That’s stupid. I frowned. “I saw pictures of her. I know that’s not true.”
“Women don’t like their boyfriend’s having female friends.”
“That’s not true.”
“It’s very true.”
“No, women don’t like their boyfriends to lie about who certain women are.”
“Fine, if you want to believe that. Go right head.”
I wanted to believe that. After watching a few more episodes of Lucifer, I fell asleep. I opened my eyes somewhere around 2AM. Mark was asleep in bed next to me. His clothes were intact and mine were too. My laptop was open and laying right in between us. Mark was on his back with his mouth open, but he wasn’t snoring. Odd. I turned away from the sleeping Ken doll and went back to sleep.
It’s My House
Monday morning was the worse. I had to stop to get gas. I needed air in my tire, but it was so early and just drove to work. I couldn’t seem to get away from bad news. What was really going on in my life? I made it on time, even though I stopped at the crowded gas station in town.
I was just getting over the Brandon bullshit when I got a random and unexpected punch in the gut. I felt terrible. I needed my coffee before I snapped on somebody. I practically run into my office when I got off the elevator. I put my stuff down and sat there staring at my desk. I texted Mark because I needed him to get my coffee to me ASAP. I didn’t have time for him to gingerly walk his long legs to my office. I needed him to sprint without spilling one drop of my cup of joe.
I was screaming on the inside. Why me, Lord? I hung my head in my hands until he strolled into my office and I felt his presence.
“Good morning, single lady, what’s wrong?”
“Nothing.” I barked. “I need coffee right now.”
Mark handed the large paper cup over to me. I didn’t hesitate to take it. It was just the right temperature as it went down my throat.
“Okay what’s happened since Saturday morning. I left you in a good mood.”
“Mark.” I threw my entire head back and morphed into a whiny child. “Mark, Mark.” I chanted. “Close the door.” I was stressed.
Mark closed my office door. He sat in the chair in front of my desk. “What? Tell me what happened?”
“Tami is moving out of our apartment when the lease is up. She’s going to get a place with her pubescent boyfriend. I can’t catch a fucking break.” I pouted.
“Calm down.”
“I can’t calm down. I’m going to be homeless.”
“C’mon, your situation isn’t that bad.”
“I can’t afford that apartment by myself. I’m still paying off student loans. I have a fucking car note.”
“Take a breath.”
I cut my eyes at him. “I live in a really good area. It costs a fortune to live in Oak Park. Now I have to find a bullshit apartment that I can afford all by myself.” I slammed my head down on my desk.
“Yeah, or you can come move in with me.”
I raised my head to glare at him. “Mark, I have a serious issue. Please, no jokes.”
“I’m not joking. I have an entire house. You can just pay whatever you can afford.”
“Why?”
“Why not? I live alone. It’s a four-bedroom house.”
“Why are you renting a four-bedroom house instead of an apartment?”
“I’m not renting. I own it.”
“Why didn’t I know this?”
“It never came up in conversation.”
I couldn’t deny that was true. “It’s very nice that you offered, but I’m sure I can find something.”
“Why would you dismiss my offer? We literally would be perfect roommates.”
“Really?” What made him think that?
“Yes, we already know we can tolerate each other and we’re like real friends. Like outside of the workplace.”
“That’s true but—”
“You came to my dad’s funeral. You’re the reason I have this job. If you didn’t look out for me I probably would’ve been fired a long time ago.”
Everything he said was true, but… “Yeah, but—”
“It’s not like it’s that deep. My house is huge. You should come by and take a look at it before you just dismiss me. I mean, dismiss it. Can you at least think about it? We’re supposed to be friends, right?”
“We are friends. I just seems like it would be awkward. You would be my landlord and you could just throw me out.”
“Why would I ever throw you out?”
“You might end up with a steady girlfriend. Remember, you said girlfriends always are jealous if their boyfriends have female friends.”
He chuckled, and I was happy to see it. He seemed angry with me a few minutes ago.
“You don’t have to worry about that. I’m not going to end up with a steady girlfriend.”
I twisted my lips. “Man, you don’t know that.”
“I know.”
“The ways these hookers through themselves at you.”
“I wouldn’t kick you out. If it makes you feel any better, I can go buy one of those lease agreements the sell at Office Max. We can sign an agreement or something if it makes you feel more secure.”
“I think that would make me feel better.”
“Great, so you will consider it?”
“Yes, I’m considering it.” I didn’t know if I was shutting him up or really considering this as a real option.
“How many months left on your apartment lease?”
“Two.”
“Follow me home after work and you can take a look around. It’s a two-car garage and you can have your own separate bathroom.”
“Okay.”
Mark stood. “I’m going to order Primo’s for lunch. I’ll bring yours to you when they arrive. Should be a little after twelve. The delivery guy is always late.”
“Okay.”
I watched Mark strut out of my office. I wasn’t sure what just happened or how I should feel about it. Could I live with a man? I didn’t really think about it, and now I was forced to. It was sort of weird, but I got along really well with Mark. I’m not sure if I ever viewed him as a man. He was like my
