Chapter 11
Levi
The last thing I needed in my life was having to move out of my apartment. Even temporarily.
I’m not at all surprised that the plumbing went to shit. The apartment building is old, and the previous owners couldn’t have cared less about the conditions of the place as long as they got their rent money.
However, the new owners, the ones who just bought the place a few months ago, sure got the shitty end of the stick. Now they have to pay to fix the place up or demo the whole property. Thankfully, they are fixing the place up.
My rental insurance is paying my rent for a place to stay until everything is fixed, but unfortunately, I couldn’t find a new place on such short notice, so I was forced to move back in with my parents until I do.
It’s not that I hate staying with my parents, honestly, getting to spend more time with them would be nice. It’s the fact that my mom is highly allergic to cats, and she said Snicklefritz couldn’t come with me.
When I threatened to live in my car because I wasn’t going to leave my boy with strangers, and boarding an animal isn’t cheap, she agreed to let him stay in the garage.
And because the idea of my poor baby being in a strange new place alone, I decided to sleep in the garage too. Thank god it’s spring, otherwise I’d have frozen to death by now.
Moving isn’t easy or fun. It’s time-consuming, and time isn’t something I have a lot of, so I had to spend my whole day off packing most of my things so that my brother and dad could come grab them on Sunday.
What I should have been doing tonight was looking online for rooms for rent listings, because the quicker I can find a place, the better, but I ended up taking one of the serving shifts.
I’ve been working on saying no when being asked to cover, and I was going to turn her down, but she told me no one else was available and her kid was really sick. Sick to the point she had to take him into the hospital.
I couldn’t say no to that. If I did, the guilt would have eaten me alive.
So, I agreed to take her shift. It wasn't all bad. She told me she would give me her tips for the rest of her shifts this week. I did, however, try to turn that down, but she went all mama bear on me, and I didn’t know how to say no. So, it all worked out?
Either way, my feet are killing me, I’m tired, hungry, and just want to go to bed. Then I remember my bed is in a musty garage, making me feel even worse.
Doesn’t help that I’ve had this iffy feeling all night.
One of the tables I was serving tonight had a few guys who were hitting on me.
Nothing serious, but one of them did come on a little stronger.
At first, I thought he was just friendly, but then he kept trying to talk to me every time I brought something over to their table.
He was nice, not too bad looking, honestly, he would have been my type. If I were single.
And I am single. But I don’t feel single?
Ugh. The whole thing is confusing and had me feeling guilty like I was somehow cheating on Austin by just talking to the guy and laughing at a few funny things he said.
Only, it’s not cheating because we’re not actually together. But the whole world thinks we are.
My brain hurts just thinking about it.
It was when the guy gave me his number that I had to hand that table off to one of the other girls, no longer comfortable going over there.
“I’m heading out,” I call out to Eddie, my boss, who’s in his office doing paperwork.
“Wait up.” He calls back. I pause as he makes his way out to the front of the bar. “One of the girls saw this. They said to give it to you. Said something about you needing a place to stay?” he holds out a piece of paper.
Brow furrowed, I take it from him and look it over.
It’s a flyer for a room for rent.
My eyes widen as I continue to read. Holy shit. This is perfect. Exactly what I was looking for. The room comes fully furnished, it’s close to the school, not that it matters because I have my car. But still.
And the rent is cheaper than what I was paying with Cole.
But the thing that has me sold is that it’s pet-friendly.
“Thanks.” I smile at Eddie. “This is amazing. I’ll have to give him a call tomorrow.”
“Awesome. Glad this could help. See you Thursday.”
“Yeah, see you—Wait, but I work tomorrow. And today is Monday.“
“No. You don’t.” He smirks, giving me a wink. “You’ve been through a lot the past few days. Plus, you’re gonna need time to move in after school. So, see you Thursday."
“Okay,” I whisper, blinking in shock. “See you then.”
I can’t remember the last time I had two nights off in a row. I’m grateful he’s giving me the time off. If the room isn’t already taken, and he agrees to rent me the room, I’ll need the time to move some stuff over.
By the time I’m pulling up in my parents' driveway, it’s three in the morning.
I’m dead on my feet as I head into the garage. I stink of burgers and fries, but I don’t care as I kick off my shoes and crawl into my sleeping bag.
Thankfully, I don’t have a class until noon tomorrow, so I can sleep in a little bit and shower before I head to school.
Only downside is, I’d have to postpone my coffee date with Austin, and the idea of that sends a flicker of disappointment through me. I’ve grown to love our coffee dates, and when we started adding lunch dates too, even better.
I think it’s safe to say, he’s my best friend. But don’t tell Cole that, or he’d pout like a big baby and might even threaten to kick Austin’s ass for the honor of being my number one bestie.
Thinking about Austin has me letting out a big sigh. I forgot to text him today. With everything going on, I’ve been so busy. It’s the first time I’ve forgotten. So when I open my phone and see unread texts from him, I feel guilty.
Austin: Hey, you. You okay? You looked kind of distant at lunch
Austin: About to head into practice. School was easy, but pumped for practice. Got to be ready for this week's game. It’s on Thursday this week, so I’m sad you can’t come because I know you're working, but I’ll still kick ass for you!
Austin: I’m going to guess you're busy. Text me when you're free. Hope you had a good day xox.
I bite my lower lip, stomach feeling iffy.
He’s so damn sweet, I feel bad for not responding.
And for being distant at lunch. He doesn’t know about my apartment issue, at least I don’t think he does, because he hasn’t asked about it.
And I didn’t bring it up because I felt like I was putting my issues on him. I didn’t want him to feel bad for me.
Yes, he’s my friend, but this wasn’t his problem. I handled it, and when he asks about it, I’ll tell him.
It’s not like he’s been over to my place before. My living somewhere else doesn’t really have anything to do with our relationship. Or lack thereof.
Something tells me he’s still gonna feel hurt that I didn’t tell him. I’ve gotten to know Austin enough to know he’s probably going to say, “Friends are there for friends no matter how big or little the problem,” or something like that.
Checking the time, I debate on texting him back now or in the morning.
A meow catches my attention. Snicklefritz jumps up onto my lap, letting out deep purrs. “What have you been up to all day?” I ask him, giving him some head scratches as he curls up in my lap. “You seem fine. So that’s good.” I sigh. “Should I text him now?”
Snicklefritz looks up at me and slowly blinks. “I’ll take that as a yes.” I laugh.
Me: Hey. Sorry, I didn’t text you back. Today has been crazy.
Took a shift for a co-worker with a sick kid.
I know it’s late, but I didn’t want you to think I was ignoring you.
Anyways, I’m going to bed now. I’m drained.
I’m gonna sleep in a bit in the morning, so I’m gonna have to miss coffee.
I’ll make it up to you, though! Night xox
After I send the text, I take a look at the flyer again. “Looks like we might have a new place to stay, Snicklefritz.” I run my fingers through his soft fur.
I should wait until the morning to reach out to this guy, but I’m slightly panicking that someone else might end up taking the room if I don’t let my interest be known.
So, I put the number into my phone and send the guy a quick text, and tell him to text or call back if the place is available and if I’m able to come look.
Once that’s done, I plug my phone into the wall on my dad’s tool shelf and crawl into my sleeping bag.
“Yeah.” I sigh heavily as Snicklefritz curls back into my side. “We need to get out of here ASAP.”
Here’s to hoping for a text back in the morning with good news.