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Opening the door to my room, I’m caught off guard. My bedding is already on my mattress. Sheets, comforters, and even pillowcases. They’re not even wrinkly.What the…?
A small note sits at the edge of my bed. Unfolding it, I immediately recognize Will’s handwriting.
Derek,
Your sheets were wrinkled and smelled like you hadn’t washed them in a month. I know you said you have to work tonight, so I took it upon myself to help you out. Sleep tight, Doc.
- Will
Well, shit. If that isn’t the nicest. Sure, Will’s always been nice, but this is a little extra. Of course, she knows as well as anyone what a nightmare the past few days and even weeks have been. I’ve been nothing if not honest when stopping by the tattoo studio.
I plop down belly first onto my bed, not even bothering to change out of my jeans and T-shirt or close the door. Sleep is coming fast as I inhale the lavender laundry detergent she used on my sheets. It’s heavenly.
* * *
My eyes open to a small,dark room. Light from the streetlamp right outside my window filters in and casts a glow against the wall. It’s just enough to make me jump up, forgetting for several groggy moments where the hell I am.Oh, right.
The door to the bedroom has been shut, though. I’m quite certain I didn’t shut it earlier. I reach for my cell in my pocket, checking the time.Shit.I overslept. Though I think I can manage a quick shower before I need to leave.
Grabbing a towel and set of scrubs from the top of the dresser, I walk out. There’s a glow from the direction of the living room, as I take slow measured steps toward the bathroom.
“You awake back there?” Will’s voice echoes down the hall and I step into the living room to say hello.
“Hey, yeah,” I say. “I overslept though, so I gotta grab a shower and get running.”
“Sure thing. If you need anything for your shower, it’s in the hall closet.”
“Thank you so much for—” I don’t finish my sentence, instead simply pointing back in the vague direction of my room.
“Yeah, no problem,” she says, waving her hand into the air. Will’s curled up on the couch, her legs bent beneath her, a book in hand. The slouchy sweatshirt she’s wearing looks well worn, possibly a favorite.
Though, this is probably the first time I’ve seen her with semi-normal hair. Gone is the bright pink she had six months ago. Her dark hair is left behind, which I don’t think I’ve seen since high school.
“Okay, well,” I say, slinging the towel over my shoulder, “better get going.”
God, this feels awkward. We’ve been around each other more times than I can count, but it strikes me that I’m not sure we’ve spent all that much time alone. There have always been other people around. With the exception of someone stepping out of a room and leaving us alone for a few minutes, this whole experience will definitely be the most intimate setting we’ve been in.
I’m sure we’ll settle into things,I think, as I start the water for my shower. I peel out of my clothes and step into the hot water, wanting desperately to savor it but knowing I’m pressed for time.
I make quick work of it all before throwing on deodorant and scrubs, my hair still mostly damp. Making a conscious effort to pick up my clothes from the bathroom floor, I throw them into my room and grab my wallet and keys.
Returning to the living room, I find the last thing I expect. Will’s book is abandoned on the arm of the couch and she’s returning from the kitchen, a paper sack in hand.
“I thought you could use some lunch or rather dinner I guess I should say,” she says. “Oh, and here, you’ll probably need this.” Will presents a travel mug, which I can only assume by the smell is fresh, much needed coffee.
“Oh my god. You’re like a real-life angel,” I say. So this is why people opt to live with other people.
“It’s no big deal,” she says. “I know your job has to be hella stressful right now. Black with two sugars, right?” A small, almost shy smile spreads over her face. It stretches all the way up, visible in her eyes. She’s always been such a genuine person.
Collecting the food and travel mug, I tell her I’ll see her later and head out. This little arrangement might not be too bad at all. Not at all.
SHAKE IT OUT
WILL
When I came home yesterday, I found the door to Derek’s room wide open.Derek’s room. Wow.He was passed out hard, still wearing his jeans, his legs hanging off the end of the bed. I felt, at the very least, I should close his door.
Upon waking up, he thanked me for his sheets, which wasn’t necessary. Truth be told, when his bed arrived, I stared at his naked mattress for a full five minutes being a weirdo and thinking to myself,this is where Derek sleeps. This is where Derek is probably naked sometimes. This is where Derek has sex.At that, I had to force myself to stop thinking about him in his bed and decided to at least put the man’s sheets on.
