Fell In Love With My Roomy Chapter 45

"Are you available tonight?" I inquire as I enter the living room, where Mark and Kyle pause their Netflix show to respond.

"Are you sure you're up for it?" Mark asks, looking unsure. "Because we can stay in if you'd prefer. You haven't really been in the mood to go out lately."

"Well, that was when I believed I had caused someone's death," I reply, taking a seat in the corner chair. "If you guys aren't up for it, that's fine, but I'm ready to get back out there."

Last night, when Kent and I kissed, my mind was still preoccupied with my thesis presentation, and I wasn't sure if going out was a good idea. However, I was tired of moping at home and craved some fun.

"Well, I suppose we could go," Mark concedes with a shrug.

"I'm in, Julianna," Kyle states confidently. "I'll join you unless Mark decides to be a downer."

"I'm not being a downer," Mark retorts. "I just want to make sure you're up for it, Julianna."

"I am. I'm tired of being cooped up at home. I want to have a good time," I assure him, and he shrugs, turning off the TV.

"Alright, I'll text the group chat and see if anyone wants to join us," he says, and I smile, clapping my hands.

"You're the best," I say, and he chuckles, rolling his eyes.

"Let's go to Apex since it won't break the bank," he suggests, and I agree.

"Great! I'll go pick out an outfit!" I tell him and he laughs, amused by my enthusiasm. "I might even do something with my hair if I have time. How long do I have?" I ask, making a playful jab at their lack of urgency.

"Why don't you give us a heads-up when you're ready? We're pretty much set to go, so take all the time you need. Apex stays open until 5 a.m.," Mark replies, and I roll my eyes at his nonchalant attitude.

"Men," I mutter, and they both laugh. "Alright, I won't take too long," I promise, quickly heading back down the hall and into my room to make a point.

I plug in my straightener and sit down at my desk. After work today, I took a shower, and my hair had returned to its naturally wavy state. My tan from the summer was fading, returning my skin to its winter shade. I had finally abandoned my winter foundation last week and stashed it back in the drawer.

As I prepare, I play some soft music and meticulously straighten each section of my hair, aiming for a sleek look. Then, I gather the front strands and tuck them back under my hairline to create the illusion of slicked-back hair. A touch of light makeup enhances my features and reduces my pale appearance.

Next, I select an outfit suitable for a night out at a college club. I opt for dark, loose-fitting jeans and my trusty old black sneakers for the bottom half. However, I'm unsure about what to wear on top. I want it to be cute but not over-the-top; finding the right balance has always been a challenge when I'm out with the guys.

I settle on a short-sleeved, sheer black top with a cropped design. It features a low neckline and covers only my chest. The back has a cutout with a strap just below it. I've never worn it before, and I had to remove the tags to make it wearable. I bought it back when I was still living at home as a little treat for myself, even though I had nowhere special to wear it.

I then take my belt bag and admire it in the mirror, smiling at my choice. "Well done, Julianna," I say to myself. I complete my look with a necklace and a spritz of perfume before heading out the door and returning to the living room.

"Alright, I'm ready," I announce.

Both Mark and Kyle give me a double take, and I instinctively wrap my arms around my stomach.

"What?" I inquire, and they shake their heads in response.

"Nothing, you look great," Mark says warmly, and I offer a grateful smile. "You look like yourself again. I haven't seen you without your fuzzy socks in a week," he adds with a laugh, getting up to grab his keys.

"Thanks," I reply, feeling my cheeks flush.

"We're meeting Abby, Ellis, Chase, and Darren there. The girls from upstairs might come too," Mark informs me with a shrug, and I agree. "I'll go fetch Kent," he adds, and I suddenly tense up.

Whenever people discuss him, I stiffen like a steel rod. I'm always on edge because I never know what might transpire. Since last night, I've deliberately avoided looking at him, and he hasn't sought my gaze either. Tonight, I must steer clear of him; being near him would be too difficult.

"I'm glad you're feeling better, Julianna," Kyle remarks, and I offer a smile in response. "I was concerned that you might not want to go out for a while after last night."

"After last night? What do you mean? What happened?" I ask, regretting the barrage of questions. Slow down, Julianna.

"You spent the whole night in your room, so I thought things were taking a turn for the worse," he explains with a shrug, and I breathe a sigh of relief, realizing he wasn't referring to Kent and me, as I initially feared. "Well, things seem to have changed today, and I'm glad you're feeling more optimistic about the future."

"Good," he says with a smile, retrieving his wallet from the doorway.

"Should we take an Uber?" Mark suggests. "It might not be a long walk back home, but what about going there? I think we should treat ourselves."

"I'm fine with that," Kyle agrees.

"Julianna?"

"Yeah, that sounds like a good idea," I reply with a smile.

"Kent, are you on it?" Mark calls out, causing my face to pale. This meant that Kent and I would be confined in a small space together.

"Because my parents are footing the bill, you guys always leave it to me," he grumbles as he walks down the hall, and I feel my stomach twisting into knots, like a tangled bundle of steel cables. His head momentarily lifts from his phone, and my throat tightens.

Everything went awry when we kissed. Every moment of silence or wandering thoughts brought my mind back to that kiss. He was residing in my thoughts without paying rent. Now we both knew that we had shared something personal and irrevocable.

"Let's get this show on the road, Kent. Have you arranged for a car yet?" Kyle inquires.

"You have three minutes," he mutters, prompting me to turn away and fetch my jean jacket from the closet.

I won't engage with him, and I can't.

When the car arrives, we exit the apartment and climb the stairs to find a Honda Civic waiting.

Both Kent and I want to sit in the front, but Kyle opens the door, hops in, and strikes up a conversation with the driver about his night.

"Julianna, you'll have to sit in the middle in the back," Mark informs me, and I grumble inwardly. I really don't like this right now.

Mark gets in, and Kent and I circle around to the other side. "Stay on your side," he mutters as I grumble. I sit next to Mark and decide not to fasten my seatbelt.

Mark and Kent are both big guys, and their size makes the backseat feel cramped. Kent, in particular, is encroaching on my space. He's too close, and our hips are touching.

"Can you please move over?" I hiss.

"Are you happy now?" he retorts, and I roll my eyes.

"Where? Over to Mark, like you?" I respond incredulously, and he huffs and shifts another inch away from me.

"Stop bickering, you two," Kyle calls from the front, and I cross my arms.

Why did I let things get so out of hand last night? I shouldn't have allowed him to spend the night with me, shouldn't have verbalized my confusion about our situation, and should have prevented that kiss from happening. How am I going to survive this car ride? The scent is so intoxicating, it feels like I'm drowning in it. I despise the memories it dredges up.

Maybe tonight, my goal should be to kiss someone else.

No, that's not what I want. I can't even recall the last time I wanted to kiss someone before last night. I need to act unfazed by all this and hide my mixed emotions by dancing and drinking.

When the Uber pulls up around the corner, we disembark and thank the driver. I quickly exit from Mark's side, eager to distance myself from Kent as swiftly as possible. As I rummage through my bag for lip balm, I hear a whistle from someone behind the group of guys.