Sierra had been tight-lipped about her previous boyfriend. I think she'd only mentioned him a couple of times. I didn't even remember his name.
I unlocked my front door and gestured for Sierra to follow me inside. My house was cool and dim, an oasis in the middle of my usually hectic life. If I wanted more light, I only had to open my curtains. My house was small but perfect for me. A cozy hideaway.
"Wow, this place looks great," Sierra said as she came in behind me. "You've really made it homey and peaceful."
"Thanks. You wanna put your stuff in your room or grab a drink first?"
Sierra groaned. "Room first. This bag is heavy as fuck."
I glanced back at her. "Um, Sierra, that's a rolling suitcase."
"I know," she replied, staring at me as though I'd lost a few marbles.
"So why are you carrying it?"
Her expression remained blank for a few moments until the penny dropped. "Well, shit."
"You graduated magna cum laude?"
"Shut up," she grumbled. "I've been up since five and then on the road all day. I'm tired."
It was probably true, but I didn't tease her anymore. I didn't have time for the inevitable bickerfest that would surely follow. Sierra was brilliant but sometimes she spaced out on basic things that required common sense more than book knowledge. Usually when she was tired or tipsy.
I led her down the hallway to the guest room and flipped the switch just inside the door.
"Oh, my God," Sierra sighed. "This is perfect, Cam." She dragged her suitcase into the room and looked around before her eyes came to me. "I didn't think you'd be able to fit a queen bed in here but it definitely works."
My guest room was done in shades of light blues and greens. The walls were white and I'd kept the furniture to a minimum. The result was airy and light.
"Thanks."
Sierra dropped her bags in the corner and twirled around in the center of the room before she fell backward onto the bed, her arms and legs splayed out.
"Ahhhhh," she sighed. "This is the best thing ever. I'm never moving out."
I crossed my arms over my chest and leaned my shoulder against the doorjamb. "Awesome, I'll draw up your rental agreement in the morning."
"Rental agreement?" Her head popped up as she stared at me with bugged eyes. "You would charge your best friend and business partnerrent?"
"Hell yeah. I am, first and foremost, a businesswoman."
Sierra smiled, sly, and a little scary. "I'm so glad I've finally rubbed off on you." She let her head fall back and closed her eyes. "Now, go away so I can take a nap. Did I mention I've been up since before dawn?"
"Only a couple of times. Instead of giving us both food poisoning when you attempt to cook dinner, why don't you come by the shop around closing? Maybe grab some takeout on your way?"
Sierra didn't bother to respond to my jab about her cooking. "Yeah, yeah. Pizza or tacos?"
"Burgers from the gas station."
"God, I'd forgotten about those," she groaned. "Sounds great. See you at eight."
Her eyes were closed before I even left the room.
