- 20 hours ago
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🎈
FunTranscript
00:05Mottie, are these enough?
00:07What the heck?
00:07The sweet girl I thought I was living with is actually a ridiculously hot 6'3 guy.
00:12For two weeks, I thought I was living with a girl with a brutal hockey training schedule.
00:16I never saw her, but I tried to take care of her as much as I could.
00:19I left her homemade food, bought matching sweatshirts, called her sweetie in practically every text.
00:24Sweetie, I made macaroni and cheese today.
00:27Sweetie, I bought you the same hoodie.
00:29Sweetie, when will you be home?
00:32Until one day, I got my period and asked her to buy tampons for me.
00:38Ten minutes later, a tall, muscular man with brown hair walked into the living room carrying a shopping bag.
00:45Molly, are these enough?
00:47I can't believe my eyes.
00:49Since when is my female roommate a 6'3 total hung-
00:53Okay, hold up. Let me explain.
00:55I'm Molly Blake, 21, a marketing junior at Waterville University.
00:58My last roommate made our apartment almost impossible to live in.
01:02He left food rotting in the fridge and dirty socks in the bathroom sink.
01:05He brought different girls home every day and threw parties until 2 a.m.
01:09Thanks to him, I couldn't sleep or study, and I kept failing my exams.
01:12But when I confronted him, he'd give me a middle finger and slam his bedroom door shut.
01:17By the time he moved out, I was begging my landlord for someone different.
01:23I want a female roommate this time. Please!
01:26Okay, okay, no problem.
01:28She tries to soothe me.
01:29A week later, my phone lights up with a text from my new roommate, Avery.
01:33Her profile photo is a fluffy white Samoyed with its head tipped sideways.
01:37The only other picture on her page is the same dog, sitting in the grass.
01:41I tap it open.
01:42Oh, look at that face. I'm already sold.
01:44Who wouldn't love a girl with a dog that cute?
01:47Hi, Molly. Excited to meet you. I'm planning to move in next Wednesday.
01:51Avery sends me a text.
01:52Sometime between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Let me know if that gets in your way.
01:56Oh, my. Look at how sweet she is. I quickly respond.
02:00No problem, sweetie. I'll be on campus all day. Make yourself at home.
02:04A pause, then another text appears.
02:06Sounds good. Thanks.
02:07What's with the dots? I shrug it off and return to my homework.
02:12On Wednesday, our project meeting runs late.
02:15By the time I leave the library and get home, it's nearly 12 a.m.
02:18I brace myself for boxes in the hallway.
02:21Instead, I step into a clean apartment.
02:23The light over the kitchen table works again.
02:25The rug has been vacuumed, too.
02:26The floor is spotless, and fresh flowers stand in a vase by the window.
02:30When my old roommate moved in, he tracked dirt all over the rug and left it for me.
02:35Avery has somehow moved in and made the place much more habitable.
02:38I haven't even met her, and I already want to keep her forever.
02:41Outside my bedroom sits a little gift box.
02:43The note on top is written in neat, slanted handwriting.
02:47Hi, Molly. It's nice to be your roommate.
02:50I'm looking forward to sharing the place with you.
02:51Avery.
02:52Inside the box is a diffuser.
02:54I lift the lid and breathe in something warm and sweet, almost like vanilla cream.
02:59She cleaned the apartment, fixed the light, and bought me a present.
03:03Oh, how lucky I am to have Avery as my roommate.
03:06I turn toward her closed bedroom door, ready to introduce myself properly.
03:10Then I check the time, 12 a.m.
03:12She's probably asleep, so I settle for a text.
03:16Oh, sweetie, you're too nice.
03:17You really didn't have to get me anything.
03:19But I love the diffuser.
03:20It smells so good.
03:22Sending you a thousand kisses.
03:24Here's to our new life together.
03:25Avery's response takes a few minutes.
03:27I'm glad you like it.
03:28Sweetie.
03:30The typing dots appear again, disappear, then come back.
03:34When I pick up my phone after my shower, she's finally sent the text.
03:40Uh, just to be clear, we're roommates, not dating.
03:46By the following week, I still haven't found the chance to meet Avery.
03:49My early classes and her late hockey practices keep putting us on opposite schedules.
03:54When I get up at 7 a.m. and leave the apartment, she's still asleep.
