All three of us laugh. Nick would never take the jitney. He’s as down-to-earth and humble as any upper-middle-class white man can be, but there are certain lines even he won’t cross.

Harley takes the phone back, facing it out so all of us are within view. “Moving day is in two weeks, so you can meet him then. He seems really sweet. And he’s kind of cute.”

I barely manage to contain an eye roll. Gem and Harley might find Jack’s nerdiness attractive, but I definitely don’t. And thank god for that, because nothing could be more foolish than lusting after my new landlord.

“Oh?” Nick doesn’t sound too thrilled about that description coming from Harley’s lips.

Gemma and I share a knowing glance.

“Well, I gotta go give my new roomie this lease agreement. See you later, Nicky.”

We all wave, and Harley ends the call.

“Do you want us to come back with you?” Gemma rises, already gathering her purse and coffee.

“Nah, it’s fine. If he’s going to kill me, it’ll happen eventually anyway.” I stand and grab the signed lease. “Also I’m ninety-nine percent sure I can take him.”

Harley gives me a quick hug. “Text me when you get home.”

“Thank you, guys.” I pull Gemma in, making her join our group hug even though she hates it. “Not just for today, but for this whole weekend. You’re the best.”

“Yeah, yeah. Go make some kick-ass plans for your new business, you lucky bitch.” Gemma pushes me away, but her smile is genuine.

I wave them off as they head back toward their place while I turn to go in the opposite direction, back to Jack’s. Back to my new home.

It’s been a really long time since any place has felt like home.

I knock on the door, and Jack answers within thirty seconds, like he was waiting for me to come back.

“Everything check out?”

I hand him the signed agreement. “I really hope you don’t live to regret this, Jack Thomas.”

He flips to the back of the form, double-checking my signature, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “So I’ll see you in two weeks?”

“Looking forward to it.” I feel like we need to seal the deal with a hug or a handshake or something, so I awkwardly hold up my hand for a high five. Jack just as awkwardly tries to slap my palm. But he misses. After an uncomfortable laugh, I wave and head down the front stairs.

And just like that, I have a new roommate.