Page 36 of Just a Number

“Err, no, I’m single.” I get a weird vibe from him as he looks me up and down.

“So, what do you think?”

“It’s great. I wasn’t expecting anything like this when Laura mentioned it. If you don’t mind me asking—why are you looking for someone to room with?”

“I’m out of town a lot for business. I don’t want to leave it empty.”

“Ah, okay, and how much are you looking for?” My eyebrows shoot almost as high as the ceiling when he reels off an amount three times as much as my upper budget. I wince. “I can’t afford that, mate. I’m so sorry to waste your time.”

He steps closer, uncomfortably close, and lays a hand on my shoulder, giving it a squeeze. “We could always come to some other arrangement?”

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“You could work it off in other ways?”

“What, like cleaning and stuff?” I get the sense that I know what he’s hinting at, but I want the douche to come right out and say it.

“Sure and other things.” He gives me a wink, and I can barely hold back my repulsed shiver.

“No thanks, mate. I’m not interested.” I take a step back, noticing a look of disappointment cross his face. “I’ll see myself out.” I decide there’s no point calling him out on his creepy behaviour.Jeez, is this the kind of bullshit that men are putting on women? Because, fuck that.

I let myself out the front door of the apartment and head over to the lift, where I press the call button before I run a hand over my face.

What the fuck am I going to do now?This was my only lead. Mel has essentially kicked me out. Mum is still on my stepdad's side and doesn’t want me at home. I check the time on my phone and curse. I need to pop to The Arts Centre to stack the kiln for firing before my shift at The Thirst Trap this afternoon. I have no spare time to find somewhere to live.

I shoot a text off to Laura:

Me:

Hey, flat is a no go - too expensive. I’m out of options. Gonna have to sleep on your couch tonight and try again tomorrow.

She doesn’t respond, but with it being a Saturday, she’ll probably be fully booked at the tattoo studio today. Hopefully, I’ll get some acknowledgement before the end of my shift late tonight so I can head to hers and get let in.

I manage to get to The Thirst Trap half an hour before my shift starts.

The pottery workshop was busy, and everyone wanted to stop and chat. I really need to put some hours in there next week. As I got the kiln all prepped and stacked ready for a firing, it crossed my mind I could crash there tonight and put the kiln on. It has to be fired under supervision and staying there would kill two birds with one stone. The firing would get done earlier and I wouldn’t need somewhere else to stay. But, there’s no couch or anywhere comfortable to lay. I’d just be on the floor. At least the heat from the kiln would keep me toasty. I shelve the idea for now, unsure how easy it would be to get in after a late shift at the pub. There’s a whole alarm system and I would need to contact my supervisor to see if I could get the codes. And I know that would raise alarm bells.

So I just have to keep hoping that Laura comes through and is willing to let me crash with her tonight.

I head to the staffroom to cram my overstuffed rucksack into a locker. It has everything in it, given I’d packed up the small amount of clothes I had at Mel and Zack’s place as well as my laptop. I end up having to take up two lockers to get my bike helmet put away, too.

As I’m closing up the second locker, Abby comes in.

“Hey Alex, how are you doing?”

“Yeah, alright.” I hesitate. I don’t want to share my current living situation with all and sundry, but Abby may know someone looking for a flatmate. “I’m actually looking for a place to live at the moment. You don’t know anyone looking for a lodger or anything, do you? Nothing too fancy,” I add, trying to save myself from another place that’s well out of my budget.

“I can ask around. When would you be looking for?”

“As soon as possible. Tonight’s probably too soon, but anytime from tomorrow.”

“You need somewhere to stay tonight?” She cocks her head to the side, assessing me.

“Err, yeah, I’ve been staying with a friend, but I didn’t want to outstay my welcome and a flat I thought was gonna work fell through.”

“Oh shit, that’s rubbish. Let me send some texts and see if I can help.” She gives me a reassuring smile.

“Thanks, Abby. I appreciate it.”

---