04:00And when she comes home at 11 p.m., I'm usually already behind my bedroom door.
04:04Today, my team finally turns in the first report for our applied marketing project.
04:08I close the document before anyone can suggest another revision.
04:10For once, my afternoon is free.
04:12I grab groceries on my way home and cook myself a well-earned feast.
04:17Mac and cheese, roasted vegetables, garlic bread.
04:19By the time I look at the kitchen table, there's enough for several people.
04:22Well, I deserve a good dinner, but possibly not four.
04:25I pick up a large spoonful of mac and cheese, pack it with the vegetables, and put the food in
04:29the fridge.
04:31Then I text Avery.
04:34Hey, sweetie. I left you some dinner. Quality guaranteed. Feel free to have some.
04:40Her reply comes almost immediately.
04:43That's very kind of you. Thanks.
04:45I bought snacks, too. Please help yourself before I end up eating all of them.
04:50I will. Thanks, Molly.
04:52I sit down with my own plate and start eating.
04:56A few minutes later, my phone buzzes.
05:01Can I ask you something?
05:03Anything for you, sweetie.
05:05Do you call everybody sweetie?
05:10I only call people I like sweetie, and you definitely made the cut.
05:16But we haven't even met.
05:18So what?
05:19You cleaned the apartment and gave me a nice little gift?
05:22I have excellent reasons to like you.
05:24Then I re-read her question.
05:27Wait.
05:28Does it bother you?
05:29I can stop.
05:30The typing dots flicker while I wait.
05:33You can keep calling me that.
05:34I don't mind.
05:38My best friend's online lingerie shop closes, and two boxes of leftover stock arrive at my door.
05:44Lace sets.
05:45Little cat ears.
05:46An outfit with a fluffy bunny tail.
05:48I spread them across my bed, find two matching bunny sets, and immediately pick a favorite.
05:52With my old roommate, I would have kept the whole lot hidden in my room.
05:56Now it's just Avery and I.
05:58Everything's nice and safe with a girl.
06:00I put the load in the washing machine, and forget to take them out when I rush to classes.
06:04By the time I remember it, I'm stuck in another project team meeting.
06:08I text Avery.
06:09Sweetie, are you home?
06:11Yes.
06:12Do you need something?
06:12I forgot to take out my laundry.
06:14Could you take it out and leave it in the basket just inside my bedroom door?
06:17Sorry.
06:17Sure.
06:18Not a problem.
06:19You're a lifesaver.
06:20Mwah.
06:22I put my phone down as our team lead starts going through the presentation slides.
06:26When I check my phone again, several texts are waiting.
06:35Uh, Molly, you didn't mention what was in this load.
06:38Are you sure you want me handling it?
06:40Then, a few minutes later, I've put everything where you asked.
06:45I quickly type on my phone.
06:46Sorry.
06:47Got stuck in a meeting and didn't get a chance to check my texts until now.
06:50Thank you, sweetie.
06:51By the way, what's wrong with the clothes?
06:54Not your style?
06:56That's not the issue.
06:58Then tell me which one you like.
07:00No response.
07:01Come on.
07:02I have extras.
07:04I like the one with the bunny tail.
07:07Oh my god!
07:08Yes!
07:09That's literally my favorite.
07:12There are two.
07:13You can have the other one.
07:15Uh, definitely not my size.
07:17Why?
07:17You need something with more room?
07:18I guess you could say that.
07:20I look down at my chest.
07:22Now I'm jealous.
07:23Let me check yours when I get back.
07:26Molly, we barely know each other.
07:28Sorry.
07:29I was just kidding.
07:30I wasn't asking you to stop talking to me like that.
07:33So you don't mind me teasing you?
07:36Not when it's you.
07:40Avery has spent a couple of days at an out-of-town tournament.
07:42But when she gets back, I become the one stuck on campus.
07:45The next morning, I find another box on the table.
07:49Saw this and thought of you.
07:51I hope I got it right, Avery.
07:53Inside is a pearl necklace.
07:55I put it on before heading to campus.
07:57When our project team meets, two of my teammates have leaned across the table to inspect the necklace.
08:03Where did you get it?
08:05My roommate brought it back for me.
08:07As a gift?
08:08Molly, it looks expensive.
08:10I run a finger over the smooth pearls.
08:12I don't know where my roommate got it.
08:15Wait.
