Jenny lies on her bed with her pillow over her head trying to drown out her flatmate’s moans and screams. She wouldn’t mind so much if there were actually a guy in there with her. There was something odd about a woman who could make so much noise over a vibrator. When she had got back from her meal with Nick, her flatmate had burst into her room naked screaming something about there being no milk left for her breakfast in the morning. Jenny couldn’t remember anything about the milk but apologised anyway. She slowly moved the pillow from her ears and listened. The flat was silent. She decided then that she would give Nick a go. After all she was fairly positive he didn’t make such noises over vibrators. Her flatmate’s speaking clock announces that it is midnight. Jenny reaches for her phone and dials Nick’s number.
"Hello"
"Hello Nick. I didn’t wake you up did I?"
"Hey Jen. No, I’m checking out MTV. They just played our video!"
"Oh wow."
"Ah sorry…gotta be more modest."
She laughs, "Yeah. About that house thing?"
"Yep. Still there."
"Well I’d like to do it. Can’t be any worse than it is here."
"Gee thanks for the confidence in my housemate-skills."
"Sorry. So when do you want me to move in?"
"Whenever. Today?"
"Cool. I have work ‘til 6pm"
"I’ll pick you up in the jeep and help you move."
"Great. Thanks Nick."
"OK, I think that’s it" Jenny smiles at Nick.
Her flatmate comes in, "Oh, you’re all packed?"
"Yes. It didn’t take long. Thanks."
" Sorry it didn’t work out."
"Ah no worries. Have you met Nick?"
"No. I…." The girl looks up at Nick, "Ahhhh…you…"
"Hello" Nick grins at Jenny over her head. The girl races into her room. Jen and Nick look at each other and shrug. "Must be my aftershave."
"Yeah, what IS that? Eau de Repellent?"
"Hey, you know it!"
"My ex used to wear it."
The flatmate comes back with a camera.
"Could you…?"
"Sure." Jenny takes the camera and Nick drapes an arm round the girl’s shoulders. They smile as Jen takes the picture.
"Ohmigod!" She rushes off.
"Yep, thanks to you too." Nick waves after her and laughs. "Let’s get out of here."
She looks round the room.
"Wow Nick. Impressive place!"
He grins, "I’m glad you like it. It’s like my dream place."
"Yeah I can tell." She looks at the large couch and chairs, the widescreen television, the huge sound system, the playstation…. "And my room’s great."
"Well I promise I won’t keep you awake with sounds of appreciation over a battery-powered device."
She laughs, "I should hope not."
"AJ rang and invited himself over to watch a video. You’re welcome to join us."
"Ahh, thanks but I.."
"Actually, I think he’s comin’ to check you out."
"I’d better be around then!"
"Hey, fast mover" AJ slaps Nick on the back. "You’re sayin’ you find the girl cute, next you got her moved in. I’m impressed."
"It’s not like that Bone. She needed to get out of her last place and I offered a room."
"So you don’t find her cute now?"
Jenny walks in.
"Hey AJ. How are you?"
"Doin’ good. How about you?"
"I’m good." She collapses on the couch and sighs. "This moving thing is exhausting."
"Yeah." Nick sits next to her.
AJ grabs his bag, "Wanna see my goodies?"
"Not tonight dear. I’ve got a headache." She laughs and AJ shakes his head. He opens his bag and pulls out popcorn, beer and a video.
"I figured light comedy was the way to go." He puts the video on. It’s an obscure comedy called Good Burger.
"What IS this?!"
"My friends from university loved this film!" Jen squeals.
"Really?" AJ laughs, "I thought I was the only person in the WORLD who’s heard of it!"
"Nope, we even nicknamed my friend Claire ‘Cheese Burger’!" AJ laughs and grabs the cushions to make himself a viewing nest on the floor.
"That was real funny." Nick stretches and finishes his drink.
AJ turns round and grins at him.
"Told ya! Aren’t you glad you finally watched it?"
"Yeah Bone, thanks."
"Thanks AJ, it brought back memories of university."
"No problem. So who are you?"
"Hmm….that’s the question!" Jenny smiles and closes her eyes. "OK, 22 from England. One year internship at the Floridian. No brothers or sisters. Five absolute bestest friends back home. Totally unattached and happy that way." She opens her eyes.
"Fave breakfast food?"
"Frosties and milk…and boy do I miss ‘em!" AJ laughs.
"Dog or cat person?"
"Both, but dog at a push."
"Yay!" AJ looks at Nick. "Just remembered, I’m going to get my puppy tomorrow."
"Oh yeah, where from?"
"Guy in Miami." Nick looks at Jenny. "I’m going to drive. Wanna keep me company?"
"That’d be good. I’ve never been to Miami."
"Hey, what about me?"
"You’ve been to Miami Bone."
"Oh yeah. Could go again…" He looks at Nick and laughs, "Dude relax, I’m already doin’ somethin’."
The phone rings and Nick glares at AJ before rushing out to answer it.
"So what was all that about?" Jen looks at AJ. He stands up and sits next to her on the couch.
"You haven’t guessed yet? Our Nicky-boy has a lil crush on you." He grins at her. "What do you think of that?"
"I think…"
"Ooops?" She looks at him and laughs.
"Ooops. Yeah."
"So nothin’ doin’?"
"I’m only here for 9 months I really don’t want to get involved with anyone."
"Totally understandable. I’ll have a chat with him."
Nick comes back into the room and sits on the cushions.
"My Mom." He raises his eyebrows and grins.
"Mommy dearest? Awww" AJ laughs.
Jenny stands up.
"Guys, I need to get some sleep."
She leaves the room and Nick looks at AJ in silence for a minute or two.
"C’mon, what did you say to her?"
AJ shrugs, "Told her how it is…with you, y’know."
Nick sighs, "I wish you’d butt outta my stuff sometimes Bone. So?"
"Nothin’ doin’ Frack. Sorry."
"She doesn’t like me?"
"Ah, it’s not you personally. I don’t think. She said she doesn’t want to get involved in anything cos she’s only here for a few months." AJ looks at Nick and puts his hand on his shoulder. "’Least you know."
"Yeah."