The Green Ticket

Chapter 16



The following Saturday was date night between me and Henry. Peter was out dining Hannah and Max and Kyle were both out of town. With Lila in LA and Emma and Carmen both at parties, I was off to Henry’s so he could cook me a fantastic dinner of spaghetti and meatballs–– his specialty.

I showed up just before six, dressed in black leggings and an oversized white men’s dress shirt. I wore only ballet flats that made navigating through the melting snow a bit difficult, bright red lips, and my hair in waves. I had to dress, apply makeup, and style my hair all on my own with the girls being so busy. I wasn’t sure how I felt about my abilities to achieve greatness with my looks.

The door was open so I stepped right into the house, slipping my flats off at the door. “Hello? Henry!” I shouted, walking through the living room and into the kitchen. My boyfriend was standing at the stove, a pot of bubbling water on one burner and thawing meat on another. Henry had a spatula in one hand and was dressed in dark jeans and a navy sweater. His hair looked a little damp and when I went to hug him, the fresh scent of body soap enveloped me. Delightful.

“Hey, babe. You look gorgeous.” Henry greeted me with a kiss on the lips, instantly putting my fear of not looking good to rest. “I hope you’re hungry because I am making a boat load of food.”

“Smells delicious. And I am starving. I played catch-up on homework all day and barely ate a thing.”

“Did you get slammed with assignments too after winter break? I thought it was just my instructors that did that.”

“Nope, same here. It’s awful. And with term ending in February, all our finals are coming up and I am stressing out over it.” I sighed. “But let’s not talk about school. Can I help with anything?”

“You can help by keeping me company while I finish up and drinking that glass of wine I poured for you minutes ago. It should still be cold.” Henry pointed to the kitchen table, where a wine glass was waiting.

I smiled at him and kissed his cheek. “You’re spectacular. Anyone ever tell you that?”

“Only the women I pour wine for.” He smiled back, stirring the noodles without taking his gaze off me.

I scampered over to the kitchen table and took a seat, drawing my legs up on the stool. The wine was delicious –– fruity and bubbly and cold. “Are you a wine drinker, Henry?” I asked.

“Not so much. I can try a glass every now and again, but I much prefer beer. Though beer doesn’t really go with pasta, so I might try a glass of the wine.”

“It sounds weird, but I love to drink milk when I eat pasta. But I don’t like milk any other time, except in my cereal of course. Is that weird?” I took another sip and savored the taste.

“Um, yeah, that’s a little weird. But everyone has those odd preferences.”

“What are some of your odd preferences?” I wanted to know.

“Well, speaking of cereal, I won’t eat any cereal that turns my milk a different color. You know, like those chocolate cereals when you have chocolate milk by the time you’re done. That freaks me out.”

I laughed. “That’s a good one. Thanks for sharing.”

We continued to talk about odd preferences, then morphed into favorite foods and then favorite movies. Twenty minutes later, Henry declared dinner complete and we feasted on spaghetti and meatballs, cheesy garlic bread, and yummy caesar salad.

“You are an amazing cook,” I said, my mouth full of lettuce.

Henry laughed. “None of this stuff was too difficult to whip up. It’s mostly just time consuming.”

I nodded, taking a sip of wine. I wasn’t a wine connoisseur, but the fruity taste seemed to pair well enough with my meal. “Well, I think it’s great. Lila and I don’t eat the best at home. We barely ever cook.”

“When will she be back?”

“She’ll get in tomorrow night. I can’t wait to hear how everything went.”

“What if she tells you she’s moving to LA permanently?”

I looked down at my plate. My best friend moving away from me? “Um, I haven’t really thought that far ahead yet. It’s just too...bizarre. I can’t imagine not having Lila here.”

Henry gazed at me, and I forced myself to meet his stare. “It’s okay to be sad about it, Alex. I can’t imagine Lila leaving either. But on a different hand, I can.”

“And which hand is that?” I questioned, pulling another piece of garlic bread away from the rest.

