Wild Hearts by Lindsay Detwiler

Author:Lindsay Detwiler
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Hot Tree Publishing

Thirteen

We don’t stay out too late. A girl can’t go clubbing too often, after all. It starts to wear on you.

I return home before midnight, deciding to do some writing. I end up falling asleep with my laptop on my bed, waking up to the sun streaming in.

When I meander to the kitchen, not feeling too bad since I only had one—I know! One! —drink last night, I notice the kitchen and living room are empty. That’s strange. Gemma’s usually up and clanging around by this time.

Mostly out of curiosity and partially out of a need to set things right, I amble down the hallway toward Gemma’s room.

The door is wide open. Gemma’s dressed—and packing.

“What’s going on?” I ask, confused. Maybe she’s got a business trip or something.

Gemma looks up at me, anger in her eyes. “Really? You have to ask? What’s it look like?”

I shake my head. “I don’t know. Look, I know last night was crazy, but you have to admit, you said you weren’t going to throw any more parties.”

“You know what’s crazy?” she asks, stopping her shoving of clothes in boxes to walk toward me, pointing a finger like I’m a child being lectured. I feel put on the defensive. “You. You expect me to live here and be your perfect little roommate like Avery. Newsflash. I’m not freaking thirty. I’m not some washed-up, boring writer like you. I like to have fun. I thought living by the beach would be a blast, but it turns out you’re a weird, psychotic drag with creepy friends. I’m done. I don’t care about the lease. I don’t care about the contract. I’m out. Goodbye. It hasn’t really been fun.”

I’m speechless. I’m shocked. I’m a little hurt, actually.

And I’m also a little relieved. Let’s face it. This whole roommate thing hasn’t been working out.

“You know, maybe we’re just at different stages of life. A while ago, I’d have been partying right there with you. But people change. I’ve grown up a bit. This just isn’t working, so I agree. It’s time for us to part ways.”

“Oh, how philosophical of you. I knew Craigslist was the worst idea ever.”

“Look, I’m sorry. Do you want help?”

“I’m fine. Thanks, but no thanks.” She angrily tosses a few more things into her suitcase, her scowling face clenched with rage.

I raise my hands, stepping back. Apparently, I can’t do anything to fix this.

I’m not going to lie, a big part of me sighs in relief as I head to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.

Another part of me panics a bit. Because with Gemma moving out, I’m back to square one with the financial situation.

Shit.

Not time to worry about it, though. I’ve got to be at work.

So, for now, I’ll just wave to Gemma after the last box is loaded and kiss this chapter of life goodbye.

And I’ll remind myself to never, ever look online for a roommate again. Avery was apparently a diamond in a sea of rocks. I’ll count my blessings, count my pennies, and figure something out.

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