Page 28 of The Roommates

“I’m milliseconds from making my qualifying time,” Tanner said.

“That is fantastic. Way to go.” I offered him a high five. One more chance at the Olympics meant more to him than anything, and I wanted him to have that.

Daria gave him a quick hug. “That’s awesome, seriously.”

Why couldn’t I be that casual? Because we were guys and I’d take my own gestures wrong.Sigh.

“But it wasn’t all good.” I couldn’t ignore that something was off.

Tanner shrugged. “It’s harder than I thought finding people at banks to talk to me, and I’m getting conflicting information about the condition of the building.” He looked at me. “I need your time and talent, to make this proposal shine.”

“You’ve got it. I’ll be done with the mural in a few days, and you can have me any other time we’re not in lessons.” I winced mentally at my own phrasing. “Daria knows people, and she’s offered to help us…”

“And I mean it. In fact, Carly will take a look at the building for you and tell you exactly what’s up,” Daria said. “I’ll ask her tomorrow. And I’m happy to give your proposal a look and give you some lender names. I’d hook you up at work, but you don’t want investors. Not until you decide to franchise. You want a loan that you pay off and you’re done.”

“What’s a Carly?” I asked.

“My best friend, my sanity, and the best fucking commercial appraiser in the world.”

Tanner wrinkled his nose. “We can’t.”

“Can’t what? Why not?” I’d missed something.

“We can’t ask Daria for help. This is her job.”

Daria raised her brows. “You teach my girls to swim.”

“You pay us for it,” Tanner said.

Daria sighed. “We’re friends. Aren’t we? Friends help friends, and I know what I’m offering.”

The more time I spent with her, the more I found about her to adore. Was I doomed to crush on everyone who was nice to me? I wasn’t having these hang-ups with Deacon. Was it because I knew he’d reciprocate? “We’d love your help.”

Tanner glared at me.

“If it makes you feel better, we’ll give Alana six months of lessons free,” I added.

Daria pursed her lips. “It doesn’t makemefeel better. This is important to you and I can help. You’ll hurt my feelings if you tell meno.”

Tanner’s smile wasn’t as potent this time, but it looked more genuine. “All right. Thank you.”

She clapped once. “Good. Now that we have that settled, what’s on the agenda for tonight?”

“Do we need an agenda?” I wasn’t great with plans. I didn’t mind them, and I was fine with sticking to other people’s timelines and schedules, but left on my own? I did whatever struck my fancy.

Daria shrugged. “I made a to-do list earlier just to have a schedule. I’m not quite sure what to do with myself without tasks waiting.” She seemed to need this.

“What would you like to put on the agenda?” My asking was much better than my assuming.

“I don’t know.”

“If I might make a suggestion,” Tanner said.

I gestured to him. “I’ll open the floor. Tanner, what should we put on the agenda?”

“Karaoke.”

That was always fun. I loved karaoke.

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