Page 14 of I Am Sin

“No, that’s not necessary. I’m just clearing off a shelf for you in the refrigerator. You won’t need more than one shelf, will you?”

I shrug. “I’ll make do. I figured I’d go out and get some groceries. Where do you normally shop?”

“I don’t have time to shop,” she says. “I have all my groceries delivered. I can give you the info if you’d like.”

I can barely afford the groceries the way my finances are right now, let alone the delivery fees and a courier tip.

“No, I feel like getting out.”

“Good enough. I’ll have to buzz you up, though. At least until I can get down to security and get your key.”

“That’s fine.” I leave the penthouse and walk to the elevator.

There’s a grocery store near my rehab center. That’s where I’m used to doing my shopping. I really only asked Diana where she shopped to make conversation. I’m not one to worry about conversation in general, but for some reason, I want to talk to her. Even about something as mundane as her favorite grocery store.

I arrive at the market, walk in, and grab a basket. No cart since I’ll have to walk back. I grab a couple loaves of bread, cold cuts for sandwiches, a few condiments, and some eggs and bacon. Last is produce. Apples and pears and some celery and carrot sticks. One bag of potato chips and that should do me for the week. I pay with cash, leaving me with about two hundred dollars.

In my bank account, I have about two grand left from my bonus. That’s it. I don’t know why I was thinking I could pay Diana rent. As the words left my mouth, I knew I’d be royally screwed if she actually took me up on the offer. Renting a room in her high-class penthouse would be at least two grand a month, which would wipe me out.

If I can’t find any percussion students, I’ll have to get a job until the band is back in business, and that’s at least two months away because Jesse and Rory are both taking long-ass honeymoons.

Not that I begrudge them that. They’ve earned it. Their amazing dual-lead vocals are why the band did so well in Europe. It certainly wasn’t because of me. I wasn’t there.

I fucked up and had to go to rehab.

Frankly, I’m lucky they’re all still speaking to me.

I load my groceries into two reusable bags and walk back to Diana’s building. Once I make it to the entrance, I press the intercom for her penthouse.

“Yes?” Her voice comes through loud and clear.

“It’s me, Dragon. I got my groceries.”

“Great.” The door clicks open.

I walk in through the lobby and to the elevators. I’ll look around later today once I get a key. To the right is what looks like an amazing fitness center. I should probably make use of it if I can.

I wait for the elevator along with an elderly couple who look me up and down.

I’m sure they’re taking in my black army boots, camouflage coat, and faded blue jeans. And of course my long hair.

Probably not the kind of person they expect to see in this building.

“How’s your day going?” I ask them.

“Just fine,” the woman says. “And yours?”

“Fine, ma’am.”

The elevator arrives and the doors open. I wait, letting the elderly couple get on before I do. Then, when I get on and press the button for the top floor, they look at each other, the woman’s eyes wide.

I take a look at the elevator pad. They live on the floor below Diana and me. Or they’re going to visit someone there. It’s Saturday morning, so it could be either.

When the elevator stops and opens on their floor, the woman smiles at me. “Have a wonderful day, young man.”

“You too,” I say as the doors close.

Her husband—I assume—looks back at me and frowns.

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