08:16Is this roommate a guy?
08:18No, it's a girl.
08:19She's lovely.
08:20She's clean, leaves me gifts, and never complains when I text too much.
08:24Well, well.
08:25Hang on to her.
08:26As they keep discussing the necklace, I pull out my phone and text Avery.
08:30Sweetie, miss you.
08:33What's up?
08:35Not much.
08:36Just very happy you moved in.
08:38When are you coming home?
08:40Not sure.
08:42I still need to work on these stupid slides.
08:44Do you need me for anything?
08:47No.
08:47The landlord had the bathtub fixed.
08:50Text me when you leave, and I'll run you a bath.
08:52I nearly dropped the phone.
08:55We can use it now?
08:56I've wanted a proper bath since I moved in.
08:59Yes.
09:00How did the landlord know?
09:02I've only complained about it to the cactus on the windowsill.
09:06Maybe it passed the message on.
09:10By the way, sweetie, could you do me a favor?
09:12Could you put out the bunny set for me?
09:14It's in the third drawer.
09:15I give you permission to rescue it.
09:19You're wearing that tonight?
09:21That's the plan.
09:24Who's going to be the audience?
09:25The text disappears before I can respond.
09:28Sorry.
09:28I have crossed a line.
09:30I shouldn't have asked that.
09:31No worries, sweetie.
09:32I'm wearing it for myself.
09:34I think I look great in it.
09:35I believe you.
09:36You could judge for yourself.
09:38Interested?
09:40Maybe later.
09:42Maybe later.
09:42Fine.
09:42When we're less shy around each other, you can have a look.
09:45Deal.
09:49Winter rolled in, and the temperature plummeted.
09:51A shop near campus has a discount if you buy two sweatshirts.
09:54I pick the pink ones with our university's name on them.
09:56One for me, one for Avery.
09:58I picture us bundled up in them, taking ridiculous photos together.
10:02When I go home, I hang her sweatshirt over her bedroom doorknob.
10:07Sweetie, I left something on your door.
10:09I bought us matching sweatshirts.
10:10Then I leave my phone on the kitchen counter and go wash my hands.
10:14Are we matching as roommates or as a couple?
10:17Molly?
10:18Sorry.
10:18Maybe I got the wrong idea.
10:20When I come back, the chat shows three removed texts and one that remains.
10:25What did you just say?
10:27Nothing important.
10:28Sorry, I was washing my hands.
10:29Anyway, wear the sweatshirt.
10:31I bet pink looks good on you.
10:32I will.
10:33The next afternoon, another text arrives while I'm finishing an assignment.
10:37Can I take you to dinner tonight?
10:38I'd like to thank you properly.
10:40I read it twice.
10:41Tonight.
10:42An actual evening together, instead of texts from opposite sides of the apartment.
10:46Oh my god!
10:47Yes!
10:48I'd love that!
10:49Across the table, our team lead catches me smiling.
10:51Alright, who's the guy?
10:52There isn't a guy.
10:54Then what's that smile for?
10:55I look around and then lower my voice.
10:58I think I have a crush on a girl.
10:59She leans back with one eyebrow raised.
11:01Okay girl, spill.
11:03Who is it?
11:04It's my roommate.
11:05She has asked me to dinner.
11:07Well then go.
11:08See what happens.
11:10Do you think she might have a crush on me too?
11:13I mean, she buys you jewelry and wants to take you out?
11:16You've definitely got a shot.
11:18I press my lips together, failing to hide another smile.
11:23Tell me everything tomorrow, but finish your slides first.
11:26Still grinning, I turn back to the assignment and try to focus until it's time to go home.
11:30Ugh.
11:34For once, I leave campus on time.
11:36Avery isn't home yet.
11:37Alone at home, I keep trying out different outfits for dinner with the girl I might be falling for.
11:44I try a dress, change the shoes, put on the pearl necklace.
11:47Is it too much?
11:48But it's her gift.
11:49Surely she'll like seeing me wear it.
11:50I'm checking the mirror when a tramp folds me forward.
11:53Oh, you've got to be kidding.
11:54My period has hit.
11:55I pull open the drawer where I usually keep my tampons.
11:58It's empty.
11:58I check behind the spare toothpaste.
12:00Then under the sink.
12:01Nothing.
12:02Then I remember who else lives here.