“The hand that sees Lila is bored. I’ve only hung out with her a few times, but she’s fairly easy to read. She’s always talking about what the celebrities are wearing or doing or filming or screwing. She talks like she knows them already. I think she would probably fit in really well out there.”

Henry had realized all of that from just talking to Lila a few times? Why hadn’t I picked up on that? Oh, right–– I didn’t want to. I didn’t want Lila to leave.

“I don’t want Lila to leave,” I blurted out.

“Of course you don’t,” Henry said, matter of fact. “She’s your best friend.”

“But I want my best friend to be happy,” I said slowly.

“Of course you do.”

“So I’m just going to be happy for her either way. If she gets the opportunity, then great. If she doesn’t, I’ll just push for her to keep trying.” I looked at Henry for confirmation.

“That’s right. That’s what you’ll do, because you’re a good friend.”

I chewed silently for a moment. “My boss is sleeping with another employee.”

Henry froze with his fork halfway to his mouth. “I’m sorry?”

“My boss. Kevin. He’s cheating on his wife. With a lot of different people.” Why was I spilling these secrets to Henry now? Not even Lila knew what was going on at Blissful–– to the full extent anyway.

“Okay. Um, I think you might have to give me the full story here, Alex. Start from the beginning.”

So I told Henry. I went through all the sordid details of Kevin and how he treated the employees and how I had caught him with several other women. About Kamille and my note to make her quit. And the money I was making on the side to cover it up. By the time I was finished, my wine glass was empty and dinner was gone.

“Wow. That’s a pretty rough situation. What are you going to do?” Henry looked stunned by all my bombshells. Poor guy. He thought he was just getting a nice date with a normal girl tonight.

“I have no idea. I haven’t cashed my latest check. How the hell do I explain a $10,000 check? My sister has access to my bank accounts; what if she looks one day and questions me? How I am supposed to explain myself, my ethics, my morals? I’m helping a married man carry on with his affairs. All for what? To keep my job? I hate my job! I hate Kevin! I don’t get the respect from him that I deserve. I’m treated like some lowly assistant rather than a manager. The employees are great, except for Kamille and her backstabbing ways, but now she’s gone and I love running the place. But the no time off is killing me and my grades and my social life and the whole place just makes me feel...icky. I feel icky, Henry, every time I walk in that place.”

“Icky isn’t good. Your job–– or really, your career–– shouldn’t make you feel this way. Do you consider Blissful and being a manager your career? Is that where you want to stay, or at least do with your life?”

I stood and helped Henry carry our dishes over to the sink. He started rinsing them and loading the dishwasher while I thought over his question. “I really love what I do at Blissful. I’ve always been interested in the spa business, and running the place makes me happy and I feel important. It’s so empowering to make decisions on when to run sales and how to advertise and think of good marketing deals for the holidays. I would love to open my own spa one day and really run it the way I envision it.”

“Have you ever looked into what it takes to open one?”

“Not really. I don’t have the time. I know that sounds like a poor excuse, but I really don’t. I barely have time to eat a full meal anymore.”

We moved into the living room, where we sat side by side on the couch. Henry wrapped his arm around me and I snuggled into his shoulder. I was flattered that he was talking this out with me. It made me feel that he was invested in me, that he really cared about my thoughts and feelings.

“Maybe you need to make that time. We could do it tonight if you want to,” he offered.

“Tonight? But we have movie night planned out,” I protested, not wanting to ruin our date.

“I think this might be more important. I won’t lie to you, Alex–– after what you said about Kevin, I’m pretty uncomfortable with you working at Blissful. This man seems shady, and I’m wondering when he’s going to make a move on you.”

“On me?” I scoffed. “Kevin hasn’t tried to pull anything on me. I don’t think I have to worry about that.”

“You never know. It’s just a concern I have. I would hate for something to happen between you two when you’re alone at the spa some night. What if he really tries to hurt you? I think it’s best if you start looking for other jobs right away, but still do some research on opening up your own.”

