"Let me see you in those little running shorts?" I asked.
She patted my cheek and went to change.
After Quinn had gone home, I checked the chat rooms. Tanner had banned me from posting anything even in my own defense. It was hard to see all the speculation, lies, and judgments. I had to leave my computer after only five minutes. It was hard to catch my breath I was so angry.
"Whoa, somebody lose an elf duel or something?" Jasper asked. He strolled through the front door and tossed his keys on the coffee table.
"More like fighting off trolls," I said.
"Comment trolls or game trolls?"
"Chat room," I said.
He nodded sympathetically. "They're the worst. What are they saying? You know you can't take any of that to heart, right?"
"How about a second police search? Can I take that to heart?" I asked. "Can I be angry that my entire home was picked apart again? Or how about that someone is casually ruining my career? Can I be upset about that?"
"Seriously, man. You need to calm down. Yeah, you can be upset, but don't lose it completely," Jasper said. He stalked off towards his room.
I cut him off before the hallway. "How about we have a little chat, roommate? Because as far as I can see, this is not just a me problem. The cops are searching your apartment too, or have you forgotten that you live here?"
"I'm clean, man, it’s got nothing to do with me," Jasper said.
I stepped forward and sent Jasper back towards the kitchen. "So we're both clean, but the cops keep thinking they are going to find drugs here. Something's off, and I would think you'd be more interested in straightening it out."
"I guess, but what am I supposed to do?" Jasper asked. "Do you know who's making the complaints?"
"Do you?" I asked.
Jasper headed around the kitchen island to get some distance between us. "I don't like your line of questioning. I mean, I get it. You've got cops on the brain, but why do I feel like I'm the one getting interrogated?"
"Because from where I'm standing, drug-free and innocent, there's really only one direction to look."
"I could say the same thing back to you, man." Jasper threw his hands up in the air. "I'm clean, so I'm looking right back at you."
"So, if we're both innocent, then why don't you care at all if the cops have been here or not?" I asked.
"I don't know, man. If they are not finding anything, then what's the big deal?" Jasper asked. "Besides, I've got other stuff on my mind. Remember?"
"Your dream job?" I asked. "What's the name of the company again?"
"You wouldn't know it. It’s a big time competitor, but a small firm. Anyway, I've got my contract
and everything is good to go. I know I'm leaving you before my lease is up, but I'll pay the fee or whatever it was in the rental agreement. We cool?"
"Why are you so anxious to move on now?" I asked.
Jasper opened the cupboards, frowning as he realized how the cops had rearranged. He finally found a cereal bowl and spoon but could not find the cereal.
"Under the sink." I said. "So, why the big move right now, right away?"
"Now's the time. I've got the job and I've got to go for it. I'm sorry if you feel like I'm leaving you in the lurch, but, man, you've got to sort out your own life."
"And what's wrong with my life?" I asked.
"You just seem stuck. Like I get the trajectory from Beta Tester to sponsored player, but most people keep moving up to game creator or producer, you know? Instead, you're just sitting around playing video games like you've always done. Don't you want to keep moving?"
"Keep moving?" I asked. "That reminds me. You've moved around a lot, haven't you? Why are you having trouble staying in one place?"