12:03Sweetie S.O.S., I'm out of tampons.
12:05Do you have any spare ones I can use?
12:07Her answer comes quickly.
12:08I'll pick some up from the convenience store.
12:10Heading home now.
12:12I love you.
12:13Seriously.
12:16I change out of the dress, curl up on the couch in the living room, and switch on the TV.
12:20Every few seconds, I glance at the door.
12:22When it opens, I sit up.
12:23A man steps into our apartment.
12:25It's a very tall man.
12:26Brown hair, broad shoulders, a shopping bag in one hand.
12:29Hold my knees to my chest, clutching my phone and start shaking.
12:32He stops when he sees my scared face.
12:34Molly?
12:35Are you okay?
12:36Through the plastic, I can see several boxes of tampons.
12:39I wasn't sure what kind you wanted.
12:40Did I get enough?
12:41I stare at the bag, then up at him.
12:43Avery?
12:44He nods.
12:44Yes, it's me.
12:46Holy shit.
12:47The sweet girl I've been calling Sweetie is a six-foot-three man, and he's freaking gorgeous.
12:54Avery takes out his student ID and holds it where I can see.
12:57Same face, same name.
12:58Waterville University.
13:00There goes my last hope that he's accidentally walked into the wrong apartment.
13:03But I thought you were a girl.
13:04His smile disappears.
13:06You thought I was a girl?
13:08Nobody told me that.
13:10The puppy picture!
13:11Your name!
13:12I specifically asked the landlord for a female roommate.
13:15Oh god, he thought I knew.
13:16He thought I knew he was a man every single time I called him Sweetie.
13:20Avery glances at the bag in his hand.
13:25Don't you need these?
13:29I take the bag, unable to look him in the eye.
13:31Tampons.
13:32I ask this man for tampons.
13:34Then I remember the laundry.
13:35The lace.
13:36The bunny tails.
13:37I asked him which set he liked.
13:39Offered him the matching one.
13:40And asked whether he needed a bigger size.
13:42I hide my face behind the shopping bag.
13:44Molly?
13:46Give me a second.
13:49You're blushing.
13:50I know!
13:51Oh, please let him have a terrible memory.
13:54Because I still have to live here.
13:58Thunder rattles the windows.
14:00And every light in the apartment goes out.
14:01I jump and smack my knee against the coffee table.
14:03Ow!
14:04Molly?
14:05I'm here.
14:07Unfortunately, so is the table.
14:09I switch on my phone's flashlight.
14:10Avery is already crouching beside me.
14:11Where did you hit yourself?
14:13My knee.
14:14Another cramp makes me fold over the shopping bag.
14:17And my stomach still hates me.
14:20Sweetie, can you help me to my room?
14:21I freeze.
14:24Avery?
14:25I meant Averid.
14:27Would it be easier if I carried you?
14:29I nod and hold the light toward the hallway.
14:31He slips one arm beneath my knees and lifts me up.
14:34I grab his shoulder with my free hand.
14:36Sorry.
14:38You told me we didn't need to keep apologizing to each other.
14:40Yes.
14:40Well, that was much easier to say through a phone.
14:43His arms feel solid beneath me.
14:44And his face is close enough that I forget where I'm pointing the flashlight.
14:47A little lower with the light.
14:48Oh.
14:49I twist to move the bag off my lap.
14:50Suddenly very aware of every place we're touching.
14:52Molly?
14:53His arms tighten just enough to steady me.
14:55Hold still.
14:59He lowers me onto the bed and leaves me some privacy.
15:02After a trip to the bathroom, I crawl beneath the covers in clean pajamas.
15:06Avery knocks before coming back.
15:08The shopping bag held more than tampons.
15:10He also bought tea and a hot pad.
15:12Now he sets a warm mug beside my bed and hands me the hot pad.
15:15Wrapped in a towel.
15:16I tuck it against my stomach.
15:17With his jacket off, I finally notice what he's wearing.
15:20Pink.
15:21Our university's name across his chest.
15:23The matching sweatshirt I bought him.
15:25You actually wore it!
15:27You asked me to.
15:28I was picturing cute roommate photos.
15:30I wasn't prepared for pink fabric stretched.
15:32Across shoulders like those.
15:34Can you pass me the tea, sweetie?
15:36His hand pauses beside the mug.
15:38Oh, for God's sake.