“But I’m only twenty. Twenty-one in a few days sure, but still. What bank is going to give me a loan for that? I have six months of managing a salon under my belt. Big whoop. That’s nothing.”

“You should talk to my sister. She opened her own boutique all on her own, with barely any experience. And she opened her store right out of college. I bet she could give you some pointers and advice.”

I had yet to meet Henry’s sister, Kate, who lived in Milwaukee. He talked about her quite a bit and she sounded like a smart woman who had her act together. Maybe she would be able to help me.

“I don’t know. It’s a big risk, opening a business. What if it fails?”

“Honestly, it probably will.” I glared at Henry, who immediately put his hands up in defense. “Hear me out. Most small businesses fail. You’ve taken the courses. I’m sure you know that a lot of small businesses go under in the first year. That’s why you can’t rush this process. Start looking around for other jobs first. Spa jobs, maybe a managing position if you can get lucky. But I don’t think you can keep getting your soul sucked at Blissful. You’re not happy, Alex.”

I absorbed Henry’s words. How the hell did I find such a smart guy? “I’m not happy. I’m not. I’m sad and disgusted and horrified and mad. I feel angry whenever I just think about Blissful. I hate how corporate Kevin is and how he only cares about money and women. It’s gross and disturbing and I can’t work for someone like that. The hours kill me. My schoolwork is slipping. I do see the benefits–– the experience I’m getting–– but I can’t make that one positive outweigh all the negatives. You’re right. I need a new job.”

Henry and I sat in silence for a while, me thinking about what the hell I was going to do next. Would I really get a second chance at managing a spa? Would I really be able to pull together a business plan and open my own company? It seemed too daunting to even take seriously.

Henry and I were able to watch the movie we rented, only after I promised three times I would start a new job hunt tomorrow on my day off. In between kisses, I took a moment to reflect on how happy I was with Henry. What a frickin catch I had made.

$$$

The next night, Sunday, Lila strolled into the apartment around four o’clock. I had offered to pick her up from the airport, but she told me during one of our phone conversations that Mary had arranged a car service to take her home. A car service. Lucky duck. I was lounging on the couch, making final notes on the Valentine’s Day specials we would be running at Blissful when the door opened.

“Honey, I’m home!” Lila shouted, throwing her suitcase aside and stretching out her arms.

I squealed, jumping to my feet to embrace her. “You’re home! And you’re so tan. I’m extremely jealous. Did you work at all or just lay on the beach? Did you get signed? Did you meet Brad Pitt?”

Lila laughed, letting me go and taking a seat on the couch. I joined her. “So many questions! Okay–– no I didn’t get to go to the beach. We were constantly moving around and meeting with people, but Mary did have me do a spray tan once I got there, so that’s all this is.” She gestured towards her bronzed arms.

“A spray tan?”

“Yeah, I had to get naked in front of some lady and she basically painted a tan on me with a nozzle. It was bizarre, cold and a little uncomfortable, but look how tan I am! And no UV rays or any chance of skin cancer.”

Lila did look good. I made a mental note to think about adding a spray tan to Blissful. That could be a popular option for those who avoided tanning beds.

“Besides, it was a little chilly out there. Definitely not like here, but I’d say in the fifties and sixties. It rained almost every day, so the beach wasn’t really an option, even if we did have the time.”

She paused, and I stared at her expectedly. “So? The biggest question–– were you signed? Did you find someone to represent you and make you into a star?” Are you moving away from me? I bit my tongue from asking that last question.

Lila took a deep breath, and I saw my answer in her sparkling eyes before she spoke. “Yes. Yes! Can you believe it, Alex? Mary helped me get signed with Ross Ricchio, who runs Ricchio Talent Management, or RTM. I actually had a few offers, but Mary steered me towards Ross and I signed on the dotted line and –– and I’m doing it. I’m really doing it.” Lila suddenly burst into tears, which threw me off balance.

