Page 21 of Resisting my Roommate

He loves to claim he’s on my side.

He’sneverbeen on my side.

But I’m not about to delve into how much his actions have affected me.

“Regardless…,” I continue, my voice tight with frustration, “I no longer have a car. Carson also canceled all the credit and debit cards tied to our joint accounts.”

“You still have your own account, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Then use that.”

“There’s nothing in it.” My admission hangs heavy in the air. “After I was laid off last year, Carson didn’t want me to stress about finding a job and planning the wedding, so he told me to just focus on the wedding.”

“A mistake, as I’m sure you’re now realizing.”

The tone of his voice makes me feel like I’m one of his employees. Not his own flesh and blood. This is how it’s always been with us. Transactional. Devoid of emotion.

“If you want to berate me later for my poor life choices, feel free to get in line. Right now, I’m stuck in a small town in the middle of nowhere with no car, no money, and nowhere to live.”

It’s a miracle my phone is still on, although I have a feeling that’s only so Carson can continue to inundate me with texts. No doubt he’ll turn it off in the next few days, too.

“I was hoping you could loan me some money for a flight and an Uber to the airport.”

“And after that? Where do you plan on living?”

“I thought I might be able to stay with you and Sharon for a bit. Not long. Just while I figure out what’s next. Maybe a week or two, tops.”

I hate even asking this. Being back in Graham’s house is the last thing I want.

But he’s all I have right now. How pathetic is that?

“I’m not sure that’s a good idea, Abbey.”

And there it is. The answer I knew would come.

“It’s not that you’re not welcome here. You know you are.”

I fight back the sarcastic laugh begging to be set free. I’ve never been welcome in his home. Even before he kicked me out once I turned eighteen.

“We have a lot going on at the moment. Sharon’s got her hands full with Natalie and the twins. Not to mention the new baby on the way.”

As if on cue, a loud burst of laughter can be heard in the background, followed by the sound of little feet running and children squealing. The happy family I was never allowed to be a part of.

“With all the upcoming changes, I don’t think it’s in the kids’ best interests to have any additional…disruptions.”

“Of course. I wouldn’t want to interfere with your perfect life,” I bite out.

“It’s not like that, Abbey. You’re blowing what I said out of proportion.”

“It’s okay. I understand. Forget I brought it up. I’ll let you get on with your day. I’m sure you have important things to do.”

“I’m really sorry, Abbey. But you’ll figure things out. You always do.”

“Yeah. Sure,” I say flatly, pushing down the familiar feelings of rejection and loneliness creeping up inside me. “Thanks for the pep talk.”

I end the call before he has a chance to respond.

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