“Thank you, guys.” I pull Gemma in, making her join our group hug even though she hates it. “Not just for today, but for this whole weekend. You’re the best.”
“Yeah, yeah. Go make some kick-ass plans for your new business, you lucky bitch.” Gemma pushes me away, but her smile is genuine.
I wave them off as they head back toward their place while I turn to go in the opposite direction, back to Jack’s. Back to my new home.
It’s been a really long time since any place has felt like home.
I knock on the door, and Jack answers within thirty seconds, like he was waiting for me to come back.
“Everything check out?”
I hand him the signed agreement. “I really hope you don’t live to regret this, Jack Thomas.”
He flips to the back of the form, double-checking my signature, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “So I’ll see you in two weeks?”
“Looking forward to it.” I feel like we need to seal the deal with a hug or a handshake or something, so I awkwardly hold up my hand for a high five. Jack just as awkwardly tries to slap my palm. But hemisses. After an uncomfortable laugh, I wave and head down the front stairs.
And just like that, I have a new roommate.
JACK:Hey, it’s Jack. Got your number from the lease, hope it’s ok to text you. I forgot to ask if you wanted me to clear the furniture out of the room or not.
ME:Texts are good. I don’t answer phone calls anyway. Are you offering me the use of all that gorgeous furniture?
JACK:Please spare me the hassle of having to get it picked up before you move in.
JACK:So did you want it?
JACK:Shit. Did not mean to send that emoji.
JACK:And by it, I mean the furniture. Just the furniture.
JACK:Do you want the furniture?
ME:Oh, I definitely want it.
ME:Guys. I’m not sure if you know this, but there is like so much to see in NYC.
GEMMA:Yes, Sadie. We know.
HARLEY:Sounds like you’re enjoying your two-week staycation?
ME:I’m soaking up as much Manhattan as I can.
HARLEY:It’s only a subway ride away, you know.
GEMMA:Not that you’re ever gonna wanna go back once you’re out in Brooklyn living your little hipster millennial dream.
ME:Wow. I’m so not a hipster.
NICK:Sadie. Your new life plan is to open a sustainable floral design business. You might as well change your name to Juniper and start a podcast.
ME:In general, how do you feel about plants?
JACK:Fine I guess?
ME:Do you have any floral-related allergies?
JACK:Not that I’m aware of.
