Dirty Roomie

by Alycia Taylor

  “For sure,” I said, and watched in shock as he walked out.

  I was still standing there, staring at the card, when Riley walked up to me.

  “You were amazing!” she said.

  “I didn’t make you lose your job?” I asked and grinned back at her.

  She laughed. “No way. I think my boss actually likes me now after this. So, you probably ended up doing me a favor. You were great. I was so proud of you.”

  “Thank you,” I said.

  “Who were you talking to when you came off stage? And why do you look so shocked?” she asked. Then she looked down and saw the card that I was holding, and her eyes shot back up to me. “Is that what I think it is?”

  “Garren Knead,” I said and held the card in front of her. “He’s an agent, and he wants me to call him next week. He was here for the other band but decided to stay and listen to me sing. Can you believe it?” I said and shook my head in amazement. “Oh my God, Riley. I’m still in shock. This is happening. It’s actually happening. Wait? What if this is a joke? What if this guy was just joking?”

  She grinned and chuckled. “It’s not a joke. This is real. I always knew it would happen. You deserve this so much.”

  “And I owe you for you it. I would never have gotten this opportunity if I continued playing in those tiny pubs. I needed to come here, and I would never have gotten in without you. You had faith in me when nobody else did.”

  “It’s a pleasure, Silas. Now, let’s get a drink to celebrate.”

  We walked off, and a few strangers patted me on the back, and high-fived me as I walked to the bar. It was a strange feeling, and so completely different from the looks of pity I usually got from people. These people had all stopped what they were doing to come and watch me for perform. Most of them had stayed through the whole set, and now they were taking the time to congratulate me. It was so strange. So beautifully and deliciously strange. We ordered a beer, and I grinned at Riley. I owed her so much for this moment. I would never forget what she did for me.

  Chapter Twenty

  Riley

  It had been a fun night at the bar. My boss hadn’t complained when I had asked if I could watch Silas sing, and he’d allowed me to sit and have a drink with him after the show. But, eventually, I had to get back to work. My boss was happy with how Silas had performed, but he still wanted me to do my job. Silas had stayed for a few drinks, and I’d watched as he interacted with the crowd. Strangers kept coming up to talk to him, and I knew then that he was on his way to becoming a star. I had a feeling that this was just the start of something huge. I couldn’t decide how I felt about it. It was what I wanted for him, and definitely what I thought he deserved. If anyone deserved recognition, it was him. But I couldn’t deny the feeling of sadness that sat deep inside me at the thought of having to share him with the rest of the world. He wasn’t even really mine, and yet I felt protective over him. I wanted to rush through the crowd and tell everyone to stop talking to him. Of course, this only made me feel guilty. I shouldn’t feel that way at all. First, I should only be happy for him, nothing else. Second, he wasn’t mine to feel protective over.

  Silas left after a few drinks while I carried on working. In a way, I was glad that he didn’t stay too long. I didn’t like the way all the other women were watching him, and I hated how jealous I felt. I spent the rest of the night working and wondering what was going on between the two of us. When I got home, I thought about going to talk to him once and for all, but he was already fast asleep when I got back. I was glad to see that he was finally getting a good nights’ sleep. I took a shower, climbed into my own bed, and let sleep take over.

  The next morning, I woke up feeling different. I was happy for Silas and had put my own thoughts on the matter aside. I wasn’t his girlfriend, and I was excited for this new future of his, whatever it might be. I lay in bed for a while, just thinking about how quickly life could change and how important it was to go after your goals. I thought about my own dreams, of writing and illustrating, and wondered if something was ever going to happen. I was missing something, though—something important that I couldn’t quite figure out. I knew there was an avenue I should be pursuing that involved my writing and my illustrating, and that once I figured it out, I would know what I wanted to do with my life. I was just going to have to keep trying to figure it. One day, I would fulfill my dreams. For now, it was Sunday, and I was going to enjoy not working at the pub.

  When I got downstairs, I saw that Silas was making breakfast. He smiled at me and handed me a cup of coffee. A handsome man in my kitchen making me food? Yeah, I could get used to that.

  “Tell me you don’t have plans?” he asked.

  “I don’t. Nothing at all. Why? Is something going on? And thanks for the coffee; this is a nice way to wake up.”

  “Good. I want to take you out for another ride. I thought I’d pack up some food and we can eat out at that field.”

  “Great idea. You fixed that bike way too quickly the last time. I was really enjoying lying in that grass.”

  “Good. Well, I’m making egg and bacon rolls. You ready to go in about half an hour?”

  “Absolutely. This is great; thanks, Silas. You’re in a good mood. Then again, I know why and I don’t blame you. You were amazing last night. You must be on cloud nine.”

  “Oh, I’m way above cloud nine,” he said. “And it was all thanks to you. I keep wondering if it really happened. I keep taking out the card and looking at it just to make sure that I wasn’t dreaming.”

  I smiled. “It happened, just as I always told you it would. Now, do you need some help with breakfast? One of these days you’re going to be so famous you’ll have a personal chef working for you.”

  “I don’t need help, but a personal chef sounds amazing.”