“Hey, hey, what’s the matter? Aren’t you thrilled? This is your dream come true. You’re getting a shot with a real agent and agency and someone who can find you great jobs.” I wrapped my friend in a hug and tried to soothe her. “What’s with the crying? You have to be so excited.”

“I am. I am excited. But I’m terrified, Al. What if I mess it all up? What if I’m no good? What if I can’t make any friends out there and I’m alone and have to start buying cats? What if I turn into a spoiled celebrity and get triple D boobs and injections that make my lips look like fish and dye my hair platinum blonde?”

“Did you make a detour at that bunny house you’re always talking about?” I asked, only half joking.

Lila laughed, pulling back and wiping her face with her fingertip. “The Playboy mansion. No, we didn’t get to stop there, unfortunately. But I saw a ton of girls who looked like plastic versions of the same person. It was creepy. I don’t want to turn into that.”

“You have to make sure you stay grounded. Call me a lot. Call your family a lot. I’m sure you’ll be able to find one other person out there who hasn’t turned into a Barbie zombie. It might take a little bit, but you’ll find that person. And then you two have to rely on each other to keep your cool and not get a ton of plastic surgery –– which by the way –– would totally freak me out. You better not look plastic when I come out to visit you.”

“How am I going to leave you?” Lila burst into a fresh set of tears. “And my family, my sisters? You and Hannie and Carmen and Emma? I’m scared to start over. Everyone I know and love is here. Iowa is comfortable.”

“But you’re bored here, Lila. You’d continue to be bored here if you don’t go. You at least have to try. Maybe once you get to LA and get in the groove of things you’ll realize it’s not for you. And that would be okay too. I would not complain if you moved back. But at least you’ll know you tried. You chased your dream.” I knew that Lila wasn’t really doubting her move to LA. It had been all she talked about for years. But it was normal to be scared, and I could recognize her fear above all else.

“I guess it will be nice to get away from these shitty winters,” Lila admitted, giving a little sniffle.

“Um, are you kidding me? I think I got frostbite the other day when I went to scrape off my car. I’m definitely making sure to plan my trips to see you in the January time frame.”

Lila’s blue eyes started to sparkle again. “I can wear my cute dresses every day and open-toed shoes.”

“And get more spray tans when you can’t go to the beach.”

“And rub elbows with celebrities. You’ll never guess who I saw eating lunch at the same place Mary and I were eating.”

“Who?”

“Alyssa Milano!”

Blank stare. “Who?”

“Seriously, Alex. Alyssa Milano. Who’s the Boss?” Blank. “Charmed.” Blanker. “I’ll Google her picture. You’ll know her when you see her.”

“Okay. I guess I’ll have to be much more up to date on celebrities so we still have things to talk about when you call me. You will still call me, right?” My own fear kicked in. I was just realizing that my best friend was going to be moving miles and miles away from me. Everything was about to change.

Lila must have noticed the terror in my own eyes. She smiled and squeezed my hand. “Of course I’ll call, Alex. And email. Even Skype. You’re my best friend.”

I nodded, holding the tears back with all my might. I was happy for Lila. She deserved to get her big chance. I really wasn’t even jealous –– at least not for the fact that she was moving and her life was about to become a million times more exciting than my own. That was her destiny, not mine. But I was jealous that she had figured it out, and I was just stuck at Blissful watching Kevin cheat on his wife.

“When are you going to tell the girls? I was thinking we should all do a big dinner tonight to celebrate. Get dressed up and go out and have a few drinks. I’m thinking Mexican, that way Hannah and I don’t get carded.” We never got ID’d at our favorite Mexican restaurant, La Bamba, and they had killer margaritas. “Then you could tell everyone your news together.”

“Sounds like a plan. I’ll send them a text.” We were quiet for a few moments while Lila texted and I gathered up my advertising plans and stuck them in a folder.

“Everyone’s in. They’ll meet us here around six-ish,” Lila said, tossing her phone back in her purse. “I’m going to try to unpack a little bit. Want to help me?”

