Page 29 of The Roommate Subtext

Blake smiled around his fork, dimples creasing his cheeks. He swallowed. “I’m an absolute delight to live with. You should know that by now.”

She rolled her eyes. “Tolerable. I can’t walk around naked.”

“I’m not stopping you.” Blake gave her an innocent look, and Maggie had to laugh.

“Is that a flirtation coming from you? I can’t believe it. I thought you were like a perfect Midwestern farm boy, innocent as a Little Golden Book.” Maggie studied him, examined the mischief in his eyes. “What else aren’t you telling me?”

“I’m an open book. And I’ve never lived on a farm.” Blake stared down into his dish, breaking eye contact. Maybe she was coming on too hard.

“Right.” She snatched the fork out of his hand and stole another scoop of lamb and rice before he could stop her. He grabbed the fork back and pulled the dish even further away, making her laugh through her mouthful.

“I’m going to start charging you to eat my food.” He gave her a grumbly look which was likely all show. “I’ll give you an itemized bill, like your last roommate.”

Maggie chuckled. Off in the distance, Vanessa and Cora had lined up in front of another food truck, and Andrew and Zane were still sitting in the grass, eating dumplings more slowly than any human should. They all looked happy, and even if she didn’t share in that happiness, she should try to appreciate it secondhand.

Blake finished eating and sealed the container back up, then guzzled half the can of soda and stifled a burp behind his hand.

“Classy,” Maggie remarked.

“Sorry.” He pressed a palm to his chest. “Might have overdone it there.”

She tossed her balled-up aluminum foil at his chest. “Quitter.”

Blake caught the foil. “I’ll never be accused of tapping out early on food. There’s a gourmet ice cream sandwich truck over there. Want to get some before crashing everyone else’s dates?”

Maggie got to her feet and gathered her trash. “I’d love to.”

By the time they reached Andrew and Zane, Andrew was alone, and he waved them over. “Those look great.” Andrew eyed their oversized ice cream sandwiches. “Enough to share?”

“Heck no. Get your own.” Blake sat down and patted the grass for Maggie to join. “Where’s Zane?”

“Buying us those Belgian fries.” He peered past Maggie’s shoulder, and she followed his line of sight to where Zane was nearing the front of the line.

“Waiting in line for you? He’s a keeper.” Maggie studied Andrew while she ate her ice cream sandwich. He was the kind of guy she’d expect Blake to be friends with: they both had that nerdy vibe, although Andrew didn’t have Blake’s goofy demeanor. Of course, Blake hadn’t seemed goofy until Maggie got to know him. Maybe Andrew was similar.

Andrew didn’t look away from Zane. “It’s the honeymoon period. I’m sure if he sticks around, he’ll be making me get my own fries soon enough.”

Blake nudged Andrew with his elbow. “Don’t rush it.”

“I’m not.” Andrew gave them a smile. “Although look, he’s already eating some.”

“Room for me?” Zane asked when he returned, settling in next to Andrew. They looked comfortable together, Zane resting easily in Andrew’s personal space.

Andrew dipped two of the fries in one of the sauces. “They sure don’t give you many fries.”

“They do, but I ate a third of them on the walk back.” Zane grinned, some of his shyness fading. “It’s the cost of waiting in line for you.”

Andrew sighed. “It’s true. The magic is gone.”

“How long have you two been dating?” Maggie asked.

“A few weeks,” Zane answered. Yeah, they were still in the honeymoon phase. He was making complete doe eyes at Andrew even as he talked to Maggie. “And you’re Blake’s roommate?”

“That’s me.” Maggie took another bite of the ice cream sandwich. “Whatever horror stories you’ve heard about me, none of them are true.”

Andrew smiled. “I’m glad Blake found someone nice to live with him.”

“I’m not nice,” Maggie said at the same time Blake said, “She’s not nice.” They caught each other’s eyes, and both started laughing.