1
Bree
“What’s up?” I ask as I answer the phone. My best friend, Lucy, already groaning on the other end of the phone.
I’ve made it a point to keep my phone close by ever since Lucy moved across the country. To say she’s been struggling lately would be an understatement.
To be honest, I’m not that much better. It’s been a big adjustment for both of us. We’ve been practically inseparable since we were toddlers. I’m seriously missing my best friend, so whenever she calls, I answer. And vice versa.
“Why the hell am I here, again? I can’t believe I actually thought I could do this.” She cries pathetically.
“You are there to help your brother run his company. It’s not even been a month yet. You need to calm down, you also need to focus on giving this a proper chance.” I don’t remind her that she’s also there to help take care of her father. It’s kind of a sore subject for Lucy.
Lucy was six when her father walked out on her family, her brother Jake was only three. She hasn’t seen or spoken to him until her brother came to her a few months ago with claims that their dad was seriously ill. It took a beat for her to catch up, she’d had no idea that Jake had even been in contact with their dad, let alone that they had a close relationship.
While Lucy and I were as close as sisters, she’d always had a close bond with Jake. It only took a few weeks until she flew out to L.A. to visit him, and her father.
“So, how’s Jake doing?”
“He’s good. Would you believe me if I said he loves the sun and surfs every morning?”
“Holy shit, seriously? I can’t even imagine that.”
“Yep. Health nut, too. I think it’s this L.A. air, I’m afraid of what it’s going to do to me.”
“He sounds like he’s doing really amazing out there.”
“He still asks about you, you know?” I can’t help but giggle at that. It wasn’t a secret to either of us that Jake had always had a crush on me. It was sweet.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t see him as more than anything but a little brother - one that I cherished dearly. And I say it’s unfortunate because Jake grew up good. He’s tall, tanned, muscled, and is now the CEO of a small tech company.
“So, what else is new?”
“It was a bad day. Work was crazy, and then dad… he was bad.” I ache at the sadness in her voice. Her father has dementia and from my understanding it’s only getting worse with each passing day.
“I hate that I’m not there.” I tell her for the millionth time. We more or less have this same conversation everyday, but it doesn’t matter, I need to say it and I know that she needs to hear it.
“I know. How’s the hunt for a new roommate going?”
“It’s fine.”
“Bree?” I hear the eye roll behind her tone.
“Chill. I’m actually meeting someone soon.”
“Meeting someone, who? Where? Are you being safe?”
“It’s one of my mom’s friends kids. We’re meeting here, but I’ve spoken to him a bunch.”
“Him?!” Shit, I shouldn’t have said that.
“Yes, Lucy. It’s a him.” I’m not exactly thrilled about that detail but at the minute I don’t really have the luxury of being picky.
I’ve put off looking for a new roommate for a month. I think deep down I’ve been holding out hope that Lucy would be coming back. But she’s not, and I can’t afford this place and all my other bills on my own.
“Shoot! I’ve gotta go. I forgot I was supposed to meet Jake ten minutes ago. How about we FaceTime tomorrow? I need to hear more about this him, I want all the details.”
“Okie dokie, I’ll talk to you later. Say ‘hi’ to Jake for me.”
