise.”

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