Chapter Five
The next day, I’m in my room like a coward, playing the PS5 in my leather rolling chair knowing Oliver will be here soon.
Dame told me they got in touch over Instagram and planned to have him over at two. It’s now one forty-eight, and I’m contemplating faking an illness, jumping out the window, or just running out the front door without giving anyone a chance to question me. Dramatic? Perhaps. But how can I face him? Will everyone know that we made out because I won’t be able to keep from staring at him? Do I even want him to live here? That’s just inviting trouble to my front step. Probably to my bed.
I stayed up so late last night, tossing and turning, replaying the kiss over and over. It was great. Phenomenal. I was turned on by a kiss from a guy. That means I liked it—more than liked it. I wanted to get in over my head, because anything more than that, I don’t know how to handle, and yet, I wanted it.
When I die on my game, I realize I’m not paying attention, so I turn it off and get up, dropping the remote on my chair. I slip into some shoes, staying in my joggers and loose tank, and search for my wallet. I have to get out of here.
“Hey, I need to head to the store,” I say as I descend the stairs. “I’ll be back soon.”
When I get to the first floor, I turn right and find my keys on the table that rests under a rectangular mirror.
“Hold on,” Dame says.
I look up for the first time and find Oliver standing in the kitchen with my roommates. Of course he was early.
“Oliver’s here. Let’s all talk for a minute and then you can go.”
I squeeze the keys in my fist before dropping them back on the table. “Okay.”
As I slowly walk over, his eyes watch every movement, but he’s careful not to smile or give anything away.
I incline my head. “What’s up?”
“Not much.”
“So, he brought me his last three pay stubs, so we don’t have to worry that he can’t afford the rent and part of the bills,” Dame says. “We allow guests, but just give everyone a heads up if you’re inviting three or more people over at once. If you’re dating someone, they’re free to come hang out whenever. Just, you know, don’t have sex on the couches or anything like that,” he says with a chuckle. “Everyone is responsible for buying their own snacks and drinks, but if we’re low on toilet paper or dish soap, then we try to rotate who buys the necessities. Uh, you know, just clean up after yourself and be respectful of everyone’s schedules. So, no loud music on days someone has to be up early the next day. Shit like that, you know?”
“Yeah. Got it. Be a good person, basically.”
Dame flashes him a grin. “Exactly. Aiden, you got anything to add?”
Oliver’s eyes land on mine again, and I look away. “Uh, no. I don’t think so.”
“So, if you want to take a look around and check out your room, feel free. I don’t think any of us have reason to not let you move in, right boys?” he asks, looking at me and Mase.
“No,” Mase answers quickly.
All eyes are on me. I can’t really say,I don’t think he should move in because we just made out yesterday and now I’m extremely conflicted.
I clear my throat and shake my head. “I think we’re good.”
Dame looks at Oliver. “Check everything out and let us know your decision.”
“Sounds good.”
“I have to go,” Mase says, looking at his watch. “I’ll catch up later.”
“You wanna show him around?” Dame asks me. “I need to make a call. Or you were about to leave, right?”
“It’s fine,” I say. “I’ll show him.”
Before we’re at the stairs, Dame’s already speaking to someone. Once we get to the top, I start pointing out everything.
“This is Dame’s room. He has the master bathroom, but if the other bathrooms are taken, we’re free to use it. This is Mason’s room, I say pointing at the door closest to Dame’s. I curve around the banister and make my way down the hall. This is my room here,” I say, knocking on the door with a knuckle. “This is the bathroom, and your room is here.” I push open the door and let him go inside.
He stands in the center and does a half spin. “I have some furniture at my place.”
