Shifting the car into gear, I back out of the driveway and head to my new home.
I really hope that the vibes I’m getting from Calvin are wrong. There’s no way I want my mother hurt by him.
I instantly fall in love with Roxy’s house the moment I pull into the driveway. She takes me on a tour, showing me every corner of her cozy little abode, each nook and cranny warming my nerves, which tells me I made the right choice. It’s quaint and warm, and feels like home. Though I’m not sure if it’s the house itself, or my new step-sister, but I try not to think about such things. Whatever the case, it’s better than being in that house with Calvin and Harry.
Roxy leads us into the eat-in kitchen first—it's got that retro charm, a little table tucked by the window, and the kind of mismatched mugs that make a place feel lived in. She’s beaming from head to toe as I look around, taking it all in.
From there, she guides me into the hallway, pointing out the bathroom. It's small, but still bigger than what I had at home. The walls are a soft mint green with white towels neatly folded on the rack. The sink is one of those pedestal kinds, giving the room a sense of elegance.
Then comes the live-stream room. It surprises me, but delights me at the same time. Curtains hang from the ceiling to change the backdrop, and in one corner, a polished dance pole gleams under soft lighting. There’s also a bed, full of throw pillows with a table sitting at the end. Ring lights are placed strategically in the room, ensuring the best lighting.
“You can use it anytime,” she says casually, “so you don’t always have to drive to the warehouse.”
The thought of less time spent driving is amazing.
“Can I use it tonight?” I ask, already knowing that I’m going to get the answer I’m hoping for.
“Absolutely.” She nods without hesitation, a smile beaming at me full of joy and I swear I can see desire. Is that really something you can see?
She continues the tour, showing me the linen closet in the hallway, then her bedroom—a true reflection of her personalitywith splashes of color, texture, and a laid-back elegance. The ensuite bathroom is unexpectedly massive. I can’t help but gape at it in awe.
“You can use my bathroom too if you like,” she offers. “The hallway one’s fine, but I know I like having space to move around and get ready in.”
“I’m sure it’ll be fine,” I reply, though my throat feels dry from how much she’s offering me without a second thought. Is this what it’s really like to have a roommate? Or is it more because of this insane pull I feel towards her, and dare I think, that she feels towards me?
Finally, she opens one last door. “This is your room,” Roxy says, pausing for a moment as she steps to the side. “It’s not much yet, but that’s just because it’s empty.”
I move up to the door, taking my first look inside. It’s perfect. Simple, just like me. So unlike what I imagine my room at Mom’s house would be like.
“I love it,” I tell her, eyes already scanning the walls, imagining art, lights, a soft rug, a reading nook. Visions of how I want to make this space truly mine.
The doorbell rings, breaking the trance I’m in.
“That’s the pizza!” she announces excitedly, clapping her hands together, and disappears down the hallway.
I linger in my room a little longer, a smile tugging at the corner of my lips. It feels right. Like the start of something good.
I follow the smell of melted cheese and sauce to the kitchen. Roxy’s already setting the table with paper plates and two sodas from the pantry.
“Sorry, these’ll be warm,” she says as she steps back over to the counter, “but I’m going to get us some ice out of the freezer.” She sets two glasses on the counter, fills them with ice, then pours the sodas. The soft fizzing sound fills the room, and I move over to the table.
Pulling out the chair, I sit down and open the boxes, the delicious aroma hitting me right in the face.
“There’s one more thing I need to give you.” She places the drink in front of me, then right beside it she places a shiny set of gold keys. “There’s one for the front and back door and the shed out back.”
“Thank you,” slips quietly from my lips. Tears well in my eyes at how sweet and sincere she’s been, even though I’ve pretty much ghosted her since we did our photo shoot.
“You’re welcome,” she replies kindly. “Now, let’s eat. Then we’ll bring your boxes in and watch a movie until the movers get here.”
I nod, already feeling full—but not from the food. It’s the comfort. The welcome. The fresh start I’m making here with Roxy. The independence I’m ushering into my life. Somewhere in my brain, I think I should call Ezra, but when Roxy glances at me with a wink, I decide not to. I don’t think he’ll answer, anyway. I guess the ball’s in his court now.
Chapter 20
Felicity
Ithoughtitwasgoingto be awkward doing my live stream in the house with Roxy here, but turns out I didn’t need to worry. After the movers left and my room was set up, she left, saying something about going out with some friends.
Did she go out with friends or“friends”?
