She smiles, then looks down at the table before looking back up at me. “Are those from The Sweet Spot?”
When I nod, she practically squeals. We cured more than one hangover by devouring donuts last year, even though our tastes are completely opposite. I’d sell my soul for a raspberry-filled donut that’s been doused in powdered sugar, so you’ll never catch me stealing a bite of Kendra’s maple-glazed bacon donuts.
I don’t think of myself as a traditional girl, but I draw the line at bacon on donuts. Next to donuts? Fine. On top of them? No, thank you.
My roommate practically salivates as I take the lid off the box. She’s gotten the plates out of the cabinet and grabbed a fist full of napkins, too. She sets down our coffee mugs as I grab the creamer from the fridge. We sit down across from each other, choose our donuts from the box, and wait for the other one to start the conversation.
Kendra opens her mouth, and I keep my eyes fixed on her lips as she speaks. She can tell I have my hearing aids in, but she knows me well enough to know that lipreading is essential for me. “It’s been an awkward week, hasn’t it?” she asks.
I was hoping to hear something more along the lines of “I’m sorry you had to see my boyfriend railing me from behind,” but the conversation just started. Maybe she’s warming up to that.
“It has,” I answer. And then, because I just can’t help myself, I keep going.“I’ve got to be honest. I figured shared spaces were pretty much off-limits when it comes to sex.”
When her brow knits in confusion, I do my best to explain without being too graphic.“I figured you and Cody would keep your sex life in the bedroom.”
Kendra nods in understanding, and I feel like we’re finally getting somewhere.
Until she starts talking.
“So that’s what this is about,” she begins. “Cody called it, but I thought he was wrong.”
“Called what?”I ask. “What are you talking about?”
“You’re jealous,” Kendra declares with all the confidence of someone who’s just been asked to add two plus two.
I can’t hold back the laughter that bubbles up inside me. “What would I be jealous of?”
“Cody sees the way you look at him. I do, too, even if I didn’t want to acknowledge it. If it was just a crush, we could look past it, but you’re making him uncomfortable.”
My chin nearly hits the table. “I’m not crushing on your boyfriend,”I assure her. That’s not something I’d ever do, even if he didn’t look like a toad.
The pitying look in Kendra’s eyes is almost too much to handle. I’m grateful I haven’t taken a bite of donut yet, because I probably would have tossed my proverbial cookies at the mere suggestion of lusting after Cody.
“Your attraction to him is obvious, even if you’re not ready to admit it. That’s why I wanted to meet up with you today. Cody and I have talked about it over and over, and we keep coming to the same conclusion. We think it’s best for everyone if you find another place to live.”
“You wantmeto move out?” I clarify, unable to wrap my brain about what’s happening right now.
She nods. “That’s really the only way to keep what’s left of our friendship. And since it’s the weekend, that should give you plenty of time.”
It takes a second to process her words, but once I do, I know exactly what comes next. The two of them are out of their minds if they think the looks I’ve been giving Cody are lustful. I walked into this conversation with an open mind, figuring that if Kendra agreed to some changes, we could try to make things work. Obviously, we don’t see eye-to-eye, but that’s because this apartment has become Crazy Town and she’s the mayor.
Decision made, I snatch the donut off her plate, toss it in the box, and close the lid.“Uh, hell, no. My name is on the lease, not Cody’s.”
Her spine stiffens. “We can get it changed, but the leasing office is closed for the weekend.”
My only answer is to stare at her.
She huffs out a sigh and focuses on her empty plate. “I’ll make an appointment. Look, I meant what I said. I hope we can salvage our friendship.”
When she glances up at me, I hold her gaze. “I’m not sure what’s more delusional,” I say, “the fact that you think I’m in love with your creepy boyfriend of two minutes, or the fact that you think we’re still friends.”
Grabbing the box of donuts, I turn toward the door, grab my bag, and walk out.
5
Fallon
“You can stay with me!” Annabelle says, and I swear she’s about to start clapping.
