Page 12 of Roommate Wanted
“How can a man take over my life? Does he want a sex change? Wait. He is white. Does that mean I want to become him? I’m confused. How can I turn white?” I said before taking another sip of my coffee.
It was hilarious to see Amara when she flew off the handle. She was very inventive with her words when she vented. Her arms crossed over her chest.
“Didn't you tell me your knickers were going missing?” she asked, tapping her foot on the floor while I choked on my coffee.
A crashing sound made us look over at the maintenance guy, who was working on a light fixture.
“Wasn't he here yesterday?” I asked, staring at the sturdy fellow.
“Knickers?”
“Oh my god. Will you stop? Someone will hear us. And it was Addison who was stealing my underwear.”
Or the washing machine was swallowing them.
“You don't know this man from Adam, and you're going to let him move in with you?” she said, pointing her finger at me. “If you die then I’m stuck in this shit hole all on my own.”
“Oh, wow. And here I thought you were concerned about me,” I said, hiding my smile behind my mug when she immediately looked guilt-ridden.
“People can be terrible. I just want you to be safe,” she said softly.
I put my mug down and stood up to give her a hug.
“I’m messing with you. I’m going to tell him I can’t have him as a roommate.”
He was a sinful complication I couldn’t have in my messy life. My home was my sanctuary from the world.
Amara hugged me back but let go before the viper came out of her office.
“If I get evicted, tell your mum to expect me at her door.”
“You know she would take you in.”
I knew that, but that wasn’t the point. I’m an adult, and I should be able to keep a roof over my head. My parents would have me back in a flash, but I needed my space. I picked up my phone and messaged Lyall MacDugall.
Me:Hey, it’s Nia from last night. I’m sorry, I was very drunk last night. I’m actually after a female roommate. Sorry.
There was no response, and I saw Claire opening her office door. She stood at the doorway and sniffed the air before going back into her office.
I kicked Amara’s chair.
“What was all that about?” I asked.
“No idea, but I went into her office this morning and something smelled off,” Amara said with a frown.
“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.
“Something smelled fishy,” she said with a shrug.
She was winding me up.
“Fuck off. She is always up to something fishy. She sucks the life out of everyone except for her office pets. Her shitty little spies.”
“No, I’m serious. It literally stinks of fish in her office.”
I began to cackle, and she cracked up as well.
Oh, how the mighty fall.
