[Author's Note] After a two or so year hiatus, I picked recreational writing back up again. I've missed it/you.
One Door Closes
One Door Closes
Starling
What do you mean, you gave my room away?
Taylor rolled her eyes underneath her fake lashes. I didnt give it away, I told you. I even charged him fifty bucks more a month, since he was moving in last minute.
What am I supposed to do? You cant just throw me out on the street.
Taylor laughed, flashing her perfect teeth. Oh my gawd Lindsey, you are such the drama queen. Of course Im not throwing you out on the street. Youre perfectly welcome to crash on the couch until you find someplace else to go.
I cant stay in the room?
Well...no. Nicolos moving in this afternoon, actually.
Half an hour ago, Lindsey had arrived at the apartment she was meant to share with Taylor Lake, only to be informed that Taylor had instead rented her room to a nineteen-year-old Italian male model who, Taylor claimed, was new in town and had nowhere else to go. Lindsey should have expected as much.
Taylor was a fashion merchandising major, who had taken a marketing class last year as an elective. Shed ended up sitting next to Lindsey, and they struck up a friendship of sorts when Taylor admiringly picked up Lindseys purse and cooed, Oh my gawd, this is the limited-edition Tory Burch, right? Its gorgeous.
At the end of the year, Taylor had mentioned that her old roommate was transferring, and that she needed someone to share her apartment with. Lindsey, like an idiot, had agreed, mainly because she had been to a party at Taylors before and had practically fallen in love with her stylish and spacious apartment.
She wondered if Taylor had told her father about the sudden change in roommates. She doubted he would be pleased. From what Taylor had told her, Mr. Lake was a staunchly conservative man who would likely bristle at the notion that his only daughter was living with a teenaged foreigner.
But for the moment, Lindsey had more pressing issues at hand than how Taylors father would feel about his daughters living situation. Her living situation chief among them.
Once Taylor left the room to arrange things for Nicolos arrival, Lindsey settled herself on the couch with a scowl and flipped open her laptop. School was starting in four days, there was no way she would be able to find an apartment this late. Or at least one that was remotely close to school.
She clicked discouragedly through roommate wanted ads, ranging from crazy cat ladies an hour from campus, to a forty-year-old man who offered free rent to pretty girls (send a pic with your request). She was barely even paying attention when she hit Roommate wanted in house close to campus - URGENT. She briefly glanced at the ad - Five guys looking for a sixth roommate. Kickass big house, lots of shared living space. Everyone is chill. Stuck-up boring people need not apply. Call Roy ASAP to discuss living arrangements. Lindsey pulled a face. She didnt particularly want to live with five guys, no matter how kickass their house may be. But so far Roy seemed like her least terrifying prospect, so she picked up her cell and dialed the number.
Heyo, Roy here.
Hed only said three words, and already Roy sounded like a tool.
Hi Roy, my name is Lindsey. Im calling about your, um, roommate wanted ad.
Youre a girl.
You noticed. Lindsey was beginning to think this was a waste of time.
Nah, its cool, we can totally have a girl here. I just figured itd be another guy is all. But extra points if youre hot.
Lindsey ignored that. Is there a time that I could come look at the place? Im kind of crunched for time, here.
Did you just transfer?
Recently homeless, actually.
Ill tell you what, Lindsey. You can come by tomorrow afternoon. Were having a kind of back-to-school housemate barbecue, if youre cool you can stick around, get to know the rest of the guys. Does two work for you?
Sure.
***
The next day Lindsey spent more time than she should have getting ready in front of the mirror, although compared to Taylor and Nicolo she was positively speedy.
She didnt know why she cared about looking nice to meet her potential new roommates. They were probably jerks, anyway. But jerks or no, she didnt want them to think she was ugly. And there was always the possibility that one or more out of five could be her kind of guy. She smirked and rolled her eyes at her reflection as she thought it, but put on a coat of lip gloss anyway.
She looked at the address she had written down. It was a nice neighborhood, mostly college kids, and as close to campus as you could get outside of the freshman dorms. The house itself had probably been an impressive mansion in the Victorian era, but these days was looking slightly worse for wear. Lindsey rang the doorbell and ran a hand through her hair as she waited.
