So I head out to a café in the late morning, catching up on some work. After my very successful Instagram post, I have three new inquiries in my email inbox, so I respond to those, chatting with potential clients about what they might be looking for. For now I’m sticking with individual arrangements, since I don’t really have the space or the manpower or the confidence for any type of event just yet. But since I’m repurposing vases and sourcing all my flowers locally, I’m able to keep costs down and each arrangement is netting a solid profit. And with my bar shifts easily covering rent and my other bills, financially things aren’t looking too bad these days. My student loans will still never be paid off, but that’s kind of a given for us broke-ass millennials.

I don’t return home until it’s time to change into my tight jeans and low-cut tank top for work, the quiet house echoing around me. I haven’t really had much alone time since moving in with Jack, and I’m surprised to find that I don’t miss it. While I don’t mind being by myself, I find comfort in knowing there’s someone else there with me. Even if they aren’t physically there.

Luckily nothing provides a distraction quite like thirsty-ass customers demanding all your attention. I throw myself into my shift at the bar and am heartily rewarded for my hard work at the end of the night. I make the walk home with my keys clenched tightly in my hand, phone open and ready to dial 911. Even though I make this walk alone two times a week, it feels a little more ominous knowing there’s no one waiting for me at home.

But I survive, kicking my shoes off as soon as I walk in and not bothering to move them from directly in front of the door. After my shower, I climb into bed and curl up with my iPad. I’m tempted to watch a new episode of Housewives since I know I’ll have trouble sleeping here all by myself, but I couldn’t do that to Jack. Now that I’ve gotten him addicted, it just wouldn’t be fair.

And speak of the devil.

JACK: How was your shift?

ME: Good. How is your super-duper mystery assignment?

ME: Oh shit! Are you in the CIA?

JACK: Can you feel me rolling my eyes, even from states away?

ME: Ha! So you’ve left the state of New York!

JACK: Yes.

ME: Jersey?

ME: Boston?

ME: Philly?

JACK: Anyway. Just wanted to make sure you got home safe.

ME: Regretting that now?

ME: Vermont?

JACK: I’m putting you on do not disturb.

ME: No you’re not.

JACK: You’re right. Good night.

ME: Night.