“Yes.” I answered immediately, and we smiled at each other. I think we both felt the same way–– we just wanted to be by each other. Our days as roommates were numbered. Which reminded me–– “Hey, when are you actually moving? And what about classes?”

“They want me out there as soon as possible, so I’ll be leaving after this term. Mary is helping me with the paperwork that Kaufman will require and setting me up with online classes once I’m out there. I don’t want to go through three years of school and have nothing to show for it. I want to get my degree. There’s no guarantee this will work out, so I would like to have a backup plan. ”

I followed Lila into her room, finding a seat on her bed amidst all the clothes, shoes, and makeup items scattered about. “That’s smart. I think that’s a good decision. So terms ends February second. About two more weeks then?”

“Yep.” Lila paused, then unzipped her suitcase. “Gosh, that doesn’t seem far away. Holy shit. I’m moving to LA.”

“Holy shit,” I echoed. I worried she might get emotional again, so I quickly asked, “Tell me about your agent! Ross? Do you like him or is he creepy?”

Lila chatted away about Ross, who seemed like a fairly normal guy (by LA standards) while she unpacked the rest of her suitcase. I asked her about her living situation (Mary and Ross would help hook her up with an apartment and roommate) when she thought she would start jobs (hopefully within three months) and what she thought of the LA guys (very tan, very white teeth, very metro). By the time she finished talking and unpacking it was nearing five-thirty and we had to get ready for our dinner.

After changing our outfits –– me in dark skinny jeans and a lace long-sleeved top, Lila in a dark blue sweater dress and knee-high boots –– we crammed into the bathroom to do our makeup. It felt strange knowing that our time squeezing ourselves into this miniscule bathroom was now limited. Afraid if she or I brought it up and we would start crying, I decided to fill her in about Blissful and see if she could help me make a decision about staying.

Somewhere between the primer and fake eyelashes, Lila stopped with the makeup application and just stared at me as I spoke. “So your weird feeling about Allie was correct. I still can’t believe she would fool around with Kevin. I cashed the five thousand dollar check because it was doubling as my Christmas bonus. But ten thousand? What the hell am I supposed to do with that?”

“Holy shit, Alex. That’s a lot of money you’re talking about. I can’t believe he can just throw that many Benjamin’s around. Sheesh.”

“Yeah, they have a shit ton of money. Which doesn’t make me feel so bad that he’s giving so much to me, but isn’t Dani noticing these checks?”

“Do you think Dani knows about Kevin’s ways?” Lila asked, turning back to the mirror and running a blush brush over her cheeks.

“Like, does she know about the affairs? And that he can just pay people off?”

“I don’t know, just wondering. You would have to think that with so many women and so much money being spent she would have to know. Or at least have an idea.”

“Look at that golfer–– Tiger Woods. He was with how many porn stars and his wife said she had no idea.”

Lila blinked at me. “How the hell do you know about Tiger Woods?”

I shrugged, slicking some pink gloss over my lips. “I do know some things about Hollywood, Lila. And when a pro golfer who seems like such a wholesome dude has this creepy sex life with porn stars while his hot wife sits at home with their kids, that tends to stick with me.”

“Alrighty then. You remember the strangest things. Anyway, maybe Dani knows, maybe she doesn’t. Maybe she just doesn’t care.”

“I guess. And with the money–– well, I was kind of hoping to maybe one day start my own spa. And this money, though tainted, could really help me start saving up towards that goal. Or do you think that’s lame?”

“No, I think it’s a great idea! I’m sure you need, like, capital and all the crap to put up, and you might as well use that money for your own business. Make something good come from it.”

“Henry was really supportive of it too,” I said, catching Lila’s expression in the mirror. “Lila?”

“You already talked to Henry about all of this?” she asked, looking crestfallen.

“Well, yeah. I told him about it last night. I just couldn’t hold it in any longer and it all just came tumbling out.” I paused. “Are you upset?”

Lila shook her head, her blonde hair bouncing off the lights. “No, no. I’m sorry. I don’t have any right to get upset. It’s just–– usually you would talk to me first about all this. Not some guy. But I understand because I was gone and pretty soon I will be really gone. I can’t expect you to wait for me to tell me this stuff. It’s just–– different.” Lila’s voice broke on that word.

