Page 72 of The Last Special Thing

Madisson returned to her side when she noticed Amelia had broken off.

“Yes?” The girl’s eyes rose from her book.

“I know this is a super weird question, but I’m moving into this building in a few weeks.”

“Oh?”

“Yes, can I see your bathroom? I want to prepare for how much space there is,” Amelia hurried. It was necessary information.

“Um, sure.” She stood. “I’m Scarlett, by the way.” Scarlett extended a hand, and Amelia and Madisson shook it, then introduced themselves before following her a few steps into the bathroom.

“Here are the luxury accommodations,” Scarlett joked, gesturing to the small space. It had a shower, a toilet, and two sinks. Organizer containers were on the counter, and an over-the-door rack was filled with perfumes and lotions. Scarlett and her roommates did a good job maximizing the space, but it must have been impossible for multiple girls to get ready at the same time. Amelia interlaced her fingers and tapped her thumbs as she mentally redecorated.

“How do you like the place?” Madisson asked.

“Oh, it’s good. I mean, this is the newest undergrad apartment, so everything's nice. The floor itself is pretty quiet, though. Most people who party are in the traditional dorms on campus, but I couldn’t imagine sharing a triple.”

Amelia nodded with the sentiment.

“Well, thanks for letting us in. We will let you get back to…” Madisson glanced down at the book she was reading by Sarah J. Maas.

A deep blush crept up Scarlett’s cheeks. “Oh, you know.” She waved her hand.

They thanked Scarlett and returned to the hallway.

Madisson asked, “Did you want to check out the deck on top?”

Amelia was quiet, then sighed. “No, no. I have seen enough.”

She had no idea what she was going to do, but living in the apartments was not an option. She wouldn’t survive being on top of others without all her things. There was downsizing, then there was living like she was in the military.

“On to the next stop!” Madisson proclaimed and led them back to the elevator.

Once again, they were left waiting on a stranger’s mercy to unlock it. Madisson started a game of rock-paper-scissors, winning both rounds, until a plump girl in a UCLA sweatshirt came by to open it. They followed the next stranger into the elevator.

She offered them a small smile. “Going down?”

“Yes, thanks so much,” Madisson answered.

They reached the ground floor and followed the resident out of the elevator. When they returned outside, Madisson looped her arm into Amelia’s. The last stop was the one Amelia was looking forward to the most, and she had to change her mindset. L.A. was going to be great. She would just need to figure out her living accommodations. She took a deep breath, then had an idea of how to make their last destination the very best.

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

Crossroads Kitchen, the vegan restaurant owned by Travis Barker, was located a few miles from the campus. But first, Amelia needed an item she couldn’t legally purchase there. At a nearby liquor store, Amelia flipped down her visor. She fished lip gloss from her center console and reapplied the pink stain.

“What are we doing here?” Madisson chirped, looking around.

Amelia puckered her lips. “I’ve been obsessed with their menu- it changes constantly,” Amelia explained. “I want the pasta, but what’s the point of pasta without wine to go with it?” She smirked.

Madisson shifted. “I guess. But how are you going to get wine?”

“Oh, Art’s taught me how to do this. He points out a buff guy in the store, and I ask them to buy it for me.”

Truthfully, Art had only told her she could probably pull it off. She hadn’t actually attempted it before, but she needed to be confident for this to work. Admitting to Madisson that it was her first time would let the doubt seep in.

“Are you sure?” Madisson’s voice was edged with concern.

“Totally. Be back in a sec.” Amelia responded before she lost her nerve.