"Okay," I say. "Then why aren't you doing the same thing with Kevin?"
Her expression shutters immediately. "Kevin? That's different."
"How?"
"Because Kevin deserves better than someone who's still figuring out how not to flinch when a man moves too fast."
"Steph—"
"I'm serious, Ainsley." Her voice is tight now. "Kevin is... he's good. Too good. And I'm a mess. I can't give him what he deserves right now."
"Maybe he doesn't want perfect. Maybe he just wants you."
She swallows hard, then shakes her head. "This isn't about me. This is about you and your hot roommate and the fact that you're wasting time with rules when you could be—"
"Don't say it."
"—climbing him like a tree."
"Steph!"
She grins, but it doesn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm just saying. You have an opportunity here. Don't let fear ruin it. Climb the tree."
Before I can respond, my phone buzzes in my back pocket. I pull it out and see a text from Simon.
Simon:Ace just texted me. What happened? Are you okay?
I glare at my phone, wishing Ace were here for me to smack him over the head.
"Stupid Ace," I mutter.
Me:I'm fine. A drunk customer got handsy. Kevin and Troy handled it.
Simon:Troy's your new roommate?
Me:Yes.
Simon:Good. Glad he was there. You sure you're okay?
Me:I'm good. Really. It’s nothing I haven't dealt with before.
Simon:Still. If you need anything, call me. And tell Steph I said the same.
Me:Will do. Thanks, Simon.
I shove my phone back in my pocket and catch Steph watching me.
"Simon?"
"Yeah. Ace told him what happened."
"Of course he did." She rolls her eyes fondly. "Simon's worse than Kevin sometimes."
"He cares."
"They all do. You're lucky. A lot of people are looking out for you."
"You too," I say.
