It’s actually kind of bummed me out. I had wanted to spend time with him this week. Welcome him properly to the apartment and even get to know him a bit better. I realize now that my initial impression of Luke was way off. He’s not that bad at all. So far, he’s been clean and quiet. He’s even fed Whiskey and cleaned her litter tray when I haven’t been home.
It’s Thursday afternoon, my first day off since Luke moved in. I send him a text asking if he has any plans tonight, which he replies immediately to.
No.Are you at work tonight? - Luke
Nope.Want to hang out? - Tash
Are you cooking?- Luke
Of course - Tash
I’ll be there;) - Luke
I thinkover his texts and an unknown warmth fills my belly. I like the fact that he likes my cooking. But I’m a chef so it isn’t unusual for people to like my food. I’m sure it’s a normal thing to seek approval though because really who doesn’t want that?
As it’s already three in the afternoon, I start prepping the kitchen for a feast. I didn’t ask what Luke wanted because I’m not that desperate to feel like a 1950’s housewife. I haven’t done a roast in a while, but that means I’ll need to go shopping. I forgo that idea when I look down, I’m still in my pyjamas. I quickly decide it’s going to be that kind of day, which in my mind, equals a pizza party.
I root around the kitchen for all my ingredients. When I notice how little I have in the way of food, I start adding to my grocery list. I’ll have to make a trip to the store this weekend. That thought excites me and motivates me as I roll out some fresh dough.
I’m sitting on the couch with Whiskey when Luke comes through the door. “Pizza’s in the oven, shouldn’t be too long. Cookies are on the bench.”
“Well, hello to you too, stranger.” His voice, like velvet. His words, like liquid charm being poured all over me. My spine straightens, my hand that was previously petting Whiskey stills and hovers uselessly in the air.
It hits me how comfortable it feels having Luke live here. I may not have seen him that much this week but his presence has still been noticed. And I like it. He’s different than all my other roommates, he makes the place feel warm. Plus, hands down, he smells the best.
Whiskey nudges her wet nose against my fingertips and I resume the motions of stroking her fur. Luke comes in and plops himself down in the armchair. “How was work?”
“Fine, except that one of the receptionists had to bring her grandmother in with her Pomeranian. Honestly, it doesn’t look good for the little fella.”
“Poor woman. One of the downsides to pets, they don’t live as long as we do.”
“What are we doing tonight then?”
“Just thought we could hang out, watch a movie, talk? We haven’t really seen each other that much, I’m curious to know more about who I’m living with.”
“Well, what is it that you wanna know? I’m an open book, ask me anything.”
“Ok, I’ve got one. When Evan said that you were wild in college but you calmed down since then. What did he really mean?”
“I slept around a lot, partied a lot, drank a lot. But he’s right, I’ve changed since then.”
“Why?”
“I think it had a lot to do with spending the summer with a girl I really didn’t like, but it was my own fault for leading her on. Then, of course, coming back home to live with my sister and her husband.” I watch him as he visibly relaxes even further into his seat, “It’s been a nice change of pace.”
Yeah, I bet. Despite sometimes having the T.V. on, this place is usually pretty quiet. Plus, he’s free to do as he pleases here, not that he couldn’t at his sisters, but my guess is that bringing chicks back to your sister’s house isn’t the biggest turn on in the world. Then again, my brother is eight years younger than me and lives halfway across the country. Safe to say we’re not quite as close as Luke and Emma.
“For the sake of our situation, I’m glad you’ve calmed down.”
“Since you asked me a question do I get one too?”
“I don’t see what harm it could do.”
“Does Tash stand for anything? I’ve never heard you be called by anything else.”
“Well actually, my full name is Natasha. But I don’t even know if Gabby knows that, so try and keep it on the DL.”
“What? Why?” He asks stunned. Then his eyes narrow inquisitively, “Do you not like the name Natasha?”
