Page 10 of My Three Roommates

If I wanted to date, I’d hit the apps. Never done that, never will.

And yet. Something about Tanner makes me wonder if maybe I should see where things could go.

I’m jogging up the steps from the subway when my phone vibrates. At first I glance at it without breaking my stride, then stop abruptly at the text on my screen. It’s from Tanner.

No one’s home. You close by?

Talk about unexpected.

I don’t reply. He can wait and wonder until I get there. I pick up my pace as I stride the last few blocks home, a slow grin forming.

CHAPTER 7 BRAD

THE SUN’S PIERCING rays hit me square in the eyes as I emerge from the store, clutching my purchase. I really should’ve bought sunglasses too, but screw it. Going back in would waste too much time.

It took me long enough to buy this thing I got for Kenna. Now I’m running late for the afternoon meeting at my office.

Juan greets me with a sarcastic “Just in time,” as I slide into the seat beside him. Our boss takes his position at the head of the conference table, diving right into the intricacies of our latest project.

I can’t keep my thoughts from drifting to tonight, and the prospect of being with Kenna.

Don’t forget Tanner and Cody.

My brain never fails to remind me of them at every turn. I know Kenna’s a lot more aware of them too. She’s so much more constrained now, constantly afraid they’ll hear us when we’re in bed.

I’m hoping this gift will bring her some happiness. She and I are both trying to embrace the idea of roommates, but it’s not easy. However much we might enjoy having our best friends around, I know it weighs on her. I want to make it easier in any way possible.

A question from the boss yanks me back to the present moment. I give my head a small shake, attempting to refocus. I’ve got to pay closer attention. My performance at work is crucial if I want to move up, let alone keep my job.

Lately I can barely concentrate at work. Does my boss have the same kind of problem that I do? Can anyone in this room relate to my struggle? I steal a glance at my colleagues, all dressed in their sharpest suits and ties. They seem so composed, so in control. It’s hard to believe any of them share my turmoil. Of course I probably don’t look any different than anyone else in this room.

I zero back in on the meeting until the conversation moves to matters that don’t concern me. If this meeting ends on time, I might be able to make it home without having to stay late. Just a few stolen moments alone with Kenna would be heaven.

Miraculously, we wrap up only a few minutes past schedule. The moment I escape the boardroom, I fire off a quick text to Kenna as I dash back to my office.

Can’t stop thinking about you. See you soon.

Her reply makes me grin.

Not soon enough.

I shut off my phone. If I can swing it, I want to surprise her by having my gift already set up and waiting by the time she gets home. She’s been trying so hard to adapt to our new living situation, and I want to support her in any way that I can.

Things have to improve soon. The economy can’t continue to be this awful. The alternative is unthinkable.

In the meantime, I’m trying to make the best of it. Tanner and Cody seem to be getting along even though there’s some kind of undercurrent of tension between them, and I can’t quite put my finger on why. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed before with any of my other friends.

These two are wary with each other. It’s not like they’ve ever had an argument or any kind of falling out. I’m crossing my fingers that living together will bring them closer rather than drive them apart.

Of course none of this is the real reason that I didn’t want to move in with Kenna yet. I want her and I to be together forever. I’m sure she feels the same way but if she knew what was on my mind, she could change hers in an instant.

There’s something I’ve never shared with her, and it’s been weighing heavily on my mind. I don’t want to risk losing her. If she knew the truth about me, it could drive her away for good.

Living with Tanner and Cody is getting to me and it hasn’t even been very long. It’s getting harder for me to unwind after work. I’m constantly on edge.

I’ve been burying my feelings for a long time, pushing them down and pretending they don’t exist. It’s impossible to ignore them now that I have to come home to two gorgeous guys every single fucking day.

What I haven’t told Kenna or anyone else ever keeps bubbling up to the surface. I can’t deny it anymore.

---