Chapter 2. Perhaps He’s Right

“What’s on your mind?” I asked, my curiosity piqued. I tended to be the more rational one between us, often questioning his ideas and seeking clarification.

“My friends, my roommates,” he began, and I nodded in agreement. “Look, I just can’t stay here for another year.”

“Alright?” I replied, waiting for more details.

“All the others renewed the lease, but I didn’t.”

“Don’t all those guys go to your school?” I asked, seeking clarification. “Don’t they know you’ve graduated high school?”

I hadn’t been a first-year student; I met them during my second year in the dorms. We even played basketball together in the gym. My brow furrowed as he continued.

“Are they all in their fourth year, like me?” I asked, and he nodded in confirmation.

“Yeah, and they can’t find anyone to move into the fourth room,” he explained, and I immediately saw the upside. “They’ve been searching for weeks since I told them I was taking that job in Jersey.”

“They couldn’t find a roommate?” I wondered aloud. “Why are we even discussing this? You could easily let a friend you don’t see much buy your spot.”

“They don’t want a naïve freshman or some kid who just wants to hang out with upperclassmen,” he explained. “Plus, you’re neither messy nor loud, which is exactly what they’re looking for.”

I knew firsthand that “those guys” were rowdy and disorganized.

“Asher tried to do a handstand in the living room while he was drunk last year, and he left a dent in the wall with his foot,” Elias revealed, making my jaw drop. “Our landlord was having financial issues and was thinking of evicting us.”

“So, what’s your point?” I asked.

“Take the room that used to be mine,” Elias suggested, quickly tapping his phone as he spoke. “It’s conveniently close to campus.”

Was he serious? My mind raced. I could go out more than twice a year, and I’d get much more sleep than I do now.

My face lit up as I asked, “Who lives there?”

“Asher and Caleb. Surely you’ve met before,” he said.

I tried to recall their faces. “Maybe just once?”

“Cool. There’s also Nash.”

“Nash?” I questioned, and he confirmed it with a nod. “I’ve never met him.”

“You two never met,” Elias explained. “After hearing more about him, you’ll catch up.”

“You want me to live with three guys I don’t know?” I sighed, hoping he’d see my perspective. “That’s a lot, Elias. I’ve never lived on my own before, and I don’t know if—”

“Please do it. We can’t find anyone else, so the three of them are covering the rent until they can,” he explained. “You know me, Chloe, and you know I wouldn’t steer you toward something bad.”

“You would, right?” I asked, trying to get my way, and he rolled his eyes.

“Maybe if it involved stealing traffic cones, but not if it would mess up your life,” he reassured me. Elias was a soft-hearted person who never wished me any pain or unhappiness, and I believed him. “I know these guys, and they’re good people who will like you.”

“But what if they don’t like me?” I worried.

“No way that’ll happen,” Elias assured me. “I promise. If you decide to help me out, you’d be doing me a huge favor.”

I wasn’t sure it would be any good for these people. “So, what do they think?” I asked, and he simply shrugged.

“I could text you,” Elias suggested. “We could go check it out right now.”

His response gave me chills. Meeting new people had never been my strong suit.

“I just messaged them to let them know that a friend of mine is interested in checking out the place,” Elias explained, and the lump in my throat disappeared as he spoke. He turned his phone around to show me.

It had been months since I last saw Elias, so I wasn’t sure how well I really knew him. Now I was supposed to move in with his friends? It didn’t make much sense.

But the convenience of the location to the university was undeniable. It made sense in terms of proximity to my home, work, and studies. If I passed up this opportunity, I wouldn’t have had time to find new roommates before the semester started.

“Um…” I mumbled at first but then realized it wouldn’t hurt to take a look. “Sure, why not?”

Elias smiled as he replied to his friends. I went back to finishing my coffee, trying to down it before we left.

“They’re really looking forward to meeting you,” Elias informed me, and I felt a sense of relief. I was capable of handling this situation on my own. Elias was too kind-hearted to hang out with troublemakers and criminals. “I’ll grab a to-go cup.”

As soon as I set down my cup, he jumped up from his seat. I settled back and smoothed my hair, reminding myself to stay calm and act naturally. If things went well, I might not have to live with my parents for much longer. Otherwise, everything would be okay.

“Ready?” Elias stood over me and asked.

I got up, grabbed my bag, and took a deep breath, offering a tentative smile. “Yeah.” Then I grabbed my glass and turned to the counter.

“You don’t need to do that; someone comes by to clear the tables,” he informed me, and I rolled my eyes.

“I just want to help,” I replied. “I can at least get it to the front of the line.” The irate cashier seemed somewhat relieved at my words. I nodded kindly at her and headed back to where Elias patiently waited at the entrance.

“You’re going to love it, Chloe,” Elias reassured me.

I hoped with all my heart that he was right.