"Geez, what else has he bought you? No wonder you chose him over Tyler."
"Melissa, it wasn't like that. I don't care about his money."
"I know. You wouldn't even add that it was a pro when you were choosing between them. Because you're insane."
"I didn't really think it was important."
Melissa shrugged. "You're right, it shouldn't have been part of the decision. Oh, that reminds me. Last time we hung out, you were going to talk to him about something he was hiding from you? I guess it wasn't so bad if you're still here."
"Oh. Yeah." This wasn't my information to share. James was clearly embarrassed about it if he had kept it from me for so long. And so far I hadn't even seen any evidence of his addiction. He seemed fine. He had three shots of vodka earlier and then walked away from it. He could have easily had more. "You know what? You were right. It wasn't anything I can't handle."
"I knew it." She smiled. I was glad when she didn't press me about it. Apparently being right was enough closure for her. She did love being right.
"So, he did actually get me one more thing," I said.
"Oh yeah?"
I nodded. "A key to his place."
"Wow, big step."
"I know. He asked me to move in with him. I said yes."
"Wait, you're leaving me? Penny, I don't like sleeping alone. You know it creeps me out. I've spent like the past week sleeping at Josh's."
"I thought you liked sleeping at Josh's?"
Melissa shrugged. "I guess. He snores though."
I laughed.
"Well, you'll still come hang out after class and stuff right?"
"Of course."
"Okay good. And I totally get it. I'd never want to leave this place either. So is his brother super rich too?"
"Melissa!"
"I'm just kidding. Kind of."
We both laughed.
"Do you want to finish the tour?" I asked.
"Is it just his office?"
"And some guest rooms." I actually hadn't seen the guest rooms. I was excited to explore some more. Melissa followed me out of James' room and I opened the door that led to the hallway. I opened the first door in the hall that I came to. It was just a normal bedroom. Ornate and perfect, but normal.
"Oh, yes! Same sheets!" Melissa said. "I can't wait to get totally wasted one night and have to crash in this bed."
"You can definitely be my first house guest."
"Awesome."
The next door was a guest bathroom. It was a smaller version of James' bathroom, without a tub. Another almost identical bedroom was on the other side of the bathroom. There was only one more door. I opened it up. I was expecting to see just another bedroom. But instead, there was a pool table in the center of the room and a bar to one side. "Wow, this is really cool." I ran my hand along the side of the pool table.
"Have you never been in here before?"
