Page 81 of The Addendum

“In Europe.”

“Wow. Um, that’s awesome?”

She smiled, understanding my hesitance. “I accepted, so I’m moving. My base will be in Italy.”

“Joyce—that’s your dream!”

“I know. It happened out of the blue. That little tour company I love so much. I’ve been on so many of their trips. And I’ve gotten to know them so well, they offered it to me and I had to say yes.”

I reached across the table and clasped her hand. “Of course you did.”

“So, I’m sorry, but I’m moving out.”

I looked around the little living room. It wasn’t much, but it was the only place I could afford, and I needed a roommate to stay.

“I’ll find someone.”

“I’ll pay my share until you do. I won’t leave you in the lurch. And all I’m taking is my personal stuff. The rest you can have or throw out if you don’t want it.”

“We’ll figure something out.” I smiled sadly. “I’ll miss you. Even though you were always away a lot, I knew you’d show up eventually.”

“You can come and visit. I already have a place I’m sharing with two other girls. It’s a little villa outside of town with lots of space.”

“Sounds amazing.” I shoved aside my melancholy about her leaving. “Tell me all about it.”

* * *

My phone chimed around eleven, and I picked it up off the nightstand, smiling at the sound of the ringtone Luc had changed his number to. The Last of the Mohicans was one of my favorite movies, and he’d linked it to his name.

“Hey,” I answered. “How was your night?”

“Lonely.”

I laughed. “Poor boy.”

He chuckled. “Actually, I had a late dinner with Reed when I finished fixing the problem at work.”

My shoulders suddenly felt tight, but I kept my voice calm. “And how was he? Good honeymoon?”

“He looked great—tanned and happy. He said the trip was awesome, and he shared a few pictures. The scenery was spectacular.”

“Great.”

“He’s been busy since they got home.”

“I imagine so,” I murmured, glancing down at the notepad on my lap. I had been making a list of what I wanted to say to advertise for a new roommate. I hated the thought of Joyce leaving—not only had we gotten along well, but I was used to her absences, and the thought of living with a stranger who would no doubt be around more was going to take some getting used to. The sound of a familiar name in my ear brought me out of my musings.

“Sorry, Luc, what did you say? I was distracted for a moment.”

“I said Reed mentioned Heather has tried to get in touch with you.”

“Yeah, she left a couple messages.” I rubbed my eyes. “Leave it, please. I will get in touch when I’m ready. I have a lot on my plate right now.” My gaze strayed to the notes I’d jotted. “Especially after tonight.”

“What happened?”

I told him Joyce’s news. “I’m thrilled for her, but sad she’s leaving. Now I have to find another roommate. I can’t afford to live here on my own, and although it’s not the Taj Mahal or anything, I like it here.” I sighed. “I wish I could afford to buy a place, but until I pay off my student loans and save more, that’s not happening. I really don’t want to move.”

“So, what are your options?”