Page 27 of The Reluctant Roommate

The messy kitchen mocked her. Heidi had cooked an amazing meal, but Morgan had underestimated what a sloppy cook she was. She thought they’d cleaned up before bed, but now, in the harsh overhead light, the sauce on the backsplash, the random bits of salad on the floor, and the salad dressing sitting on the counter instead of in the fridge taunted her. She lifted the stovetop grates and narrowed her eyes at the crusty line where the rice had boiled over. She pressed her lips together and reached for the range cleaner.

An hour later, the kitchen shone. Morgan’s eyes scratched with tiredness, but at least her mind was calmer. She filled a mug with water and put it in the microwave. She’d make that herbal tea, and hopefully that would be enough to help her sleep.

She woke with a start sometime later, her mind scrambling to catch up. She cracked her eyes open. She was on the living room couch, the mug of cold tea on the table next to her. And from the noise in the kitchen, Heidi had to be making breakfast. More mess. She looked at her cell phone—it was just past eight. At least she’d had some sleep, and although her stiff neck screamed that it would have been better to sleep in her expensive bed, at least she’d slept.

Morgan levered herself to her feet and went through to the kitchen.

“Hi.” Heidi turned from the toaster and gave her a smile. “I hope I didn’t wake you.”

“I’m glad you did. My neck and back thank you.”

“Couldn’t sleep?” At Morgan’s nod, Heidi continued, “My mom sings ‘Ten Green Bottles’ in reverse in her head. She never gets past seventy-nine green bottles hanging on the wall. Coffee?” She held up the bag of grocery store beans.

“Sure. Thanks.” It might help clear her brain fog.

Heidi pushed two slices of bread into the toaster. The Vegemite jar and a dirty knife sat on the counter amid a scattering of crumbs. “I’m having brekkie now, as I want to video chat with Fiona. There’s nothing worse than toast crumbs in the bedsheets, though. Breakfast in bed is so overrated.”

“I’ve never had breakfast in bed.” Surely that was something only small kids did as a “treat” for their moms on Mother’s Day? And crumbs? No. Just no.

“You’re not missing anything.”

Morgan focused on Heidi’s forearms and fingers as she unscrewed the Vegemite. Strong forearms, neat hands withshort, clipped fingernails. No polish. She looked down at her own nails. The once perfect buffed ovals were now a bit long, ragged on the edges, and the clear polish she used was growing out. When had she let herself slip so much? It was hardly a professional image. At least Heidi didn’t seem to have noticed.

The toast popped, and Heidi covered it with a thick layer of butter and a scraping of Vegemite. More crumbs joined the ones on the counter as she finished the toast in four large bites. “Okay, I’m done. Time for my call with Fiona.” She opened the dishwasher and went to put her plate on the rack, then checked and turned and rinsed it first. Then she left.

Morgan scowled at the remaining crumbs on the counter. She’d been about to ask Heidi to make more of an effort to clean up, but she’d gone before she could raise the subject.

It seemed the honeymoon period was over.

~ ~ ~

Morgan opened her email and scanned down her messages. Two emails from financial firms she’d applied to jumped out. Maybe they were requesting an interview. Maybe they’d found her résumé a good match for the position. Maybe.Maybe.

She opened the first email and scanned the opening lines.

Dear Ms.Favola. Thank you for your interest in employment with Crystal Star Financial. We have now filled this position, however we will keep your details on file should any further vacancy arise.

Kind regards, etc. etc. The second email said the exact same in slightly different wording.

She opened her spreadsheet of applications and updated the response. That left only one outstanding application, plus thecareer-ending option of working with Murray Price. Although, how could that be career ending if her career had already ended?

She changed to her banking app and stared at the balance. Despite Heidi’s rent money and despite her being careful, her savings were diminishing faster than she’d expected. What else could she do? Grocery shopping from the chain supermarkets rather than the organic whole food places for one. Lower her standards—she didn’t need the premium brands all the time.

She opened the Excel spreadsheet she used to track her budget. The car was coming up for service. And with two people in the house, the power bills would be higher. Morgan bit her lip as worry churned in her chest. Would those changes be enough?

She switched to LinkedIn to update her profile and post something relevant. Although what, she had no idea.

~ ~ ~

“It’s going well, Fi.” Heidi grinned at her sister over the video link. “Morgan can be kinda prickly, but I think we’re finding things in common.”

“Queer community?” Fiona asked.

“Technically yes, but the house isn’t awash with Pride flags, if that’s what you mean. Maybe I should suggest we go to an event together. Although I don’t know how comfortable she is with that.”

“With being out, or being out with you?” Fiona slapped her forehead. “Duh. I don’t mean being outoutwith you, like you’re on a date. I just mean she might have friends she’d prefer to go with. Or a girlfriend. Does she have one?”

“I haven’t met any of her friends, and she’s never mentioned a girlfriend. Of course, I’m working most evenings. She could run burlesque classes in the living room and I wouldn’t know.”