Chapter 5. Weird Decision

“Hey,” Nash greeted politely. “That metal bed won’t do if you’re looking for an Airbnb,” he joked.

I laughed along, trying to calm my racing heart. Why couldn’t I just relax? “I’m Chloe, by the way.”

“Chloe,” he repeated and entered my room. I nodded, trying to quell my nervousness. “Nash,” he said, extending his hand. I took a deep breath, forced my emotions down, and shook his hand.

“Hello, n-nice to meet you!” I replied, but I was embarrassed because I stuttered. I withdrew my hand quickly to prevent it from getting sweaty again.

“Why are you in Elias’s room?” he asked, trying to sound casual, but his presence was unsettling.

“I’m checking it out,” I replied with a friendly tone.

“Really? We’re looking for a fourth roommate,” he added.

“Oh, that’s great!” I exclaimed, feeling more at ease when he smiled. Thank goodness he didn’t seem to think I was a nerdy loser.

“Have you talked to everyone else yet?”

“Yeah, I think they’re debating whether I should move in,” I said, and we both laughed.

“That’s what the kitchen discussion is about, I see,” he noted, and I shrugged while he sighed.

“I’m not sure what they’re discussing, but I think you’d get along with them,” he said, winking at me. My heart felt like it was about to burst through my skin, and I tried not to meet his gaze.

“It was lovely to meet you, but I need to take my workout bag back to my room,” Nash said as he excused himself. Before he left, he threw me another wink that nearly drove me crazy. I really needed a moment to collect myself.

“Chloe!” Elias’s voice brought me back to reality, and I cleared my throat, stuffing my hands into my back pockets. “Did you meet Nash?” he asked once Nash had left for his room and closed the door.

“I did,” I replied, feeling like his piercing green eyes were going to be the end of me.

“Come here, and we’ll have a serious chat,” Elias suggested, and I agreed, following him into the kitchen. While on the way, I took out my phone once again to text my mother a location.

Asher brought out a copy of the lease as the five of us gathered around the kitchen island.

“Here’s our lease. Please review this and let us know if you have any questions,” he said with a smile. “If you’re interested in moving in with us, Chloe, we’d love to have you!”

“Okay,” I replied, quickly scanning the paper.

“Do you want to set up house with us?” Caleb asked with a hint of skepticism.

“Yeah, I don’t see any problems with it,” I said. “I mean, are you all serial killers or something?” I added with a chuckle, making everyone laugh.

“No, just curious,” Caleb said. “Some girls might not like it.”

“I really need a place,” I admitted, shaking my head in disbelief. “My commute is killing me, and I can’t take it anymore. I manage the college swimming facility, and more independence there would be great. I want to move in. I can cook, I’m a responsible tenant, I have a good credit score, and I keep my apartment neat and tidy.” I paused, realizing I had said something interesting as everyone raised an eyebrow.

“What dishes can you make?” Caleb asked, prodding me for more information.

“What are you like?” Nash chimed in, and I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. I couldn’t concentrate when he was looking at me.

“I have a hectic schedule as a creative arts major, but I’m flexible and easy to get along with. I tend to be more reserved than outgoing,” I explained. “I won’t throw parties or do anything that would disturb you.”

“Absolutely essential,” Asher emphasized. “It’s cool if we chat about it first. Do you enjoy attending social events? Is that your thing?”

“I like it,” I replied. “Not always, but when I do, I don’t mind hitting the town.”

“Cool,” Asher said, and I agreed. “How about cleaning?”

“I’m very clean,” I assured them.

“You’re free to leave your room however you like, but could everyone pitch in to keep the shared spaces and restrooms tidy?” Asher suggested, and I nodded in agreement.

“That’s great. I’m glad you’re clean,” Asher said, and I casually shrugged. Laughter filled the room. “I’m happy to clean up,” I added.

“Well, then,” Asher said, taking stock of the situation. Everyone nodded in agreement. “We’d love for you to move in with us.”

Elias hugged me, and I felt a rush of happiness. My heart was pounding, and everyone else was clapping. I felt much safer and happier here, even if I had to share a house with three men.

“Wow, this is awesome!” I exclaimed. “You guys are awesome.”

“You’re helping us out, so please don’t stop,” Caleb said, showing signs of relief. “Everything about this is fantastic. I’ve been suggesting for a long time that this place could use some feminine touches.” Both Nash and Asher chuckled, and I tucked the lease away.

“Oh, I think I need your contact info so we can chat,” I said, realizing I should exchange information.

I started by providing my contact information to Asher, who seemed like the most appropriate person to approach.

“There’s a group of girls in the apartments on the upper floors. Everyone here is kind and likes to hang out together,” Caleb explained, and I nodded, not sure if they’d involve me in their activities or if I’d end up as a roommate no one talked to. At least one of them needed to reach out to me, but these guys were quite different from my usual friends. Compared to them, I felt like a total nerd.

“Cool,” I responded, tucking my hair behind my ear, trying to appear casual. Caleb gave me his phone number, then Nash. The thought of Nash giving me his number made me anxious, even though I had no intention of messing around with anyone.

“Chloe?” Nash’s voice brought me back from my thoughts, and I just shrugged, handing the phone back. My fingers brushed against his, sending a shiver down my spine.

“I have to leave, but we can talk about it and work things out,” I reassured them, and they broke into broad grins. “Thanks again.”

“No, thank you,” Caleb laughed.

“I appreciate your decision to make my place your home,” Elias said, and after a bit of mumbling, he released me from the hug.

I waved goodbye to everyone and left.

“So long!” I heard a faint chorus as I exited the screen door and retraced my steps to street level. I couldn’t help but smile at how happy this made me. I hadn’t made a plan or prepared a budget yet.

There were only two potential issues on my mind at the moment. First, when my parents found out, they would go crazy. Second, I had to figure out how to get used to daily life with Nash.

The second one was actually making me more anxious.