“All right” is all I say. “Thanks for calling.”
“Mm-hmm. Bye,” she says, and then she’s gone.
I pull the phone slowly away from my ear, looking at it even though she’s already hung up.
By the time I’ve stopped replaying the conversation in my head, I’m not even hungry anymore.
AURORA
Roman Drake
I won’t be there this evening after all, so let yourself in.
Might be there Wednesday if you’re not finished by then, but I’ll keep you updated.
ME
Hot date with the Rubik’s cube?
Roman Drake
Hot date with my résumé and some businesses in downtown Boulder.
Me
Isn’t that stuff usually done online these days?
Roman Drake
I’m much more charming in person than I am on paper.
You don’t need to lock up when you’re done later. Thanks, Aurora.
ME
So professional. But you’re welcome.
ROMAN DRAKE
It occurs to me that I’ve never actually specified: Please don’t clean or organize in my room.
The rest of the house looks fantastic, but my room hasn’t been touched, which means it’s one of the only places left.
ME
Too late. I went in there on Monday while you were on your hot date with your job hunt.
I dug through all your drawers and found the stash of romance novels you keep in your underwear drawer.
ROMAN DRAKE
Look at that—a sense of humor.
Stop glaring at me.
ME
How could you POSSIBLY know I’m glaring?