  “Seriously? You’d actually have one?” I said. I was surprised. He didn’t strike me as the kind of guy that would change much if he were to get famous. He was so down to earth and laid back that I couldn’t picture him as someone that would hire staff around him.

  He chuckled. “No way! The idea is great. I mean, someone cooking you food all day? That sounds incredible. But I’d feel too weird about it. Nobody is important enough to have their own personal chef.”

  “Uh, the bacon,” I said and pointed to the stove where a gust of smoke was rising.

  “Ooh, just in time,” he said as he scooped the pieces off the pan. “I hope you like your bacon crispy. Maybe I should reconsider this chef idea, after all,” he said, and we both laughed.

  “You’re lucky you’re so cute,” I said. “You can’t be cute, a good singer, and good in the kitchen. It would just not be fair for other members of the male species.” And you’re good in bed, I thought to myself but didn’t say it out loud.

  “You think I’m cute?” he said and grinned at me.

  “I think I’m going to take a shower and get ready,” I said and walked off before he could say anything.

  I smiled all the way to the shower, and when I got in, I couldn’t help but wish he would join me. I liked flirting with Silas, and I liked it even more when he flirted back with me. He actually wasn’t all that bad in the kitchen, which meant that he really was pretty much perfect in every aspect. The hot water washed over me, and I tried to stop picturing the two of us together. He had a lot going on now, and we were still roommates. If we were meant to be a couple, it would happen.

  When I got back downstairs, I saw that Silas had packed everything into his backpack. He handed me my helmet, and we made our way outside. It was still relatively early, and the sun wasn’t yet strong yet. I liked the feel of the cold breeze as we rode back to the field, and I held onto Silas and closed my eyes the whole way. When I got off, we made our way to a little clearing in the field. Silas pulled out a small blanket from his bag, and the two of us sat down to enjoy our breakfast rolls together.

  “This is great,” I said as I bit into the roll.

  “Not too burned?�
� he said.

  “Actually, I like it this way. I can’t believe I’m having breakfast in a field with the great Silas Aarons,” I said and giggled.

  He laughed. “I wouldn’t go quite that far.”

  “Still though, it must feel good.”

  “I haven’t spoken to the guy yet. And from my years of experience in this field, I know that it’s important not to get too excited about things too early. People let you down all the time. And even though he said he liked me, there’s still a chance that he’ll change his mind. So until then, I’m trying not to think about him. Easier said than done of course. I keep telling myself to stop thinking about it which just makes me think about it even more. But I’m trying.”

  “I can imagine. Even I’m thinking about it all the time, and I’m not the one that got given the card. You going to call him tomorrow?” I asked.

  “Definitely. I almost called him today, but I didn’t want to seem too eager. And it’s Sunday after all. I don’t think I should come across as too desperate, even though I obviously am,” he said and chuckled. “I was already acting like such an idiot when he gave me the card. I could barely get my words out. Hopefully, I’ll be better over the phone. But I’ll definitely call him tomorrow.”

  “Well, you should enjoy this feeling regardless. Obviously, I think that you’re going to sign with this guy, but even if you don’t, the fact that someone asked you is still a massive step in the right direction. And you should be super proud of yourself. Try and enjoy this feeling even if you’re nervous about it.”

  He beamed. “I like your positivity. I agree. It’s huge, and I’m so happy about it. No matter what happens, this has definitely given me more confidence.”

  “Good. You should be confident.”

  We stayed like that for a while, just talking and getting to know one another. We lay down on the blanket and held hands while the sun shone on our faces. It was a beautiful day, and I felt more content at that moment than I had ever been in my whole life. There was just something about this man that made me feel complete. Was it possible to feel like that about someone in such a short space of time? People had told me many times before that it was, but I had never truly believed them up until now.

  “Life sure has changed since I met you,” he said as if mirroring my own thoughts.

  “Oh yeah? In what way?” I asked.

  “I mean, an agent found me, for one. That would never have happened without your help. And I have the most incredible house to live in. And, I guess it’s just so nice finally having someone to talk to. I can talk to my brothers, and my friends, but I don’t think I realized how much I was lacking until I met you. You’re very easy to talk to. It also doesn’t harm that you’re so easy to look at.”

  “Oh, you’re just after me for my big house,” I teased.

  “It’s certainly an added bonus,” he teased back. “Can you believe that your grandmother left that to you? I mean, that’s something that happens in movies, not in real life. That phone call must’ve been the most surprising phone call of your life. It must still feel kind of unreal sometimes.”

  It was something I thought about at least once or twice a day. Sometimes I would find myself walking around the house as if I’d been there for years; then I’d suddenly stop and look around and realize just how lucky I was. It all felt completely normal and completely surreal all at the same time. I wasn’t sure that I would ever fully get used to the fact that the house was mine.

  “Oh yeah, it’s still unreal. I still don’t believe it sometimes. I keep expecting the lawyer to call and tell me that it was all a mistake. How can I own a house? Not long ago, I could barely afford to pay my rent each month. It’s been a huge help,” I said. “Although, I have to be honest, I’m still trying to figure out exactly why she would leave me the house. I would’ve made sense if the two of us had been something to one another while she was alive. Then I’d at least understand. But we didn’t even know each other. It’s not like I had some impact on her life. And she left it to me without giving me a reason. It’s so strange. I just wish I could just ask her, you know.”