The heavy wooden door opened to reveal a lean, red-haired guy in a pinstriped button-down and expensive jeans. He gave her an admiring once over and half-smiled.
Please, please, tell me youre Lindsey.
Lindsey nodded. The boys grin widened.
Somebody up there loves us. You are hot. Come on in. Im Roy
Lindsey hesitated a moment, wondering whether his forwardness was a college boys misguided attempt at flirtation, or if she was moving in with a group of brigands who would rape and murder her in her sleep. She desperately wished it was the former.
Roy was busy waving his arms around giving her a tour. This is the living room, all access, we have a flat screen, beer fridge, air hockey - but you probably dont care about that stuff, huh?
I like beer and air hockey.
And I feel like Im liking you even more. Lets see, room to the right is mine, room to the left is Patricks, theres the downstairs bathroom, the rest of the rooms are upstairs. He waved an arm again. Over there is the washer and dryer, super convenient and you dont even have to pay, heres the kitchen, um, usual kitchen stuff, microwave, dishwasher, oven, longass table for family meals, mega-fridge. We each get a shelf. You can see the back opens to the patio, if you want to come out.
Lindsey nodded and followed him through the double doors. An iron table and chairs sat out back, along with a barbecue and inflatable pool half-filled with stagnant water. Empty beer cans littered the grass, and a broken porch swing hung from a tree next to a rusted bicycle.
As you can see, we do a lot of entertaining. The ladies love the pool.
Lindseys mouth twitched. Roy was beginning to grow on her.
We have a compost pile too, if youre into that. Mainly because Drews a communist or environmentalist or Jewish or something. If you want to go upstairs, I can show you your room. Or potential room, I guess.
Lindsey followed him up the impressive wooden staircase with chipped gold inlay.
This room right here is the one thats empty, Steven just bailed on us a week ago, said hes transferring to State. He claims he cant hack it here academically, but I dont think thats true. Steves almost as smart as he is lazy. I really think hes transferring because he picked up a girlfriend at State over the summer, and shes got his head all jumbled around. Roy pulled a face to show Lindsey precisely what he thought of that.
The room next to it is Dylan, over there is Drew, the one on the other side is Vinces. Next to that is the bathroom, you have to share but its huge. Plus the lock works and theres a tub, so you can get your bubble bath on in peace if thats what youre into.
Can I go into the room?
Oh yeah, of course. Its unlocked now, but if you move in you get your own key so none of us can go rifling through your stuff while youre away. Not that we would, Roy added quickly.
The room was larger than she expected, wood floors with high ceilings and a large window. A desk and chair sat to one side, a sink and mirror on the other. She also noticed two large closets pushed against a wall, and a wooden queen-sized bed frame that seemed to be intact despite being noticeably old.
Its nice, she murmured. Admittedly, it was nothing compared to what shed hoped to be living in this year with Taylor, but she wasnt in the position to be picky.
You like it? Roy seemed pleased. I can even give you a bit of a discount on the rent, since were a little on the desperate side and Ive always had a soft spot for damsels in distress.
Lindsey glanced around the room a few more times in silence, thinking.
Ill take it, she said finally.
Great! Roy beamed. You definitely passed the cool test, if you were worried. Youre free to stay for our barbecue, too, since youre practically one of us now. The rest of the guys should be getting back soon. All you can eat burgers and all you can drink brews, on the house. If youre not busy, that is.
Nope, no plans. Uh...when can I move in? Im kind of crashing on someones couch for the moment, and I think I might wear out my welcome sooner than later.
Tomorrow, if you want. Im sure no one will complain.
Fifteen minutes later, Roy and Lindsey sat on the back porch drinking beer when the back gate opened and two lanky, nice-looking guys walked in carrying cases of more beer. The first was tall with a swoop of dark blond hair and expressive blue eyes. The second was tanned with dark hair and eyes, and a handsome face none the worse for bearing traces of acne scars. The blond one grimaced when he noticed Lindsey.
Hey, I thought we agreed no slams.
