I send her back a quick message and look around the flat one final time, but Adam has taken care of everything. He even laid out the sofa bed and covered it with a sheet and the spare pillows.
So thoughtful. While I put my toast on and make a cup of coffee, I make a mental note to thank him properly when I see him again. Then it’s off to work for another busy shift, so I don’t get another opportunity to look at my phone until I’m on the way to the airport.
Funny that there’s no message at all from Adam today. Nothing since the note. That’s a little unusual, but I don’t have time to question it. I dump my things and start the engine of my old hatchback, pulling out of the parking garage beneath my flat and heading for the airport. Traffic is bad, and by the time I make it halfway there I’m in a mood. I swear at a driver who cuts me off only to slow down immediately. I hardly ever drive, but whenever I do the road is always full of idiots.
I’m watching the clock by the time I get to the turn off, but thankfully I find a good spot and am standing at the arrivals gatewhen Meredith walks out with her luggage in tow. She gives me a big grin the moment she spots me, and then we’re hugging and crying like it’s been twenty years instead of six months since I’ve seen her.
“Oy, I can’t believe you’d do such a stupid thing as to move to America. What the hell were you thinking?” I berate her fondly.
She pulls back still grinning and gives me a rueful look. “I have no idea, honestly. I guess I must really be in love with Malcolm.”
Malcolm, Meredith’s husband, is pretty much the sweetest guy I’ve ever met, so I get why she moved to another country for him. I keep hoping she’s going to announce they’re pregnant with triplets so I can be an auntie to the best kids in the world, but it hasn’t happened yet.
“So what’s your news? Anything new? Who are you dating?” she asks as we head out toward the parking lot.
I laugh, but it comes out sounding a little hollow. “Well, actually, I do have some news, but maybe you’d better have a drink first.”
TWENTY FOUR
Adam
My roommate, Miles, is home when I unlock the door and let myself into our shared flat. I don’t call out, assuming he’s probably got his headphones on for a work call, but as I’m walking—OK tiptoeing—down the hall, he pops his head around the corner and his thick dark brows lift in an expression of surprise. “Adam? I thought you were dead, man.” Then those brows descend and he takes a step forward. “Holy shit, what happened to you?”
I give an awkward laugh. “Ah, actually, funny story. I kinda did. Die.”
Miles recoils, shoving the headphones all the way back onto his neck and taking a big step back. “You what?”
“Look,, it’s a long story and you probably don’t care, but I hope I’ll be out of your hair by next weekend. OK?”
He surprises me. Rather than shake his head and turn back into his room, he holds up his hands. “Wait, wait, wait. You’re telling me you died? What the heck? You like a vampire or something now?”
“No. Why does everyone think that? Look, I promise I don’t want to suck your blood or anything.”
“No really, are you OK?” His tone sounds like he actually cares. Miles usually avoids me and spends most of his time in his room. When I do see him, he’s usually mad at me for not doing something around the house. Which is probably fair. I guess I’m not the best roommate.
“I think so? It’s complicated. I got cursed, and now I’m a zombie. But it seems like it’s OK.”
Miles runs a hand over his face, processing. “Shit, man. Where have you been all this time?”
“I was staying with my ex. I didn’t um… I didn’t want to come here until I had things figured out, but her sister flies in today, so I’m back. For a while at least.”
“Wow, you guys must get along pretty well. None of my exes would ever let me crash at their place.”
“Yeah, I guess Jen wasn’t that happy about it to begin with, but she’s a good person, you know?”
He nods. “Sounds like it. But you know you could have asked me for help too.”
“Really?”
“Course. Come on, we live together. I’ve got you, mate.”
I feel a little guilty for underappreciating my roommate. “Thanks.”
“So don’t feel like you have to move out or anything. As long as you’re not going to turn into a werewolf at the full moon and keep me up all night howling, I’ve got nothing against supes.”
“Thanks,” I say again, wishing I could muster something a little better. “I’m actually thinking I’ll move back in after her sister goes home. Turns out she doesn’t hate me after all, but don’t worry,” I say quickly. “I’ll keep paying the rent until you find someone else.”
“Oh, it’s like that, huh? Good for you. Good for you. OK, well I threw out that steak you had in the fridge, man. It went bad days ago. And we need more toilet paper next time you’re at the store.”
