“I know your mom and I said we’d get you a new computer. We really wanted to, but we’re hoping you’d be able to get by with your current laptop for the rest of the year. We’ll get you a brand new one before fall quarter.”
“My laptop works great! I don’t even see the point of me getting a new one for fall.”
“Really? I thought when you were home, your laptop started smoking when you turned it on.”
“I got it to quit. It’s on the nicotine patch. Doing really well. Seriously, that thing is built to last.” His parents were adamant about getting Coop a new computer over spring break. Coop remembered when they got a flashy new iMac years ago. It was now on its last legs in the living room. Coop’s computer almost caught fire when he tried to go online, and so he retired it to his bottom desk drawer for a permanent vacation. Fortunately, Browerton provided loaner laptops to students in need. He wasn’t able to view porn on it, but things could be worse.
“I promise you we will get you a brand new computer before you start sophomore year. I have a second interview at this printing company, so fingers crossed. I don’t know why theywouldn’twant a fifty-year-old project manager.” Dad tried to make a joke, and Coop humored him with a hearty laugh. “How are your side businesses going? I hope they aren’t taking away from your studies.”
“They are most certainly not. Business is going well.”
“That’s great.”
Coop didn’t know how to say what he wanted to say next, an idea that’d been on his mind since Christmas. “You know, I can send you some extra cash. I’m happy to chip in.”
“No. That’s your money.”
He knew his dad would say that. Now Coop’s shoulders were slumping.
“It’s going to be okay, Evan. Everyone finds a new job. My co-worker who was in my department just got a new gig at Trader Joe’s. They pay well and provide health benefits. Who knew?”
“Tell him to hook me up with some Jo-Jo’s,” Coop said. “But I’m serious. If you ever need…I’m happy to help. I want to help.”
“I appreciate it. I really do. I love you, Evan.”
“I love you, too.”
When he hung up, he thought about his family. He’d left for college right as the bad times got worse, when the optimism about finding a new job gave way to fear. Their car had broken down and his sister broke her arm, both of which had burned though a chunk of their savings.
Coop dug through his sock drawer and pulled out his lucky Copenhagen sock, named that for the wad of cash it stored. He peeled off an assortment of fives and twenties (no students ever carried tens on them for some reason) and slipped them in an envelope.
A few minutes later, Coop’s roommate opened the door. He jammed his lyrics notebook into his nightstand drawer.
“Rafe, what’s the good word?”
“Don’t worry, Macklemore featuring Ryan Lewis. I didn’t hear or see any of your greatness.” Rafe had a head full of bouncy brown curls that fit his personality. He tossed his books on his bed. “You know, one of these days, I will get to hear one of your dope raps.”
Not anytime soon.Coop’s work was not ready for public consumption.
“There are open mic events on campus. You should perform at one. You’d be great.”
“I’ll take it under consideration.”
Coop hit the roommate lottery. Most times, a freshman roommate was a reality show waiting to happen. Two complete strangers, from wildly different backgrounds, being forced to live together. Yet Coop got lucky. Not because he got a great roommate. No, his first roommate was a loud, obnoxious rich kid from Orange County who loved talking to friends at two in the morning. But a month after starting school, that roommate was busted for selling drugs and kicked out of school. And that allowed Coop’s friend Rafe to escape his weird roommate and move in with him.
The two of them had hit it off after bumping into each other at the same parties and classes. Most people were suspicious of two gay guys deciding to room together. Coop and Rafe were friends through and through, no sexual tension, no awkwardness, no accidentally dating the same guy. Coop figured that one of the reasons why Rafe and him never got together was because Rafe was too busy falling in love with somebody else.
“So, I just thought you should know, that I’ve found my soulmate. I think. I think I probably found my soulmate, possibly.”
“That’s great, buddy,” Coop said. To him, Rafe claiming he was in love was like somebody saying it was hot in Florida. He was dead set on finding a college sweetheart. “Can we talk about it later? I’m going to the gym.”
Coop pulled his gym bag from under his bed and hooked it over his shoulder.
“You go to the gym like every day!”
Coop gestured to his muscular chest and arms. “This doesn’t happen by chance.”
“I’ll go with you. I’ll spot you.”