Lindsey bristled at that and opened her mouth to protest, but Roy cut her off. You might want to be a little more accommodating there, Drew. Youre looking at our new housemate.
Oh God, Im sorry, I didnt mean to be a jerk. Drew did at least have the grace to look genuinely embarrassed.
He cant help himself. Drew was born with an inability to not be a totally socially inept ass. Its tragic really, the tan boy interjected with a smile. Vince, by the way, he said, offering a hand.
Lindsey took it. Lindsey, she said.
Vince laughed out loud. Oh my God, its almost too good. She would be a Lindsey, wouldnt she?
Lindsey looked at Roy questioningly. Kind of a running joke around here, he explained. Every guy who lives here has an ex named Lindsey. Drew has two. I probably should have mentioned that.
Everyone except for Patrick, Vince pointed out. Patrick doesnt have a Lindsey.
I stole his, Drew grinned.
Roy rolled his eyes. Why dont you make yourself useful and fire up the grill? Dylan and Patrick should be back soon with the food.
Why do I have to be the one to do it? I dont even eat meat.
And I suppose you like eating your tofu burgers frozen, is that it? Quit your bitching, Ill do it, Vince said with mock annoyance.
At that moment, the back gate swung open again, revealing a shorter brown-haired boy in a pink polo. He carried a large bag of meat patties in one hand and two bags of buns in the other.
Wow, really carrying your weight there, Vince joked. Wheres the rest?
Patricks getting it, hes got more weight to carry than I do, anyway. His eyes came to rest on Lindsey. Well hel-lo neighbor. Im assuming thats who you are.
Lindsey nodded. Im Lindsey, she said. I can help you with those if you want.
Dylan, the short boy grinned. And its okay, I think Im manly enough to carry ten pounds or so on my own. Your efforts might be better directed at Patrick. I left him with everything else.
Its all right, Im used to it.
Lindsey turned in the direction of the newcomers voice, and found the nicest looking guy she had seen in ages looking back at her.
His brown hair was slightly shaggy but not unkempt, his eyes were large and a brown several shades darker than his hair. His lips were full and slightly reddish, and a bridge of freckles across his nose added a hint of boyishness to his good looks.
Then, of course, there was the fact that he was right up her alley physically. His round stomach pressed against his button down shirt, and she could clearly make out the outlines of love handles and a bit of extra flesh on his chest. His handsome face was accentuated by a double chin, but the effect was ruined somewhat by the fact that both his chin and neck were covered in a light brown stubble, like he had forgotten to shave.
Lindsey was speechless for a few moments, her most coherent thought being that she was glad shed spent so much time on her hair and makeup that morning. Then she realized that her speechlessness was quickly turning into an awkward silence. Patrick - she assumed it was Patrick - blinked at her like she was the slowest person hed ever come across.
Hard question? he said with a mocking smile.
Im sorry, what? Lindsey felt the blood rush to her face as she realized hed tried to say something to her.
What was your name? Patrick said each word with excruciating slowness.
Oh. Gosh. Its... Holy crap, she had forgotten her own name.
Lindsey, Roy finished for her. Her name is Lindsey.
Lindsey, Lindsey repeated proudly. What was wrong with her?
Well Im Patrick. Ill probably see you around. He turned to go.
Yeah. Around. Because...well live by each other. Thats funny. Shut up Lindsey, shut up shut up shut up.
You all right there? Roy asked, clapping her on the back.
Yeah, fine, Lindsey said, mortified.
You know, Roy leaned over with a conspiratorial whisper, you probably shouldnt do that to Patrick again. He had kind of a rough break up over the summer, and he hasnt exactly been looking his best. Kind of sensitive about it, and it might not be the greatest thing for boy-os self-esteem to have you keep staring at him like a zoo animal.
Oh! Lindsey exclaimed, Thats not how I meant it at all! I thought he looked...nice.
Roy let out a bark of laughter. Youre a terrible liar.
Lindsey felt her face get hot again. Maybe I...Ill go help him in the kitchen. Show him there are no hard feelings.
