Page 47 of Resisting my Roommate

“It’s not,” she says with a hint of remorse. For what? Not warning me?

What would she have even said?

Hey, just so you know, don’t go into the closed room on the second floor because there’s an untouched nursery?

It wasn’t her job to warn me.

“Everything in there… It’s like time just stopped. I know I should have left the instant I realized what it was,” I add quickly in my defense. “I couldn’t help it. It was so…”

“Sad?” Dylan offers in understanding.

“Heartbreaking, Dylan. It was fucking heartbreaking.” I grab a dishrag and start to wipe down the bar in the hopes of distracting myself from the memory. I can only imagine how it must affect Jude.

“And let me guess… You mentioned it to him,” Dylan remarks, leaning against the counter and taking a sip of her water.

I slowly shake my head and lift my eyes to hers. “He found me in it.”

“Fuck…,” she exhales.

“He completely lost it, Dylan. I’ve never seen anyone so angry before. And then…”

“Yes?” She leans closer.

“He told me it was best if I found somewhere else to live. So that’s what I’ve been doing when I’m not here. Sitting in the library and using one of the computers there to search for a job and a short-term rental. There are a lot of vacation rentals around, but they’re all booked solid. I was able to get on a few waitlists. I guess a part of me is hoping to hear back about a job. It doesn’t make sense to go through the hassle of finding somewhere to live if I’m not staying. I’ve thought about taking what money I’ve saved and just...leaving. Maybe go to Reno while I figure out what’s next.”

“Do youwantto leave?” She arches a brow.

That’s the million dollar question. One I haven’t been able to wrap my head around. Leaving is probably the smart thing to do. What makes the most sense. After all, I was only supposed tostay until I got back on my feet. Since I haven’t had to pay any rent or other bills, I’ve been able to save quite a bit of money.

But the idea of leaving this place and never seeing any of these people again makes my stomach knot.

“I… I don’t know,” I admit as I stare into space.

“Listen, Abbey…” Dylan steps toward me. “As much as I’d like to tell you the story behind that nursery and why seeing you in there set Jude off, it’s not mine to tell. It’s Jude’s. And Krista’s.”

“His ex?” I ask cautiously.

She nods solemnly.

“I saw her photo in the nursery. She’s very pretty.”

“You actually remind me of her.”

“I do?” I ask, unsure how to feel about that. Did Jude only show me the kindness he did because I remind him of his ex?

“She was incredibly optimistic, just like you. It didn’t matter how bad things got, she always looked on the bright side. But Jude…” She trails off. “He’s been through so much. That nursery? It’s part of it.”

“I was just starting to feel like I had a home here and now…” I trail off.

“Youdohave a home here.” She grabs my hand and gives it a squeeze. “Jude’s just... He’s carrying a lot. Sometimes he doesn’t know how to handle it.”

“I get it. I do. Especially after seeing that nursery. But I don’t like feeling unwelcome, which is exactly how he’s made me feel.”

“Don’t give up just yet, okay?” She gives me an encouraging look. “He’ll come around. I know it. You just have to be patient. Plus, I really don’t want you to go.”

“Why? Because then you’ll have to work more hours at the taproom again?” I joke, trying to lighten the mood.

“No. I mean, yes. There’s that.” She rolls her eyes.

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