Page 35 of The Roommate Situation

I flush. “Yeah, I mean, it’s about a two hour drive, and you’ll be stuck in the car with me the entire time, but I’m sure my parents would be happy to have you. They wanted to saythank you for taking me to my endoscopy anyway, so this is perfect. They’ll talk your ear off and my sisters will cajole you into playing dress up, but if you’re okay with that…” I trail off, fidgeting with my suspenders.

He grins. “That’d be awesome.”

I can’t help it. I beam at him. “Great. I’ll text them. Oh, and they wanted you to have their number so you can update them during the procedure and afterwards.”

“Of course,” he says. I text my parents, letting them know I’m bringing Parker home for Thanksgiving, and Mom immediately replies telling me how wonderful that is and that they can’t wait to meet him. Then I text their number to Parker. He immediately starts typing on his phone and then a moment later it dings.

“Ahh, your mom is so sweet,” he says, typing again. “She just said thanks for taking care of her baby boy.” He talks as he types out the message I’m assuming he’s sending back to her.“No problem, Mrs. C. Rory is the best.”

“Oh, god,” I groan. “This was a mistake. A horrible, horrible mistake.”

He looks at me, a frown on his face, his eyes so sad I feel a pain in my chest. “You don’t want me to come anymore?”

My eyes widen. “No,” I say. “I mean, yes. I mean, I was just joking. Of course I want you to come home with me. I was being sarcastic, like I was terrified of you talking to my mom, but it’s fine.”

He grins and goes back to typing. Jesus, that look on his face. I forget that Parker doesn’t understand sarcasm sometimes. But, oh boy. Mom and Parker messaging each other can’t be good.

“Ahh, she just asked if there was anything in particular I want for Thanksgiving dinner,” Parker croons when his phone pings again. “What do you guys usually have?”

“Uh, I don’t know. Turkey, mashed potatoes, salad, deviled eggs, stuffing, rolls, green bean casserole.”

“That all sounds good to me.” He types back and presses send. Then he’s laughing when his phone pings again and he reads Mom’s reply to whatever he sent her.

Lord, I think Mom and Parker are going to be best friends before they even meet.

TWELVE

RORY

Two days later, I’m at the campus bookstore again for my middle of the day shift. Tonight is our gathering with our friends and I’m really looking forward to it, but I have another hour here before I can head home and start getting ready.

It’s not super busy but there are a few people milling around while I sit behind the counter, reading.

I’ve got my head down when I hear a familiar voice. “Hey, Rory. Your guard dog isn’t here huh? He let you out of the house by yourself? I thought you were his little bitch. Or is it the other way around?”

My cheeks flush. I tense slightly, but not like I used to when Zach harassed me. I’m calmer, though my heart rate is picking up a little bit. But I don’t feel as upset, or scared. His words don’t matter anymore. I know the things he says aren’t about me. They’re about him. No, this time, I’m not letting him treat me like this. I ignore him and hear a snarl.

“Can I help you?” I ask, looking up. He narrows his eyes at me. “Don’t you have a boy toy to go stick your dick in?” Woah, Ican’t believe I just said that, but Zach’s cheeks are reddening and I have to admit it’s kinda satisfying. “Or did they all get tired of your narcissistic bullshit too?”

He glares, his cheeks getting even redder. “You little bitch,” he snarls in a whisper, fists clenched at his side.

“Say whatever you want, but I’m done letting you upset me,” I tell him. My heart rate is picking up but I don’t stop. “You're a bully and an asshole who’s so insecure he tears other people down to make himself feel better. And I let you belittle me, and hurt me for a long time, but not anymore. I know who I am. I like who I am. And your words are just noise. So fuck off.”

His eyes widen. He stares at me for a moment, like he can’t believe what he heard. “You’re such a fucking loser, Rory,” he tells me finally, before he turns and stalks away.

“Woah,” Parker says, when I tell him about my run in with Zach later that day. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah,” I say, and I find that I’m actually smiling. I was shaking a little bit after he left, but that’s worn off now. “I mean, it honestly felt really good to tell him how I felt.”

Parker grins at me, then kisses my forehead. He’s frowning though, when he pulls away. “Are you safe?” he asks. “I mean, he wouldn’t hurt you, would he?”

I shake my head. “No, he’s an asshole but he isn’t violent. I don’t think I have to worry about him anymore.”

Parker grins again. “I’m proud of you.”

I smile wider. “I’m proud of me, too.”

I’ve got the main lights turned off and the living area illuminated by lamps only. It helps with me not getting overstimulated, and honestly I think it works better for the vibe.

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