Roy nodded and got up from the table, to join the other housemates by the barbecue. Inside the kitchen, Patrick was bent over the sink washing potatoes.
Can I help? Lindsey asked over his shoulder. He jumped slightly at her voice.
What? Oh, um, sure, if you want. You can start chopping these up as I wash them. He handed her a knife, then a potato.
A few minutes later, he looked over with a grimace. What are you doing?
Chopping potatoes. Like you asked.
Patrick looked horrified. Youre massacring them! Havent you ever held a knife before?
Im sure I have at some point. Lindsey inspected her grip. She didnt think it looked too bad, but Patrick winced.
Quit waving that thing around! Dont you cook at all?
Lindsey shrugged. The only thing Im really great at making are reservations. Patrick didnt laugh. Instead, he looked at her quizzically.
Whyd you offer to help, then?
Oh! I...wanted to...um. Say hello? I just...didnt want you to think I was...slow...or anything.
Patrick did laugh at that. Well, you sure cleared that up.
Are you the resident cook around here? She was still making a mess of things, but she wasnt about to admit defeat and slink back outside.
You could say that. I dont do all of the cooking, but I definitely do the best cooking. There was a hint of pride in his voice. I actually wanted to go to culinary school, before I found out I got a full ride here. My mom told me there was no way she and my dad were going to shell out thousands of dollars a year for culinary school when I could get a real degree for free. She said if I was really hellbent on making cupcakes, I could do it on my own time. He laughed pleasantly enough, but Lindsey noticed a bitter edge to his words.
Oh. Im sorry about that. She hoped she sounded comforting.
Why? It doesnt have anything to do with you. Evidently not.
I just meant....you seem enthusiastic. You probably would have been a good chef.
Patrick rolled his eyes. Thank you, Lindsey, for so kindly reminding me of what might have been. Besides, you havent even tried my cooking yet. I might be completely delusional.
Lindsey smiled. I doubt that. Her eyes flicked unbidden to Patricks waistline. The fullness of his stomach was emphasized by his position bent over the counter. She hoped he hadnt noticed.
Patrick straightened and flushed slightly. Wrong again.
Hey, just because I obviously do a lot of eating doesnt mean Im a great cook. His tone was jocular, but his smile failed to reach his eyes. Why dont you see if the rest of the gang needs a hand?
It was time to wave the white flag and bring what was left of her dignity outside.
If you need help or want me to bring you a beer from the cooler or anything, just let me know.
Patrick waved her last attempt at forging a friendship away dismissively. Weve got beer in the cooler, beer in the fridge, beer in the living room, beer in the bedrooms. I think youll find that if theres one thing were not missing around here, its beer.
Oh. Okay, then. Lindsey shrugged and walked away. She turned slightly before going through the double doors onto the patio, but Patrick was too absorbed making potato salad to look up.
Almost two hours and four beers later, Lindsey found herself seated between Roy and Patrick, serving herself from the large bowl of potato salad. She put it on her plate next to the vegetables and ranch dip, grilled peppers, and barbecued beans that accompanied one of Drews tofu burgers. She wasnt exactly a vegetarian, but too much meat had always made her a little queasy.
Patrick evidently didnt have that problem, and Lindsey felt a little warm as she looked over at his double meat burger, a thick slice of melted cheddar between each patty.
He hadnt been lying when he said he was a good cook, either. Lindsey knew it was just standard barbecue fare, nothing too fancy, but she couldnt remember barbecued beans or potato salad ever tasting so good.
So guys, I hope everyones schedules free tomorrow morning, Roy said from around a large bite of burger. Lindsey noted he seemed to be the unofficial leader of the group.
Dylan made a sound that approximated Mmpfh, morning? but the rest of the guys nodded or made grunts of assent.
Good. Because were all offering our services to help our lovely new lady neighbor move in tomorrow.
Oh! No, you dont have to do that. Im fine, really. Lindsey felt herself blushing furiously.
Patrick raised an eyebrow. With those twiggy arms? What were you planning to do, spend the whole day hauling over one box at a time?
Lindsey stayed silent. Her plan had in fact gone something like that.