  “Maybe she knew you more than you think,” Silas replied. “Who knows, maybe it was because she believed that you were going to do something great with it.”

  I turned to look at him. “Something great with it? I’ve never thought about it in that way. Like what, though?” I couldn’t actually imagine doing anything that was worthy of being called great.

  He shrugged. “I have no idea. But maybe time will tell. Who knows? All I know is that she obviously cared for you more than you thought she did. She obviously believed in you. I don’t blame her, though. You’re easy to love.”

  I gulped. I’m easy to love? What was that supposed to mean? Again, I wondered what the two of us were to one another. That was kind of a big thing to say to me. We had chosen to spend the day together, holding hands on a field. It was romantic, and yet we weren’t even dating. At that moment though, with the warm sun on my face and the feel of the grass under me, I decided that I didn’t care. I was enjoying the feeling of Silas next to me too much. I didn’t want to ruin it by thinking about it too much. He squeezed my hand, and I squeezed his back.

  “We should do this every week,” he said.

  I smiled. “I’d love that.”

  Who cared what we were? Why did we need a label? He made me happy, and that was all I needed.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  Silas

  The week went by in a disappointed blur. I called up Garren on Monday only to be told that he was away. His secretary asked me to call him back the following week and took my details down in case. I felt dejected, even though Riley kept telling me that there was nothing to worry about. Garren had seemed pretty sure on the night that he wanted to sign me and had asked me to call him back. He hadn’t mentioned a word about going away, and I was starting to think that his secretary was only saying that because he had changed his mind about me. I was almost certain that he didn’t want to sign me up at all anymore.

  “He probably had too much to drink that night, you know. I never thought about that before, but maybe he was just drunk when he gave me his card or something. He probably woke up the next morning with massive regrets. I’m such an idiot,” I said to Riley later on that week.

  She shook her head and sighed. “Or, you know, maybe he really did just go away. Not everyone plans their trips like we would. Some people really do get whisked away on business at the last minute. I’m sure he would’ve just told you if he changed his mind. People in that business are pretty cutthroat, you know? I doubt he would be avoiding you. If he didn’t like you, he would just tell you. I think you’re looking into this far too much.”

  “Yeah, maybe,” I said. “How about we forget about it, and I take you out for a milkshake? I feel like drowning my sorrows in chocolate milk.”

  She laughed. “Maybe you should be sad more often then. Chocolate milkshakes sound great.”

  And that was how I spent most of my week. One of the construction sites I was working on had to be put on hold because of some electrical issue, and Gary had asked me to come in only on Friday again. I, therefore, had very little to do except fluctuate between emotions regarding the record deal and spending time with Riley. When I was with her, I barely thought about my problems. And when I did voice them, she always made me feel better. It was only when I was without her that I worried and stressed. And, despite my fears, I ended up having a great week because of her. We spent a lot of time together, flirting, talking, and just having a good time. It still amazed me just how easy she was to get along with and how much I enjoyed being in her company.

  When Friday rolled around, I made my way back to work, thinking that it was just a week before that Riley had come home with the news that she had gotten a gig for me. I’d been so excited at the news. Now, as I looked up at the building where Gary had his office, I couldn’t help but feel disappointed. I was good at construction work. I was go
od at managing people on the site. Gary had told me this, and so had the other guys that I’d worked with. Not only that, but I knew myself that I was good at it. And yet, I simply couldn’t get excited about it. It was a good, stable, decent job that would give me job security and money. But it didn’t make me feel the way I felt up on stage, singing my songs to an audience. Now that I had gotten even a small taste of what it was like to have people cheering my name and wanting to hear more, I didn’t ever want it to stop. I was desperate and hungry for more. But was I too desperate? Had Garren been pulling my leg?

  My head felt like it was about to explode as I made my way to Gary’s office. Just before I entered, I took a deep breath and plastered a big smile on my face. Gary didn’t need to know about my problems. He was a good boss, and he deserved all the respect in the world.

  “Silas, good to see you. I’m so sorry about the mess-up this week. One simple task that couldn’t be done on time and the whole project came to a halt. Sit down, sit down.”

  “No problem at all, Gary,” I said as I sat down. “It was out of your hands, anyway. So, is everything okay now?”

  “As good as it can be. But yeah, it’s good enough to get everyone back on the site again. I just feel bad that everyone was out of work this week, but never mind, we’re back on track. I’m glad you came in to see me early. I have a few things I wanted to talk to you about.”

  I gulped. I had a feeling he was going to bring up the site manager position again. There had been a lot of rumors going around, and everyone was telling me that I was going to be asked soon. I’d been glad for the break this week just so that I could get my head straight about it. But I still wasn’t sure what I wanted to do.

  “I’ve heard rumors,” I said.

  He laughed. “I swear, it’s like a soap opera around here sometimes. People love to talk. They just can’t help themselves. Well, then I’m sure you know what I’m about to ask you. The position is officially open, and I would really like you to take the spot. I hope you’ve given it some serious thought. What do you say?”