My Roommate Is a Vampire

by Jenna Levine

“I will never hurt you,” he said emphatically. “Never.”

“Over the past two weeks I’ve discovered that in this city of millions, you are one of a kind.”

“Do not think for one moment that you are replaceable, Cassie Greenberg,” he said. He sounded almost angry. “For you are anything but.”

I assumed Frederick didn’t sparkle in the sun like the vampires in Twilight, though even that was just a guess.

“You never told me Frederick was such a big Taylor Swift fan.” I choked on my sip of wine. “I’m sorry,” I said, once I recovered. “But … Taylor Swift?” Frederick shuffled his feet awkwardly. “I … might have mentioned a few things I knew about Taylor Swift to some people in the kitchen.” “A few things?” Sam laughed again and shook his head. “Don’t be so modest. Your knowledge of her 1989 era is encyclopedic.” I had to stifle a laugh in my palm. “Is that so?” “It is!” Sam gushed. “Like I was saying, Frederick—you need to talk with Amelia. She loves meeting other Swifties, especially when they’re people who don’t fit the usual stereotypes.” “Oh, yes,” Amelia said. She was beaming now. I’d never heard her sound so delighted. “When people outside the expected demographics are really into her, too, it just proves how broad Taylor’s appeal is, and how deep her talent.” I stared at her. It hadn’t occurred to me that an accountant could have opinions on music. Though perhaps that was just me being overly judgmental. “You’re a Taylor Swift fan?” Amelia shrugged. “I mean, what’s not to like?” “I agree,” Frederick said, with an enthusiasm that stunned me. “Taylor Swift, who was born in West Reading, Pennsylvania, in 1989, has won eleven Grammy Awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences.” Amelia stood up and, still grinning, smoothed her hands over her wrinkle-free skirt. “Let’s go into the kitchen and fangirl together,” she proposed to Frederick. Frederick’s eyes ...

“Taylor Swift, huh?” I smirked at him, enjoying the way he fidgeted in his seat. “You’re a Swiftie?” He winced a little at the term. “No. It’s like I said earlier. I just studied before the party.” “I guess you did.”