I reached over to give her another hug. “Lils, you will always be my best friend. It doesn’t matter that we have to be separated for a while. You get to go be awesome in LA and get spray tans every day while I sit freezing in Iowa and work for a pervert. I’m still going to come to you with my problems. Just maybe not as much. But I can guarantee I’ll come to you when I’m having issues with Henry, because let’s face it–– I can’t really go to him!”

That got Lila to crack a smile. “Sorry I’m being such a drama queen. It’s just been a lot to take in and I don’t think I’ve really got my head all wrapped around it. It just might take me some more time to get used to the situation is all. Then I promise I’ll stop crying all the time.”

“No worries.” We smiled at each other, then went back to putting the finishing touches on our makeup. The girls would be arriving any moment. “Back to this Kevin and money debacle –– I have to say that in a weird way, I’m excited. To know that I’m saving to open my business, to be a real business owner. That’s pretty sweet. I almost feel like Kevin’s handing me the golden ticket or something.”

“More like the green ticket. Get it? Green, money.” Lila laughed at her own joke, and I chuckled along with her. It was the truth. “But I’m proud of you, Alex. And if you decide you really can’t stick it out any longer at Blissful, I know you’ll find something great to replace it with. Even if it takes a while. You know Big Frank would take you back to Tastie’s in a heartbeat.”

“Ugh, I don’t know if I can go back to flashing my bra every night after all this Blissful shit,” I said. “When are you going to put in your notice?”

“I think tomorrow. I have the day off, but I might as well go in and get it over with,” Lila said as a knock on the door sounded.

“Hello? Bitches? We’re here and we’re starving!” Carmen’s voice rang through the apartment.

“In the bathroom!” Lila shouted. “Thanks for listening to me, Alex. I love you, girl.”

“I love you, Lils. You are going to be a star, and I’ll get to say I knew you when you had to flash your bra as a waitress. Now let’s eat!”

$$$



“So you’re moving away? Officially?” Emma asked, staring at Lila after my best friend broke her big news.

“Yes. I’ll be finishing out this term and then...I’ll be gone. Man, that seems so weird to say,” Lila said, taking a gulp of her margarita.

“Wow. Well, obviously, congrats. That’s a huge fricking deal and you should be thrilled. Like, take your pants off kind of thrilled,” Carmen said, causing the rest of us to glance at each other. I hoped nobody would be taking their pants off in the middle of the restaurant. “Of course we’ll all be sad to see you go, but you have to do it. It’s your dream. And it’s huge. Not everyone gets a chance like this.”

“I know. I am so lucky. I’m lucky I made a great connection with Mary who knows all the right people in LA. And I’m lucky Ross wanted to take me on. Now I just have to fake my confidence out there until I really feel some.”

“I don’t mean to cut in on your parade, Lil, but what about you?” Hannah turned to me, where I was idly chewing on my straw, thinking about Lila and her spray tanned body going surfing and meeting celebrities. I was actually trying to slot myself into that daydream, but I just couldn’t do it. LA was not for me.

“What about me?” I asked.

“What about your living situation? Won’t you have to pay double rent if you don’t have another roommate by next term?”

“Oh, shit.” During our entire conversation about Lila leaving Iowa, I had never thought about what that would do for me. “I guess I didn’t think about it. You’re right though. I have to find someone or else pay the full amount. Shit.” I started to panic, until I remembered all the checks from Kevin. I wasn’t going to have to cry to my sister to try to help me out financially anymore. I could back myself up. But I really wanted that money to go toward opening my own spa. Damn.

“Oh, no! I’m so sorry, Alex. I didn’t even think about the rent. Maybe I could talk to housing and get it extended or something. It’s not your fault I’m leaving; you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences.”

