Page 14 of Pretty Please Me
“I hope you like french toast because I don’t know how we’re going to eat all this bread,” he teases.
* * *
Sam’s apartment is a penthouse suite in the middle of the business district. “I didn’t even know you could live in a building like this,” I say as he ushers me into the elevator.
“It’s not a forever thing, but right now, it serves its purpose of keeping me within walking distance of everywhere I need to go. I hate traffic, so if there’s a way I can ride my bike or go on foot, I don’t mind exerting a little energy to do so.”
It’s nearly one in the morning, and I’m so exhausted my eyes feel like sandpaper. On the Uber ride here, I canceled my classes for the rest of the week and sent each client an apologetic text. The last thing I want is for someone to show up only to realize the entire studio is closed until further notice.
“Here we are,” Sam says as he ushers me to his door and opens it to welcome me inside. I don’t know what I was expecting, but I can safely say this was not it. Sam’s apartment looks like something out of a men’s lifestyle magazine. We walk into a foyer with a large chandelier hanging overhead that leads into an open floor-plan space. His kitchen is a combination of wood and marble countertops with a giant island. There’s an industrial stainless steel gas stove and an assortment of knives magnetically secured on the wall.
“Wow, this is incredible.” I’m in awe as I take in the most beautifully designed and decorated space I’ve ever seen in real life. “Did you hire a decorator or something?”
He laughs and drops his keys in a bowl on the counter before sliding off his wet shoes. I’m wearing sandals, so my feet are mostly dry by now. I didn’t even consider that he’s been walking around with soaked feet. “I actually did most of it myself. That and my stepmother helped. I completely gutted this place when I bought it three years ago. It’s been a fun side project, and I’ve enjoyed putting all the pieces I’ve collected over the years to good use.”
“You’re extremely talented. I mean, I knew you were successful…” I open my arms wide. “But this is on another level. No wonder your investment properties are doing so well.”
“Well, coming from you, that means a lot.” He opens the fridge, pulls out two water bottles, and hands me one. “Come on. I’ll show you to your room. I know you must be exhausted.”
We pass through the living room that’s somehow equally modern and cozy. There’s a leather sofa with a huge ottoman that doubles as a coffee table facing a flatscreen TV that looks like framed art.
I can’t help but notice the small personal touches sprinkled around. There are photos of Sam rock climbing on an actual mountain, group photos with Benjamin and Jack, and what must be his entire family all laughing hysterically, wearing swimsuits and beach coverups in front of the ocean.
“Just down the hall on the left here.” He opens the door to what will be my bedroom. “Here you are. There are extra blankets in the closet, and the bathroom is just across the hall. My room’s right over there.” He scratches the back of his head. “Unfortunately, my bathroom is under construction at the moment, so we’ll be sharing yours. I hope that’s not too much of an inconvenience–”
“Oh my gosh, Sam, don’t even worry about it,” I assure him. “This bedroom alone is bigger than my entire studio apartment. I think I’ll be okay sharing a bathroom.”
His shoulders soften, and a small smile pulls at his lips. “You know, I haven’t had a roommate since college. I think this will be fun.” He opens the bathroom door, revealing the most beautiful spa-like bathroom with a deep tub in the center and a large glass shower off to the side.
There’s no hiding in here. I’ll have to make sure to keep the door locked because I don’t know if I’ve ever seen glass so clean. An accidental walk-in would leave us both scarred for life.
“Towels are in here, and there are extra razors and toothbrushes in the bottom drawer.” He grins and pushes a piece of hair behind my ear. I must look like a drowned rat by now. “Why don’t you go first? I’ll see if I can find something clean for you to sleep in.”
“Thanks. This is all so nice,” I sigh. “I don’t know what I would’ve done tonight without you.”
He walks backward, shoving his hands in his pockets. “That’s what friends are for, right?”
“Right.” I agree. After the door clicks closed, I make sure to secure the lock, locking it and unlocking it a few times just to be safe.
I nearly jump when I see my reflection in the mirror. I look more like a drowned Master Splinter than a rat. My wavy hair is halfway dried and frizzy while my mascara’s rubbed off my eyelashes, making me look like a raccoon.
I should be mortified Sam had to see me like this, but I’m too exhausted.
I turn on the shower and step inside, letting the warm water rinse away the remnants of the day. My tense muscles start to relax as steamy plumes in the air around me.
For the first time in my life, my five-year plan is irrelevant, and there’s nothing I can do about it.
SEVEN
Sam
“Dude, what’s with you today? I don’t think I’ve ever seen you miss so many free throws,” Benjamin says as he jumps up for the rebound.
I catch the ball he throws my way and take another shot. It hits the rim straight on and flies across the gym, and Benjamin arches his brow in question.
“I don’t know, man. I guess I’m just tired.” I rub the back of my neck and walk over to retrieve the ball, then pass it to Jack.
When Benjamin texted asking if I was available to play this morning, I couldn’t say yes fast enough, despite being exhausted. I just needed to get some air and clear my head. Last night after I was sure Maggie was situated and in bed, I spent hours calling in favors to find a contractor who could take on her renovations immediately. After going through most of my contact list, I finally found someone who agreed to stop by today to do an assessment.
