Page 46 of The Hookup
“That’s so mean.”
“I know.” He was still smiling.
Just then, something across the room caught my eye, and I murmured, “Oh, no.”
“Is something wrong?”
The big sheet Kit used like a tablecloth was folded up and back, revealing a bed underneath his worktable. “I think my friend Kit has been living in our studio. He could get expelled for that because it’s totally against the rules, so I don’t think he’d do it unless he lost his apartment.” Suddenly, the way he’d personalized the studio made a lot of sense.
“If your friend’s in financial trouble, let me know how I can help. It can be hard for someone to get back on their feet if they’ve become homeless.”
Of course Ryder’s first thought was about how to help, even with a virtual stranger. “That’s really sweet of you. I’m going to go find out what’s up, and I’ll text you soon.”
After we ended the call, I crossed the studio to investigate. Sure enough, Kit had made himself a cozy little hidden bedroom. Besides a nest of blankets and pillows on an air mattress, there was a stack of books, a half-empty water bottle, and a flashlight. There was also a little teddy bear sticking out among the bedding, which made my heart go out to him.
A key clicked in the lock just then, and I straightened up and turned toward the door as Kit entered. His hair was damp, and there was a backpack slung over his shoulder.
He froze when he saw me, and I blurted, “I didn’t mean to snoop. You left the sheet folded back like this.”
“You’re really early.”
“Kit, have you been living here?” He hesitated, but then he nodded. “For how long?”
“Since the start of the school year. Please don’t tell anyone.”
“I won’t, but what led to this?”
“I sprained my ankle last summer and missed too much work, so I lost my job. Then I got behind on my rent and couldn’t catch up, so I got evicted. I thought this would only be temporary, but I haven’t been able to find a place I can afford.”
“How have you been getting by?”
“After I got evicted, I sold most of my possessions and used some of that money on a discounted gym membership. It’s right off campus, and I go there to shower. I also got myself a student dining pass, and I rely on the cafeteria for my meals. Those two things have been a huge help.”
“Wasn’t the cafeteria closed over spring break?”
“Yeah, but I’ve learned how to get by without much money. One of my favorite tricks is heating up water in the coffee maker and using it to make ramen,” he said. “That stuff’s really affordable.”
“I feel awful.”
“Why?”
“Because you’ve been struggling, and I was totally oblivious.”
“I made sure to hide the fact that I was living here, so please don’t feel bad,” he said. “It seemed unfair to ask you to keep my secret. Now I guess I don’t have a choice.”
“I want you to come live with me. I’ll ask my landladies if it’s okay, but I’m sure they won’t mind. My room’s a little cluttered, but I can move some stuff around, and we’ll make it work.”
“That’s sweet, but I’m pretty broke. I wouldn’t be able to pay my share of the rent.”
“You’ll be my guest. I don’t expect you to pay anything.”
He looked hopeful as he asked, “Are you sure about this?”
“Absolutely.”
“That would be amazing! Trying to hide the fact that I’m living here has been pretty stressful. I was so afraid I’d get expelled if anyone found out.”
“You’re going to love the pink Victorian. Everyone is really nice.”
