“I know you won’t agree to let me have it the entire time?—”
“You’re damn right about that.”
“But you’re way taller than me and it’s going to be uncomfortable. I want it half the time.”
“That’s a lot to ask.”
“You want me to stay, don’t you?”
“Fine,” he grinds out. “I’llthinkabout letting you have the couch half the time.”
“That’s not what I asked for.”
“It’s as good as you’re gonna get.”
Honestly, I’m surprised he’s even agreed to this. I have my ways of making sure that he lets me take my turn, so I nod.
He lets go of my hand, and I try my bestnot to wish I was holding it again.
I fail.
“Now you need to leave,” I say.
“Wait, what? I thought we worked it out.”
“I still have to pee. So get out.”
Nate sighs and glares at the door. “Can’t I just use the tie?”
“I don’t want you to hear the tinkle.”
He’s laughing. “Thetinkle?”
“Yes! Some things can’t be heard, and this is one of them.”
“I don’t care about the tinkle.”
“Out!” I point to the door. He gives one more laugh before he exits into the hallway.
“Fine. But we’re going to the lounge for a drink after this!”
Now that I can agree to. After seeing how we’ll be living, I need a drink.
I do my business and then leave the room to join Nate. “What if I heard the tinkle anyway?”
My eyes go wide. “You didn’t.”
He laughs. “I didn’t. Your face was hilarious, though.”
I roll my eyes. The door to the room next to us opens and a man walks out, followed closely by someone else.
For a horrific second, I see short brown hair and a wide grin and think it’s Rob. I freeze in my tracks, but then a second look reveals it’s just a stranger.
Nate sees the whole thing play out.
“Oh, hi.” The guy looks at the two of us. “You must be our neighbors.”
“That we are,” Nate says as I slow my heart rate. “I’m Nate. She’s Maisie.”