15:39Oh, sorry.
15:40It's a habit.
15:41I can work on it.
15:41He sits on the edge of the bed, leaving space between us.
15:44What if I don't want you to?
15:45Before I can answer, the bedside lamp flickers on.
15:48The power is back.
15:49So is my ability to see exactly how he's looking at me.
15:52What did you say?
15:54Keep calling me sweetie, Molly.
15:56I like hearing it from you.
16:02By Saturday afternoon, I'm feeling better and getting ready to disappoint Avery.
16:07We agreed to try dinner again today.
16:09Then my team lead calls.
16:11The slides don't match the numbers in our report.
16:14We are presenting on Monday, Molly.
16:16Can you come to campus?
16:19I look at the necklace I've just put on.
16:21So much for our second attempt.
16:23Avery finds me stuffing my laptop into my bag.
16:26Project emergency?
16:27I'm so sorry.
16:29I don't know how long it'll take.
16:32I'll drive you.
16:33You don't have to.
16:35I wanted to spend time with you.
16:37I can start with the drive.
16:39Well, now I'm definitely staring.
16:41For one reckless second, I consider skipping the meeting.
16:43Then I remember that my teammates are waiting and reach for my coat instead.
16:48I spend half the ride trying to look at Avery without getting caught.
16:51He catches me anyway.
16:53What?
16:54Nothing.
16:55He smiles and keeps driving.
16:57Outside the building, Liam Mercer spots me in waves.
17:00I climb out of the car.
17:02Thanks, sweetie.
17:04Avery's attention shifts to Liam.
17:05I point at the loading zone sign.
17:08You can't stay here.
17:11Go before you get a ticket.
17:13Avery looks from Liam to me.
17:14Then, without his usual smile, he pulls away.
17:20Liam takes my laptop bag as we head toward the entrance.
17:23A gust of wind sends grit into his eye.
17:25Damn it.
17:27Molly, dear.
17:28Can you check if there's anything inside my eyes?
17:31I lean closer to him, just as a car horn sounds behind us.
17:35Avery hasn't made it past the traffic light.
17:37Now he pulls into a visitor space and lowers his window.
17:40Molly, can I pick you up tonight?
17:43It might be really late.
17:45That's okay.
17:47We could eat together another day.
17:50I'd still like to see you tonight.
17:52I blink my eyes.
17:54Okay.
17:55I'll text you when we're done.
17:57Avery finally smiles.
17:58This time, he leaves for real.
18:00Liam dabs at his eye with a tissue, then clears his throat, and he waits until the car disappears.
18:05You live with this dude?
18:07Yes.
18:08Lucky you.
18:09He's freaking gorgeous.
18:11I take my bag back a little too quickly.
18:13Hey, you already have a boyfriend.
18:15I know.
18:16But I'm allowed to have eyes?
18:18Well, keep them to yourself.
18:21Why are you getting territorial?
18:23You said roommate, not boyfriend.
18:25I open my mouth, then close it.
18:27He's right.
18:28Avery is only my roommate.
18:29Which leaves me with one very annoying question.
18:32Why isn't he my boyfriend?
18:35Two rehearsals and one argument over a chart later.
18:38I finally check my phone.
18:39Avery has been busy.
18:41Is the guy you went in with a friend?
18:42That was over an hour ago.
18:44The next messages follow 20 minutes later.
18:46Sorry, that's not really my business.
18:47I don't think he's your type.
18:48That was unfair.
18:49I barely know him.
18:50I bite my lip, trying not to grin.
18:52There are two more.
18:53Are you upset with me?
18:54Would you like to meet my dog?
18:55His name's Biscuit.
18:56So, we've gone from questioning my taste in men, to offering me a fluffy dog.
19:00He's making it very difficult for me to finish these slides.
19:04What's so funny?
19:06Nothing.
19:07I love a good chart.
19:08I turn it face down, she looks at my phone, wait until she looks away, and immediately pick it up
19:12again.
19:13Sweetie, I'm not upset.
19:14We've been rehearsing the presentation.
19:18And for the record, you're the best looking guy I know.
19:21Better looking than him?
19:23By a lot.
19:24Now I want a hug.
19:26Later.
19:28What?
19:29Finish your work.
19:30You can have your hug when we get home.
19:36When I finally leave the building, Avery is waiting in the visitor lot.