Itll go faster this way, Roy insisted. Besides, were happy to help.
Definitely, Vince said from the opposite side of the table. Lindsey smiled in spite of herself.
She thought she was going to like these new housemates of hers.
Now, if she could only get Patrick to stop treating her like a complete dolt.
***
Wooooow, Taylor said, as Roy, Vince, Dylan, Drew, and Patrick came filing in her apartment the next morning. I trade you in for one guy, you trade me in for five! Im almost jealous.
So it was a trade, Lindsey thought bitterly. But she only said, Were just here for a bit to pick up my stuff, well be out of your hair soon.
Taylor nodded. Good, I was hoping to show Nicolo around the city, and since you dont have a key.... she trailed off.
Lindsey shot a dark glance at the bedroom that was supposed to be hers, where Nicolo was still sleeping. Like I said, well be quick.
You know, Lindsey, youre just like Snow White and the seven dwarves! Only, you know, in your case its more like Half-Asian and the five bros.
As irritated as Taylor made her, Lindsey laughed at that. Drew had overheard as well and let out an appreciative chuckle, followed by an even more appreciative once-over of Taylor.
It took almost no time at all for the five guys to load her boxes into the back of Dylans massive SUV, and Taylor looked almost sorry to see them go.
Can I help you boys to some sweet tea? she asked, playing up her St. Louis socialite drawl and all but batting her fake eyelashes.
Sure, Drew said, at the same time that Vince and Dylan said Definitely.
Patrick rolled his eyes and said, Thanks but no thanks, Blanche.
Lindsey feigned a coughing fit to mask her laughter.
Theyd had to pull down the last two rows of seats to make room for all the boxes, so only Dylan and Lindsey rode back in the car. The rest walked the five minutes between Lindseys old apartment and new home.
So Lindsey, you have a boyfriend or anything? Dylan asked rather abruptly.
Um, no, not right now. Why? She felt her cheeks color again.
Dylan shrugged. Its just good to know. We like to keep tabs on whos coming in and out of the house, is all. We were talking about it after you left last night, and no one knew.
Oh. What about everyone else?
Uh, lets see. For Drew a real, long term relationship is about a month, so any random girls you see wandering around the house are probably connected to him. Vince has a girlfriend, but she goes to NYU so shes not around too often. Ive met her two or three times, shes nice enough. Kind of a hipster, though. Now that Steves gone and Patrick and Rachel broke up, I think that leaves the rest of us blissfully unattached.
Patrick and Rachel? Lindsey asked innocently. By that time they had pulled up to the house, so Dylan took a furtive look around before answering.
Yeah. They were dating for like three years beforehand, then she just dumped him at the beginning of the summer. Out of the blue, at least from his perspective. He was crazy about her.
Dylan hoisted a smallish box out of the back and shrugged. As far as she goes, well, Im not saying shes a gold digger but in three years I never saw her offer to pay, or lift a finger, or do much of anything really. Lindsey unlocked the door, a small box under her own arm.
So dont be too off put by Patrick right now, Dylan continued as they made their way up the empty staircase. Hes just not a huge fan of the fairer sex at the moment. The fact that the fairer sex doesnt seem to be much a fan of him ever since he let himself go and pack on thirty pounds hasnt really been helping matters, either.
Ill...keep that in mind, Lindsey said thoughtfully. She was glad Dylan seemed like a talker. Just put that in the corner. Over there, yeah, thats fine.
Unfortunately, she heard the front door open and her other four housemates come in below. She hoped shed get another chance soon to ask about Patrick and the reasons for his somewhat unpleasant demeanor.
***
Oh my God, turn off turn off turn off, Lindsey hissed at the fire alarm. She was perched on top of the long dining table, trying to silence the insistent pealing as the kitchen filled with dark smoke.
Three steps. Turn the oven on. Take the pizza out of the box. Put the pizza in the oven. It wasnt supposed to be hard. She just hoped none of her housemates would notice she was on the verge of burning down the kitchen.
School had been in session for about a month, and she knew that as president of the Republican Club, Roy was currently heading a meeting on campus. Dylan and Vince were at the gym, Drew was upstairs playing some video game and probably wouldnt be able to hear. That left only...
