Page 112 of The Roommate Remodel

“He will,” she murmurs.

“But the team won’t.” I shake my head. “This is it, Sloan. Their last season together.”

For once, she doesn’t have an answer.

TWENTY-SEVEN

Brax

Strike number one.Everything about this new apartment feels cold and sterile, like a beige box with none of the character of Jaz’s house.

The tiny galley kitchen is appallingly small, and the bland living room can barely hold a couch, which means we won’t be able to have the team over.

The only redeeming feature is the view that overlooks the bay, which also triples the cost.Strike number two.Considering this apartment is ridiculously expensive, I’m not really thrilled about living here. We won’t have dinners together. Or team parties. Or movie nights with the girls.

“At least you won’t have to play handyman here,” Leo remarks. “Since we’re two floors away, you won’t have to see me anymore. That’s an advantage.” Leo socks my arm. I get the feeling he’s trying to lighten my mood, which has been surly ever since I left Jaz’s house. The fact that Leo feels sorry for me puts me in an even worse mood.

Make that three strikes against this place. Leo and Tate are far enough away that we won’t hang out as much anymore, no matter how much Leo annoys me. What’s more, I liked playinghandyman for Jaz. It took my mind off hockey, and I loved surprising her with another task marked off her to-do list.

Tate flips through a binder of rules we were given on the way in and scowls.

“As much as I like rules, she gave us an entire booklet of ridiculous ones, like no leaving personal items in the hall. Where are we going to put our hockey gear? This apartment isn’t big enough.”

“I’m shocked you don’t like the rulebook, Sheriff.” Leo pretends to gasp while Tate rolls his eyes.

“I’m not sure I can live with him.” Tate points to Leo.

“Believe me, I feel the same,” Leo shoots back.

I lean against the counter. “You’ve been making it work since we met. What’s the difference?”

“I’m notalonewith him,” Tate says. “I have that entire house to hide in, and Granny’s chair next to the fireplace is a primo spot for reading.”

Leo closes his eyes and shakes his head. “You want a freaking grandma chair? Then buy one, you big baby.”

Tate storms over to Leo and points in his face. “This is why I can’t live with you. You’re egotistical.Rude. And you only care about yourself.”

“What’s wrong with that?” Leo asks, shrugging him off.

Tate’s hands curl into fists, and for a second I think he’s going to slug him.

I wedge myself between the two men and put a hand on Tate’s chest.

“Calm down. Are you going to room together or not? We need to decide.”

I look between them. Neither says a word.

Tate crosses his arms. “Not if he’s going to be my roommate.”

“Fine.” Leo throws up his hands. “I’ll find a different roommate. But don’t come crying to me when you can’tfind a place to live.”

Tate juts out his chin. “I won’t have to. I’m living with Jaz and Sloan again.”

I shake my head. “Not an option.”

Tate frowns and holds up his phone. “That’s not what Sloan said. She texted me a few minutes ago and said I could stay as long as I wanted.”

I glance at my phone, which is blank. “I didn’t get a text.”

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