“It’s all right, I’ll figure it out. I’m sure I have some extra money lying around that I could use.” I tried to send her a signal with my eyes, reminding her about the thousands of dollars I had thanks to Kevin’s affairs. A light dawned in her eyes and I saw her shoulders relax for a second, then tighten back up. I was sure she was thinking about what I originally wanted to use the money for. I gave a quick shake of my head, trying to indicate we would discuss it later. I didn’t want all the girls to know yet since I was still unsure of what my next step would be, and communicating telepathically with Lila was getting exhausting.

“Well, I have an idea. I’m not sure if you’d be up for it, but it’s an offer,” Hannah said, right as the waiter came and set our steaming plates in front of us. We paused while we opened our napkins and shuffled our silverware out, tucking in for our first delicious bites. The white cheese sauce in my quesadilla oozed as I cut in daintily with my fork and knife, then gave up and picked it up with my hands, shoving the triangle piece into my mouth. Heaven.

“All right, what’s your idea?” I asked Hannah after a few bites.

“Why don’t you move in with me? I have a second bedroom that isn’t being used and plenty of space. It wouldn’t be too difficult to move your stuff up a few flights of stairs.”

“Really? You would really give up your huge-ass apartment and quiet quarters for me? Hannah, are you sure?” Hannah lived on the fifteenth floor of Wacker, or the ‘penthouse’ as us commoners liked to call it. Her apartment was a spacious two-bedroom unit, with a large bathroom and even a dishwasher. The fifteenth floor was definitely for the rich kids. Hannah used the second bedroom as her “study room” and we all knew that she loved her peace and quiet for when she was working on homework. I was a little surprised at her generosity, but then again, not really. That was just Hannah.

“Of course. I get lonely by myself sometimes and if it will help you out, then I’m more than happy to give up my study room.”

Carmen let out a giggle. “Study room. Gets me every time.”

Hannah shook her head but was smiling. “Anyway, what do you think? You don’t have to answer now, you can think about it for a while. Just know the offer is open.”

“I don’t have to think about it. Of course I would love to be your roommate! Thank you so much, Hannah. This will really help me out.” I leaned across my seat to give her a half hug. “I’m moving to the fifteenth floor. The penthouse! Everyone will be so jealous of me. Wait–– Hannah, how much is rent there after we split the cost?” Would the move actually hurt me more financially?

Hannah waved away my concerns. “I’ll talk to my dad about it, but I’m sure he won’t mind you living there. He pays my rent now. I don’t think adding a roommate will make a difference.”

“Hannah, no. I can’t ask you to give up your space and then just be a freeloader. Please let me pay my part.”

“You didn’t ask, I offered.” Hannah took a sip of her water, trying to signal our conversation was over.

“What if I paid what I pay now? I’m sure that’s barely a fourth of your rent, but it would really make me feel better. Please, Hannah. Or else I’ll just feel like I constantly have to be quiet and do all the dishes and make you dinner every night. I’ll feel like a house guest instead of a roommate.”

Hannah considered my proposal. “All right. You can pay what you pay in rent now. If that will really make you feel better.”

I nodded, satisfied. “It will. Whew, what a relief.”

“Wow, things are really changing around here,” Emma said. “Lila moving to LA, Alex and Hannah going to be roommates, Hannah has a serious boyfriend, and Carmen and I...”

“Carmen and you what? Do you have news too?” Lila asked.

“Nah. We’re just Carmen and Emma. The unexciting gals with no cool news,” Carmen finished up. “Maybe we should get working on that, Em. Be more exciting. Move, get a cool job, a boyfriend. Anything! We used to be the exciting ones in the group.”

“Truth. We’ll just have to work harder. Hey, that new bar downtown is hiring girls to go around and dance and hand out shots. I think they call them shot girls. We could apply for that.”

“Sign me up! I love dancing and I love shots.”

We all laughed and started discussing what we thought the job duties of a shot girl would entail. Our dinner passed smoothly, full of laughs, fruity drinks, and way too much chips and queso. I thought back over our dinner when I was in bed that night, in awe of how much things were about to change.