“Are you kidding me,” I said, walking into the kitchen. It was immaculate, with stainless steel appliances and a smart refrigerator. “I’ve been dying to get one of these things.”
I touched my hand to the front of the fridge and was immediately able to see the inside. The thing was stocked to the gills with meats and produce. On the outside of the refrigerator was a touchscreen that synched to a wireless device.
“You tap on an app and immediately have access to your grocery list,” Richard said, standing in front of me. “And you can also view the contents from within the refrigerator wherever you are. I’m surprised you don’t have one of these yet.”
“I barely have time to go grocery shopping, let alone have a new refrigerator installed.” Both of us laughed as he walked me upstairs, carrying one of my bags.
There were four bedrooms and two full bathrooms, one of which was attached to the most significant room, sitting triumphantly at the end of the hall. I walked into that bedroom and immediately plopped down on the California king bed, staring up at the skylights.
Richard set down my bag and leaned against the doorframe. “What do you think?”
I closed my eyes and appreciated just being able to lie down without having to do anything. “I think you’ve found yourself a new roommate.”
Richard chuckled. “I’ll let you get settled in. I’m gonna head out to the grocery store in the morning and stock up on some stuff. Still into frozen pizzas and ice cream?”
“You know me too well.”
Richard closed the door behind him as he left. I pulled out my phone and scrolled through my contacts, hovering over Julianna’s number. Her smiling face stared back at me from the contact list. It had been years since she and I had spoken, let alone hung out. My heart began to beat faster as I pressed the ‘call button,’ wondering if I’d just be wasting my time. What if she wasn’t single?
I let out a huge sigh, knowing I wasn't going to let it go until I made the call.
“Hello?”
My face lit up as soon as I heard her voice. “All these years and you still have the same phone number?”
There was an awkward silence, and I wondered for a second if I had freaked her out.
Damnit. I shouldn't have called. She doesn't recognize my voice.
I contemplated hanging up.
“Jake?”
“Who else would it be.” I was thankful she still remembered.
There was a shock to her tone, but she seemed pleasantly surprised. “Wow, it’s been so long! How are you doing? Aren’t you in San Diego now?”
I smiled so hard the muscles in my face strained. Julianna sounded genuinely excited to hear from me, and it was like nothing had ever changed. “Technically, yes, but not right now. I’m actually in town for business and staying with my brother, Richard. You remember him, right?”
“Sure, I do! That’s great. What’s new with you?”
“Um, well, just working a lot. What about you? Seeing anyone new?” I secretly hoped she’d say no that she was single and ready to mingle.
“I’m actually married.”
My heart dropped to the pit of my stomach. Of course, she was. I tried to think of a response as fast as I could. I didn’t want her to know that I was interested. My father's words echoed in my ear. "Swallow your pride and man up."
“That’s great,” I said with faked enthusiasm.
“What about you? I’m sure you have plenty of women vying for your attention.” Her soft laugh sent electricity through my chest.
“Nah,” I said. “I’m as single as they come. Anyway, maybe we could catch up while I’m in town?”
“I’d love to,” she replied, a hum of voices in the background. “I actually can’t talk right now. I’m at an opening at the art gallery where I work. Call or text me, and we’ll go for a cup of coffee or something!”
“That sounds great,” I said, wishing her good luck at her art show and then hanging up at the same time as she did.
I let out my breath, shaking my head as I pulled myself off the bed. Tugging my t-shirt over my head, tired of wearing it after my trip, I headed downstairs to the kitchen.
