Page 6 of A Roommate for Ronny

It was good that I was forced to wait, though, because there were a lot of teas to choose from, and I wanted to get the right one.

“You a tea fan?” a woman behind me said.

I turned to face her, and there was something about her that had me feeling like I should know who she was. Maybe she was famous. I didn’t think movie stars lived out this way, but she was larger than life, yet also safe and comforting. I instantly liked her.

“I’ve learned to appreciate it, but I’m looking for a gift today. Do you have any suggestions?”

“Tell me a bit about who it’s for, and I might be able to.”

I found myself standing there telling her the entire story of leaving a toxic partner, being evicted, showing up to a job that didn’t exist, and now staying at a kindly neighbor’s house while I tried to regroup.

“Well, as for the tea, I suggest Barbara’s Love.”

“Thanks. I appreciate it.”

The varieties in one of their collections were named after people and something positive about them. Love was a common one, but there were also Curiosity, Intrigue, Kindness—the gamut. It was a cute idea, but it made choosing more difficult than if they just said Apple Pie Tea.

I could have gone with a standard tea. They did have some of those. But what was special about that?

“Now, as far as your other issues,” she said, “I might be able to help you there, as well.”

“Are you a landlord?”

“Yes and no. Have you heard of the club Animals?”

I hadn’t and told her as much. “But I’m new here,” I explained.

“Well, it’s a pretty big club. There’s food. Dancing. Music. Events. But, also, in the cliffs behind the club, there are some units for our employees. If you were going to be an innkeeper, I’m thinking you would be pretty good at helping us with large bookings as well as some tasks at the front of the house.”

She went on to explain the responsibilities of the position. It could have been created for me. I’d be so good at it.

“Do you have any apartments available?”

“No,” she said. “They’re all full right now.” She probably should’ve led with that.

“Oh. Well, I’d still like to come and apply for the job.”

“I didn’t say there wouldn’t be a place for you to live, if you’re up for a side hustle.”

“Honestly, I’m up for anything.” I quickly tacked on, “As long as it’s legal.” She didn’t seem like the type to be into sketchy shit, but I didn’t have the best track record when it came to judging people.

She laughed. “I don’t know. This cat is too cute to be legal.” She tapped on her phone and showed me a picture of an adorable kitten in the middle of making biscuits on a pillow. “One of my employees is needing to leave for a while to do some filming.”

“Are they a movie star?”

“Not yet, but they will be. Anyway, this little sweet fur baby is his, and he needs somebody to stay at his place and take care of him.” She flipped through her phone, sharing picture after picture.

“It’s a two-bedroom, and you’d have your own space. It’s on the property, so it’d be easy to get to and from work. Best of all, the only thing you have to pay for is food if you eat somewhere besides in our kitchens.”

It felt too good to be true, and I probably should have been more hesitant than I was. But there were only two people ahead of us in line, and I wanted to seal the deal.

“I’d love to schedule an interview.”

“This was your interview. We’ll fill out paperwork tomorrow. How does that sound?”

“Next,” the woman behind the counter called out. Next was me. I held up my finger, letting them know I’d be right there.

“Thanks so much. I’m sorry, but I didn’t catch your name.”