The Temporary Roomie

by Sarah Adams

I’m upset because now I see them together—a family—and I want what they have. I want to love someone like Cooper loves Lucy, and I want someone to love me like Lucy loves Cooper.

Being put aside and forgotten hurts the most. And yet, you’d think after having it happen to me repeatedly, it wouldn’t sting so much.

I hate crying. It makes me feel weak and broken. I’ve felt that way too many times in my life, and I’m sick of it.

Now I feel like digging, uncovering everything I can about Jessie. I’m an archaeologist, and all I need is someone to get me a shovel and one of those little dust brushes.

It’s a peace treaty in the form of squishy, delicious, yellow proteins.

Something is different between us today, and every cell in my body is hyperaware of it. Neither of us is saying anything,

We do nothing but bicker and fight, and this is us saying, Let’s not ruin anything with words today.

Jessie is starting to make sense to me, and she’s only becoming more beautiful as she comes into focus.

It’s the first taste of watermelon in summer. It’s a monarch butterfly landing on your finger.

I can’t decide what’s worse, letting myself develop feelings for an incredible man like Drew when I’m eight months pregnant or pushing him away when he showed the slightest bit of interest.

I feel so broken I can’t let myself love a man again.

Don’t

“Drew?” I say in a soft tone that makes him look down at me. “Do you ever get tired of having it together all the time? Being the guy who takes care of everyone?”

You don’t teach me lessons—you help me rest.”

I am speechless, because I’ve never been anyone’s rest before. A burden, yes. Expendable, yes.

without ever trying to take anything for himself, not expecting anything in return—and that is what makes me completely fall for Drew.

“Drew, what does Oscar stand for?” He chuckles lightly and squeezes my hand. “Oscar the Grouch.”

But now it’s time Jessie knows I’m here for the taking if she wants me, and I’ve got loads of time, so I’ll wait as long as she needs. Well, until it starts to get pathetic, or she gets a restraining order. I do have some dignity.

I bend down and softly kiss her mouth. “I will.”