What the -? Are you trying to kill everyone?
...Patrick.
She finally got the alarm to shut off and turned to where Patrick was opening the double doors onto the patio and every available window.
Im so sorry, I was just trying to -
She stopped herself. How was she supposed to explain to culinary school Patrick that she couldnt even manage to cook a frozen pizza?
By this point, Patrick had fished her charred pizza out of the oven with a sardonic smile. Really, Lindsey? We take you in and you pay us back by burning the place down around us for frozen food?
I dont know what went wrong.
Patrick smirked. I can hazard a guess.
Lindsey stared down at her champagne leather flats, not sure what else to say. Conversation never exactly flowed between herself and her heavyset housemate.
Do you have anything else for dinner?
Uh, I can probably throw a sandwich or a salad together. I need to go grocery shopping.
Patricks expression softened a bit. Why dont we go outside for a little bit until the smoke clears out, then I was going to make some chicken stir fry. I tend to make a lot of food, so youre welcome to share if you want.
Lindsey gave him an appreciative smile. Thank you, Id like that.
Patrick brightened slightly. You know, you look nice when you do that.
Do what?
Make a real expression. Usually when you smile its fake looking. Lindsey should have known he wouldnt compliment her without somehow turning it into an insult.
She followed him out onto the patio, hoping shed be able to carry some sort of conversation. However, the first few minutes of awkward silence did not seem promising.
Why do you keep doing that? Patrick broke the silence with sudden sharpness.
Doing what?
Staring at me.
Lindsey felt her cheeks color. She hadnt even realized she was doing it, but her eyes had been running up and down the soft curve of Patricks stomach, admiring how it pressed even more against his tight long-sleeved shirt when he was sitting.
Im sorry. I didnt mean to -
He cut her off. Forget it. Maybe you just werent raised not to stare. Hey, I think its safe to go back into the kitchen, dont you?
Uh. Yeah, I guess. It was frustrating enough trying to decide if she was dealing with moderately friendly Patrick or sardonic, condescending Patrick without them both showing up in the same breath.
Patrick pulled a few chicken breasts out of his shelf in the kitchen. Are you squeamish? he asked Lindsey as he set them on the counter.
No, Lindsey lied.
Good. Patrick favored her with a boyish grin. Because today is the day I teach you how to handle a knife properly.
He placed four chicken breasts on a cutting board, and took a large knife from a drawer. Open your hand, he commanded. Lindsey obeyed, and he slid the handle of the knife between her fingers.
Grip is everything, you cant just wave a sharp object around with a limp wrist and your fingers everywhere. He curled her fingers around the handle. His touch made Lindsey blush.
Good. No, the way you had it was better. No, not like that. Here. He adjusted her fingers again. Now, dont you feel like you have control over what youre doing?
Uhhhhum. Uh-huh. Patrick smelled so nice it was hard to concentrate on anything else.
All right, Lindsey, lets chop up some chickens.
Lindsey pulled a face as he moved her arm to one of the chicken breasts.
Just start right down the middle, there you go, one straight line, youre cutting it, not shaving it.
He leaned into her from behind, and laid his arm on top of hers to guide her movements. Lindsey could feel his chin against her hair, his soft exhalation in her ear, his belly gently but firmly pressing against the small of her back. It was all she could do to keep her breathing regulated.
She managed to get the last of the chicken breasts cut into even slices without losing her cool.
Good job, Patrick said as he moved away a bit. I knew you couldnt be completely hopeless.
Thanks, Lindsey said, smiling.
Patrick brushed a hand absently across his middle. Youre really hot, though.
Thanks, Lindsey said again, with a jolt of enthusiasm.
No, I meant like your body temperature was really warm. Maybe youre wearing too many layers.
Yes, that was probably it.
It was a moment too long before Patrick added, Its not like youre ugly or anything, though. Dont take it like that.
Lindsey rolled her eyes. Thaaaaanks. You sure have a way with women, Patrick.
He gave her a sheepish grin. Thats what they tell me. 