19:40I hurry into the passenger seat.
19:41You've been paying to park here?
19:44Let's go before it costs more than dinner.
19:46He starts the car, but doesn't seem concerned about the parking.
19:50How long have you known Liam?
19:51Since freshman orientation.
19:53Why?
19:55Just asking.
19:57I study his face.
19:58Do you like him?
19:59Avery turns toward me at the red light.
20:01That's what you think I'm asking?
20:03Well, he thinks you're hot.
20:07But he has a boyfriend, so don't get any ideas.
20:09Avery stares for a second, then laughs.
20:12I'm not interested in Liam, Mommy.
20:14Good.
20:14That comes out much too quickly.
20:16His smile gets worse.
20:17Before he can ask about it, my team lead calls.
20:19Grant Rusk from Rivertile Brands wants to play tennis next Saturday.
20:23He suggested doubles at two.
20:25Could you ask Liam to join us?
20:27I agree and hang up.
20:29Our industry contact wants a friendly tennis game.
20:31Liam plays pretty well.
20:32I'm pretty good, too.
20:33He looks directly at me.
20:35You play tennis?
20:37You thought hockey was the only thing I could play?
20:41Let me be your partner.
20:43Will ya?
20:47A week later, Grant Rusk looks at our sweatpants and frowns.
20:51No skirts?
20:54I thought you girls would dress up a little.
20:56My team lead gives him a tight smile.
20:58We're early for the game.
20:59Avery is meeting us at two.
21:00And already, I wish you were here.
21:02Grant handles our course project's contact with Riverton Brands.
21:05We need the product information and customer interviews he promised us.
21:08Apparently, he thinks that includes choosing our clothes.
21:11There's a sports shop outside.
21:13Go get yourself something shorter.
21:14I'll cover it.
21:17No thanks.
21:18We're comfortable in these.
21:20He looks me up and down.
21:22Why hide those legs?
21:23My team leads fingers tighten around her racket.
21:26Grant doesn't stop.
21:27Come on, Molly.
21:29A pretty girl should wear a skirt.
21:32If you like skirts that much, you're welcome to wear one.
21:37Excuse me?
21:38My team lead touches my arm.
21:40I take a breath.
21:41Mr. Rusk?
21:43Let's just start playing.
21:44Grant gives a short, ugly laugh and picks up his racket.
21:49Grant suggests a warm-up while we wait for Avery.
21:52Then he sends the ball straight at my face.
21:54I barely get my racket up.
21:55The next shot clips my cheek.
21:57Before I can recover, he's calling for another serve.
22:00Every time I flinch, he smiles as though we're both enjoying this.
22:03Molly, let me take a turn.
22:05Grant shakes his head across the net and smirks.
22:07We've only just started.
22:09She doesn't need rescuing, doesn't she?
22:11I want to throw my racket down.
22:13Instead, I grip it harder.
22:14The next shot catches the bridge of my nose.
22:16My eyes fill before I can stop them.
22:18Bit slow there.
22:19I bend to pick up the ball, keeping my face down.
22:22Someone reaches it first.
22:23Avery straightens in front of me, the ball in his hand.
22:25Sweetie.
22:26He looks at my face, and the greeting dies on his lips.
22:29I force a smile and glance at the clock.
22:31Five minutes before two.
22:32Right on time.
22:33Avery doesn't smile back.
22:34I should have been here sooner.
22:40Avery gently lifts my chin.
22:41Does it hurt?
22:44It's just a ball.
22:45I'm fine.
22:46His thumb brushes the red spot on my cheek.
22:48I almost lean into his hand.
22:51My throat is closing up.
22:53He waits until I can look at him again.
22:57Are we playing or not?
22:58My team lead steps forward with her racket.
23:00I'll take Maudie's place.
23:02She's had enough.
23:03Grant ignores her.
23:03I was having a game with many.
23:05Surely she can finish what she started.
23:08Fine.
23:10One more game.
23:11Avery rests his hand over mine on the racket handle.
23:13You don't have to.
23:14I look at the racket, then at him.
23:17He holds out his hand.
23:18I let him take it.
23:19Only then does he turn toward the net.
23:21Play me.
23:22Grant's expression changes as Avery steps onto the court.
23:25All six feet three of him are between us now.
23:27You wanted another game?
23:29Grant shifts his grip, but doesn't answer.
