Page 43 of Roommating

“Final warning.” Adam glares but quickly laughs along with us while Marcia looks bemused, since she has no idea we were debating on which date she “goes to Bonetown.”

Finally, she’s ready to go. She walks hesitantly toward the front door in her navy peacoat, a red satin knot bag slung over her shoulder, and pauses with her hand on the knob.

“Just be yourself and have fun,” Carley says to her back.

“But not too much fun,” Adam mumbles.

I place my hand on my tummy. Nerves have turned to nausea. “Do you want me to call you in an hour in case you need an escape?” I don’t get this jittery for my own dates, but if tonight doesn’t go well I’m afraid Marcia will give up on the whole idea of getting back out there.

She turns around with a timid smile. “No need. But keep your phones nearby because I might call from the bathroom or text you under the table.” She points between me and Adam.

We promise to be on high alert for a phone call or text, and she leaves.

Carley gathers her things. “I’m out too, but text me all the deets tomorrow.”

“Of course.” We hug.

After we separate, she asks, “What will you two do now?” glancing between us with an annoying glint in her eyes. Annoying to me because I hear the suggestion behind the words. Of course, I told her what happened in the bathroom. Not that anythingdidhappen. We were just two roommates passing in the night. Given Adam’s condition at the time, who knows if he even remembers the interaction. I, however, recall every moment in torturous detail. My nipples hardening even through the terry-cloth towel, the way his eyes scanned my body, the bulge in his gray… I shake away the arousing visual of a sleepy Adam in sweatpants and empty the remains of my prosecco into my mouth.

“I don’t know about Sabrina, but I’ll probably stare at the TV from now until my grandma comes home,” Adam says.

Carley smirks. “I think you can do better than that.”

I debate asking what she and Frank plan to do next time they hang out, but she’d just laugh at my sad attempt to turn the tables. Blessedly, she’s out the door before Adam has a chance to ask her for clarification, and we’re alone.

Against the backdrop of new silence in the room, my own breath sounds like a marching band. “She’s going to have a great time.” Whether I’m trying to assure Adam or myself is anyone’s guess.

Adam sits on the couch. “Even if they don’t like each other, it’s healthy for her to be out there.”

“One hundred percent!” We nod in agreement, him from the couch, me still standing, and then it’s quiet again.

I stare at our empty champagne flutes side by side on the coffee table like they’re a couple. “It’s not like it’s her first date ever.”

“Exactly.”

“Although she’s practically born again.”

“Please stop.”

I chuckle. “Sorry.”

Adam turns on the TV.

Bonding moment over. “I guess I’ll go to my room.”

He cocks his head. “Do you want to watch with me?”

I practically leap onto the couch. “What are you watching?”

“The Magicians.” He tips his head at me. “Have you seen it?”

“No, but I read the books.”

His lips quirk as he raises the volume. “Of course you did.”

I try to focus on the screen, but it’s no use. I have a one-track mind and it’s 100 percent on Marcia. By now, she’s at the bar with Gary, assuming he showed up. If he stands her up, I will hunt him down and kick him in the balls so hard, he won’t be able to walk for the next month. I’m positive Adam will help. He’s currently staring so intently at the screen, it’s obvious he’s not watching either. We’re quite the pair, overprotective like parents of a fifteen-year-old on their first date. When the comparison makes me chuckle out loud, I throw my hand against my mouth.

Adam swings his head toward me. “Did you say something?”

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