Now, he wasn’t completely alien, just an absolute filth bag. He was good-looking, clean and a charmer. The only real problem was that maybe he was too charming. Every night he’d bring a different girl home. I’m not a prude and I’m certainly not anyone’s mother. You fuck who you wanna fuck. But when it gets to the point of sleepless nights and walking in on a threesome on my perfectly nice couch, I had to draw the line.
Even the notion of having another male roommate makes me queasy. But now that I’m thinking about it, is it weird that I’ve never lived with a boyfriend? Counting back all my past relationships, I’ve never gone past giving them a key. I’ve never had the desire to constantly be that close to someone I was dating.
A thought occurs to me, “you said I know him? Who is it?”
“It’s… Luke.”
“You know he’s been living with his sister and brother-in-law. I think he’s going a bit crazy with the baby and all that fuss. He said he was looking for a new place the last time I saw him.”
“Tash?”
“Yeah, I’m here.”
“Look, I know he’s a guy but I can guarantee that he won’t be like your other roommates. Plus, you’ve met him, you’ve seen with your own eyes that he’s a normal human being.”
“I suppose…”
“How about we get the whole gang together at the bar? It’s a relaxed setting for you to suss him out a bit more. Ask him about any annoying traits, and I bet Evan will have some stories for you. They used to room together in college, he’ll know all the dirty details. Hmm?”
She makes a very convincing point, it’s a very compelling part of her nature. She really could’ve been a lawyer, but I suppose if you were after anyone to teach your kids manners and good behavior, you’d want Gabby.
“Fine. But if I decide to drop him from the male-mate candidate ballot then you have to drop it too. Deal?”
“Deal.” She agrees far too quickly for my liking.
“Meet you at Lane’s at 7?”
I agree and hang up the phone. I guess if things go south, at the very least I’ll have a chance to thoroughly investigate Luke tonight.
* * *
When I arriveat the bar later on that evening, I see that Gabby and Evan aren’t here yet. I have no doubt Gabby will be bringing Sam tonight, the big guy barely ever leaves her side. And, he’s most definitely the reason Gabby is late. They’re more like dogs in heat than fully grown humans. But I secretly admire their sheer lack of self-control, in the weirdest of ways, it’s sweet.
I don’t even need to look around anymore, I already know we’ll be seated in their usual booth. As I walk over I see Luke tucked between Katie and Ellie wearing that stupid hat. I’ve met him like a dozen times, and every single time he’s wearing a hat. I wonder what color his hair is? There must be something seriously wrong with it if it always needs covering up.
Maybe it’s where he stashes his condoms. I’ve heard repeatedly how much of a playboy he is or at least was before he moved in with his sister. That must be why he wants to move, so he can start hooking up with randoms again. I can’t help my internal groan; I knew this was a bad idea.
Should I turn back? Call Gabby saying I don’t feel well, I’m sure she’d be fine with it. But, I know it wouldn’t be long until she was back on my case. This wasn’t something she seemed likely to drop easily.
“Tash!” Katie calls, unknowingly deciding my fate.
“Hey.” I smile and move swiftly to take the seat next to her. They’re all laughing and joking, it sounds like it’s about Evan and Ellie living together. I didn’t have any siblings but seeing them together kinda made me wish I did. As far as twins go, they may not look much alike, but they’re as close as can be. I smile and nod hello to everyone before pulling my coat off.
“What’s it like bringing lays back to the apartment? Do you have to ask permission?” Luke roasts.
“Do you have to hang a sock on the door?” Katie chuckles along. I grin, watching their reactions. Ellie is joining in on the laughter, Evan, on the other hand, is blushing. Aww.
“Alright, alright. I wanna be anywhere but here right now. Tash, would you like a drink?”
I’m not much of a drinker but I take pity on him, “Rum and coke please.”
Luke boos as Evan stands and walks to the bar.
“Oh, don’t worry about him,” Ellie says before turning and swatting at Luke. “And to answer your insanely rude question, Luke. Nothing like that has happened, yet. Thank god.”
“Aww is little Elle going through a dry spell?” I watch as he stretches his arm around her shoulders. “Need me to help you out, babe?”
Katie shakes with loud laughter as Ellie shivers and shoves Luke’s arm away from her. “In your dreams. What are you gonna do? Take me back to your sister’s house. Thanks, but hell to the no, thanks.”