23:31Avery gives the racket a loose swing.
23:33One game.
23:33You and me.
23:34Yes or no?
23:38Grant agrees.
23:39Within a few rallies, I understand just how modest Avery was in the car.
23:43He sends Grant racing to the back of the court, then volleys the next shot, just over the net.
23:47Grant lunges and misses.
23:48Again and again.
23:49Avery barely seems out of breath.
23:51Grant keeps bending for balls, his face getting redder every time.
23:56I cover my mouth, but it doesn't hide my grin.
23:59I jump up and cheer for Avery.
24:00My team lead leans close.
24:02That's your roommate?
24:04Yes.
24:05The one you thought was a girl?
24:07Please don't remind me.
24:09On the court, Avery wins another point and looks straight at me.
24:12I can't help smiling back.
24:13My team lead nudges my shoulder.
24:14He doesn't look at you like a roommate.
24:19Well, that's what we are.
24:21For now.
24:23Then do something about it.
24:26Grant finally calls for a break.
24:28He gulps water, checks his phone, and starts stuffing things into his bag.
24:31Something's come up at work.
24:32I have to go.
24:34Avery rests the racket against his shoulder and watches him hurry away.
24:37Then he lets out a quiet laugh.
24:39I bring Avery a sports drink before he can put his racket away.
24:43You could have warned me you were that good.
24:44Would you have believed me?
24:46Probably not.
24:47I stand behind him and give his shoulders a grateful squeeze.
24:50Thank you, sweetie.
24:51You were amazing.
24:52He turns to answer, and I suddenly have him facing me at very close range.
24:55My hand settles against his stomach, over his shirt, still.
24:58Oh.
24:59I leave my hand there a moment longer than I can reasonably explain.
25:02Avery looks down at my hand, then back at me.
25:04Molly?
25:05Yes?
25:06Are you thanking me or flirting with me?
25:07Can I appreciate my sweetie?
25:09He takes another sip, completely unhurried.
25:11I give his stomach one last appreciative pat.
25:13Your sweetie?
25:14I nod.
25:14He smiles, looking nothing like the shy guy who used to hesitate over every text.
25:19I had far too much confidence when I couldn't see his face.
25:21Say that again.
25:22I swallow.
25:23Say what?
25:24That I'm yours, without looking away this time.
25:26My hand leaves his shirt immediately.
25:28I need my bag.
25:29I hurry toward the benches with my face burning.
25:31I can't stop thinking about the project.
25:34Avery notices before we've left the parking lot.
25:36Did I do something wrong?
25:38No.
25:39You were wonderful.
25:41Then what's bothering you?
25:43Grant is awful.
25:45But he's also the person who can stop sending us key information.
25:49But if he blocks the interviews, we'll have to rebuild half our research.
25:53Avery listens without interrupting.
25:55I think of my team lead smiling politely while Grant stared at our legs.
25:59My team leader worked so hard to arrange this partnership.
26:03I hate that she has to deal with him.
26:06And I hate that I might have made things worse.
26:08We stop at a red light.
26:10Avery turns toward me.
26:12I stepped in.
26:14If he takes it out on your group, it-
26:15That's his fault.
26:17Not yours.
26:19I don't regret you helping me.
26:22Please don't think that.
26:23He reaches over and gently smooths my hair.
26:26Then the light changes, and he turns back to the road.
26:29I stepped in, Molly.
26:31I'll deal with what comes next.
26:37Three days later, Riverton Brands asks to meet with our team.
26:42What?
26:48To my surprise, a general manager hands us the information we've been waiting for.
26:53He also confirms the customer interviews.
26:55My team lead checks the schedule twice.
26:58Still be our contact?
27:01I'll be overseeing the partnership.
27:04I exchange a look with her.
27:07May I ask, what changed?
27:12Our chairman's son has been interning in one of our departments.
27:16He brought several problems to our attention.
27:21An internal review confirmed that Rusk had been demanding improper payments from vendors.
27:29He won't be handling this partnership anymore.
27:31I sit up straight.
27:33Whoever this chairman's son is, I owe him a thank you.
27:40My team lead, however, is watching the manager closely.
27:43Is he a student?
27:44At Waterton?
27:46He is.
27:47What's his name?
27:48The manager smiles, as if that's the easiest question she's asked.
27:51Avery Keaton.
