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I clasp her hand that’s on my pec. Why don’t I? Even though my house is overrun with bodies, I’m free to do what I want. Hookup with whomever I want. Why did that stop once Paige moved in?
I push Carlita’s hand away. “Thanks for the offer, but I can’t.” My annoying brain only wants to think of Paige.
Carlita sighs and glances at Miguel. “You?”
He shrugs, then his attention turns to me. “Look, man. Here’s what you do. Go home early today. Rub one out so your brain is right. Then sit Paige down and say, ‘Paige, you’re hot and everything, and I’m stupid for not doing you right here, right now, but I’m sorry. We can’t do this because I’m worried about my sister’s mental health. I have this friend, Miguel, that’s interested. His number is—’”
Carlita puts a hand on her hip with a pout. “What about me?”
After a glance around to make sure the gym owner isn’t nearby, he hugs Carlita against him and nips her neck. “I can have both. You’re seasoned, so you can teach us.”
She laughs and kisses his cheek. “If you can handle me.”
While Carlita and Miguel show too much PDA, I climb on a treadmill and start jogging. Miguel has a point. If I talk to Paige and explain my concerns, she’ll understand. Jerking off first is probably a good idea, so I’m not tempted.
Troy appears in front of the treadmill. “Hey, glad you’re here.”
“Hey,” I respond, lowering my speed so I can talk comfortably. “Thought you didn’t work today.”
“Eh, just apartment hunting and stopped in for a quick workout.” He whips his blond hair from his forehead. “Speaking of that, I was wondering—”
“No,” I cut in, balling my fists. The fucking nerve. My house is crammed enough with him around, and I can tell he puts Paige on edge. For that reason alone, I want him out.
He laughs. “No? You don’t know what I’m about to say.”
“I have a pretty good guess.”
“So I can’t crash at your place another two weeks? I found an awesome apartment, I swear, but no openings until the twenty-ninth. I’ll even sign paperwork today.”
“No.”
Miguel joins us. “Only two more weeks? That’s not bad. You’ll pay more rent, right Troy?”
Troy frowns, but nods. “Sure. Even though I already paid a full month. I need some money for the deposit, so let’s be reasonable.”
“I’m good,” I say.
“Bro. Come on.”
“No.”
Miguel isn’t done being our mediator. He puts his hand on the treadmill like it’s his podium. “How about you let him stay one more week with you and then he can stay with me? He’ll pay both of us two weeks of rent for only staying one.”
“That’s a lot of moving around,” Troy says. “And pay what? How much savings do you think I have?”
“Fine,” Miguel responds. “I want to help both of you out, and I’ll have room at my place soon. Troy, you can stay with Brody for one week. Pay him. Then you can stay with me until your apartment is ready. No charge. What do you say, Brody?”
Troy clasps his hands together and flashes puppy-dog eyes. My resolve cracks. I don’t like him around Paige, but he hasn’t done anything suspicious. Hasn’t brought women over or come home late or been a dick. He’s actually a good roommate. I also know what it’s like to need a place to crash. Before I saved enough for my home, I couch surfed a lot.
“One week,” I say.
“Hey, thanks, man.” Troy tries to bro-shake my hand, but I don’t budge. “Cool,” he adds, stepping back. “Well, see you later.”
I watch him move to a different section of the gym, uneasiness running through me.
“You did the right thing,” Miguel offers, patting my shoulder. “What’s one more week?”
Paige
