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CHAPTER 4: FIRST MET

"Two toilets!" I repeat, and they both nod.

"Yes, if someone's showering and you need the bathroom, it's a lifesaver!" Mark chuckles, and I nod in agreement. "The one at the end is just a storage space. That's where we keep our cleaning supplies." He explains as he opens the utility closet. "Kent owns this room, but I shouldn't have opened the door without his permission," he says, touching the door in a respectful manner.

I didn't know Kent, and he didn't know me, but it seemed like the polite thing to do.

Mark playfully drums on the wall and announces, "And this..." He opens the door to Carlo's room, revealing only an iron bed frame; even the mattress and box spring were gone.

"It's spacious," I comment, and they both agree. It was much larger than the room I had at home. It featured beautiful wooden floors and unassuming white walls.

"Hey, are you guys giving her the grand tour?" Carlo interrupts as he emerges from the half-bath, and both Mark and Kyle laugh. "What do you think, Julianna?" Carlo asks, and I smile.

"May I take a look inside the closet?" I inquire, and Carlo nods.

"Of course, feel free to explore." His reassurance makes me feel more at ease, so I step into the closet. It had a large window, high ceilings, and plenty of space. With my dresser, it would be perfect.

"You like it?" Carlo asks again, and I nod.

"Yes, it's great," I reply with a grin, making Carlo and the others smile. "But only if you guys are okay with it," I quickly add, extending my hands in a gesture of consideration, prompting everyone to chuckle.

They had to want me as a roommate too. My desire to live there wasn't enough. Despite the place not being perfect or upscale, my social life was virtually nonexistent and seemed impossible to resurrect. Most of my friends from my area had left the state for college, leaving me with the challenge of rebuilding my social circle. I was bored, lonely, and desperate for some human connection.

"Could we have a quick chat about it?" Kyle asks, wearing a friendly smile, and I agree.

"Of course," I reply, and they all head down the hall to discuss it, leaving me in the living room, deep in thought about what I needed to do next. I'd have to check my credit, review the lease, and buy furniture to complete the room. I really hope they'll accept me as their roommate. Despite the anxiety and nerves, it was a far better option than what I was currently dealing with.

As I pondered, my bag vibrated, signaling an incoming call. I shift the bag's strap to access my phone and see "MOM IS CALLING" displayed on the screen.

I answer, "Hello."

"Hey sweetie," my mom's voice comes through, with the faint sound of a car in the background, indicating she's on her hands-free device. "How's your coffee tasting?"

"It went well."

"Already done?" she questions, sounding surprised. I gaze at the queen-sized bed frame in the room, realizing I wouldn't have to get rid of it.

"Yeah, I'm at Carlo's place, and we're discussing some things." I sigh, realizing I should've waited to tell them about the potential move until I had more details.

"Well, I need to pick something up in the city. Do you want me to come get you?" Mom offers kindly.

"Sure, I'll send you the location." I inform her, glancing around the room. They had clearly tidied up the space before showing it to prospective tenants.

"Aww, that's nice. I'll see you in, what, twenty minutes?" She smiles through the phone.

"Okay, I'll see you..." I glance towards the hallway and notice a large figure standing at the entrance of a room.

Kent.

As he glances over his shoulder at me, I manage a faint smile. This guy is the definition of a perfect ten. With his dark brown hair and impeccably chiseled jawline, he's a sight to behold. Those bright green eyes with a hint of yellow are absolutely captivating. He looks like he's spent the entire summer basking in the sun, and it shows.

"Julianna?" My mom's voice snaps me out of my reverie, and I shake my head to refocus. "Julianna, are you still there?"

"Yeah, sorry, Mom. The signal's a bit wonky here," I mutter, tearing my gaze away. He's also remarkably tall and robust. This guy is way too intimidating and attractive to be a potential roommate. "Anyway, I'll see you soon."

"Alright, take care, honey," she says, and my phone emits a beep. I swiftly stow my phone back in my bag and muster up the last remnants of courage to glance back and see if he's still there.

To my surprise, he hasn't moved an inch; he's still standing there, looking in my direction. I inhale deeply and wipe my damp palms on my shorts. Once again, my hands are clammy.

"Hi," I manage to squeak out, and a faint smile tugs at the corners of his mouth.

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