27:54My team lead waits until the manager leaves.
27:56Your rentmate is the chairman's son, apparently, and he needs to split rent?
28:01Excellent question.
28:03I call my landlord.
28:05You promised me a female roommate.
28:07How did I end up living with Avery Keaton?
28:10Oh, I sent you a message about that.
28:12I never got one.
28:13She goes quiet while she checks.
28:15Then I hear a small, embarrassed sigh.
28:18It never sent.
28:23I should have checked with you.
28:25Yes, you should have.
28:26Avery is my nephew.
28:28His own apartment wasn't ready after renovations.
28:31I suggested that he's living in the spare room while he waited.
28:35I stare at my phone.
28:36Your nephew?
28:37Yes.
28:37The same nephew who asked me to get that bathtub fixed.
28:40My hand goes still.
28:42He asked you?
28:44He arranged it and covered the bill.
28:47He said you'd been wanting a proper bath.
28:50I remember coming home exhausted and complaining to the cactus by the window.
28:54I'd wanted one quiet evening in a bathtub that actually worked.
28:58I thought nobody had heard me.
29:00Avery had.
29:00And he'd remembered.
29:06Three months into being Avery's girlfriend, I'm spending another night in a hotel room
29:10without him.
29:10Our course team is away doing field interviews.
29:13Now my laptop is open on the bed, and my boyfriend is asking when I'm coming home.
29:16Wednesday, I miss you so much, and I'm exhausted.
29:19Have you eaten?
29:19Yes.
29:20But I'd feel much better if my boyfriend were here to hold me.
29:23I can do that when you get home.
29:24A proper hug.
29:25No letting go after three seconds.
29:27Have I ever done that?
29:28I smile down at the screen.
29:29No, he hasn't.
29:30Which is making this hotel bed feel even less appealing.
29:33I type out everything I'd like to do when I get back, starting with stealing his sweatshirt.
29:37He replies with a picture of Biscuit stretched across the couch.
29:40Biscuit misses you too.
29:41Oh, my sweetie!
29:44Tell him I'm bringing treats, and give him a kiss for me.
29:46The typing dots stop.
29:47Then a message arrives.
29:49You used to mean me when you said sweetie.
29:54I laugh and type back.
29:56You're both my sweeties.
29:57He's the fluffy one.
29:58You're the one I get to kiss.
30:00You just asked me to kiss him.
30:02You know what I mean.
30:03I'm looking forward to you explaining it in person.
30:06I put the phone down before I promise anything else.
30:10By Wednesday evening, my suitcase is rolling down our hallway.
30:13The last interview is done.
30:14Our notes are backed up.
30:15And for once, I'm leaving my laptop zipped inside my bag.
30:18Avery doesn't know I'm here yet.
30:20My phone buzzes.
30:21Weren't you coming home today?
30:23I stop outside our door.
30:24Oh, sweetie.
30:25Did I say this Wednesday?
30:26I meant next Wednesday.
30:28A picture arrives.
30:30It's the bag I've been showing him for weeks.
30:32Then I suppose I'll give this to my mom.
30:34I nearly laugh loud enough for him to hear.
30:37You bought it?
30:37Trip cancelled.
30:38I'm coming home immediately.
30:41A little late for that.
30:50I lean my suitcase against the wall and fish out my keys.
30:53There's warm light beneath the door.
30:55I send one more message.
30:56Open the door, sweetie.
30:59I've got a surprise for you.
31:11I turn the key before he can answer.
31:14Surprise!
31:15Avery shoots up from the couch.
31:17For a second, he just looks at me.
31:18Biscuit reaches me first.
31:20I give him a quick cuddle, drop my bag, and go straight to Avery.
31:24Next Wednesday?
31:25I may have lied a little.
31:27I noticed.
31:31Did you miss me?
31:33Yes.
31:34Enough to forgive me?
31:35He kisses me again.
31:38Over his shoulder, I spot the new bag on the table.
31:41Your bath is ready.
31:42Even after I said next Wednesday?
31:44You texted that two minutes ago.
31:46I laugh into his shoulder.
31:47He carries me toward the bathroom.
31:49Still going to tell me we're just roommates?
31:51Not a chance.
31:52Bye-bye.
31:53Bye-bye.
31:54Bye-bye.
31:55Bye-bye.
31:55Bye-bye.