“Not much, I wanted to say hello and wish you a good first day tomorrow. This is it; you will never have another first day of fall semester again.”
“Yeah, didn’t think about that.”
“You sound off–what’s wrong?”
“Nothing’s wrong, I have a lot on my mind tonight.”
“Like what, don’t beat around the bush, spit it out.”
I tell her all about the ring, the wedding date, the move, and lastly about talking to my roommates tonight. I purposely left out all the sex involved in our negotiations.
“Raven, this is great news!”
“Yes, but I’m nervous about–”
“No, listen,” she cuts me off, “I want out of my parent’s house but can’t afford anything by myself right now. And I’m not sure I could live with Blake yet. Maybe Abbi and Ella would let me live there and sign a lease.”
“That’s a very good possibility. I’ll bring it up when I talk to them.”
“Call or text me after you talk to them.”
We talk for a few more minutes about her conversation with Blake. She told him how she felt and apparently he was awesome. He told her he was crazy about her and didn’t want to come on too strong. He apologized about the distance this summer and admitted that they were all worried and preoccupied about what was going to happen when I got home. Blake was convinced Declan was going to either quit the band or go into a depression if we didn’t work things out. Once again I realize what a selfish bitch I am and how my actions affected everyone.
When Abbi and Ella come in, I hang up with Charlie and promise to let her know how my conversation goes.
Ella noticed my ring first and squeals. Both girls hug me tightly and offer congratulations. I finish getting dinner ready, and Abbi pours us wine. We talk about the weekend and our upcoming weeks with Ella and my school starting. When we’re all finished eating, I refill our wine glasses and decided now’s the time.
“Guys, I need to talk to you. Declan wants me to move in with him.”
Silence.
“Um, I tried to say no. I tried really hard, but he can be persuasive.”
“RJ, don’t you dare tell me how he got you to say yes. But why did you want to say no?” Abbi asks.
“I feel like I’m bailing on you guys. We never officially signed another lease, but I figured it was implied I would still live here. Now the semester’s starting and it’s too late to find someone else. Declan is going to talk to your dad about the lost rent I pay.”
“Raven, don’t worry about that. I think this is great news, and my dad is going to be thrilled.”
“I may have a solution, but it’s completely up to y’all.” I tell them about my conversation with Charlie and her interest in moving in.
“Charlie’s a fucking nut but I love her. It’s fine with me.” Ella answers.
Abbi nods her head in agreement and adds, “I want the Master bedroom when you move so she’ll get my room.”
“Whoa, I don’t even have a move date. Don’t kick me out yet. I thought you’d be a little more sad or upset.” I tell them.
“It is sad but at the same time we’re going to be related for the rest of our lives, so it evens out.” Ella answers me.
“Oh yeah, about that. We set a date too; we’re getting married the week after I graduate. Right now that looks like May fourth but I have to confirm with my advisor this week. Then I get the pleasure of telling my parents about the date and the move.”
“Wow, I guess Declan really can be persuasive. But still don’t tell me how!” Abbi laughs.
We clean up the kitchen and get ready for bed. I text Charlie that we’ll talk later this week, when I have more details then I join the girls in the living room for a movie. When Declan gets to the house, we are all three curled up together on the sofa crying through the end of The Great Gatsby.
Chapter 18
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