Once we make our way inside and I start a pot of coffee, Jordan tells us about his plane ride and how some old lady kept passive-aggressively stating the negative effects of face piercings. I bring some mugs over and sit next to Erris who once seeing Jordan give me a once-over, scoots closer and places his hand on top of my thigh. Oh my shitake mushrooms I might combust. I glance over at him while he and Jordan talk and admire his higher cheekbones and slim face. I almost reach over and tuck a strand of wild hair behind his ear when Jordan busts out laughing, creating a smoke cloud around us. I stand up and fan above the fire alarm, not wanting it to blare so soon again in the night. 

“I apologize, I can help clean up” Jordan mumbles next to me.

“Oh, it’s alright love!” I laugh and then stop as I see Jordan tense up.

“Ah oops sorry I just say that, sorry If I made you uncomfortable I really am” I ramble on and on until Erris places and hand on my shoulder and laughs,

“Maxi, calm down” he smiles and his eyes get those little crinkles I love so much. What is up with Erris, being so touchy and all? Not that I hate it, oh far from that, it’s just…different. I send a questioning look his way and he just shakes his head, a promise for a later answer. I nod softly and get up.

“Well…it’s nice to meet you Jordan,” I shake his hand and leave, once I get to my room I make my way to my dresser and pull my sweats down, revealing my boxers and pull my shirt up over my head, and then pulling my fluffy hair into a small bun. I go to start turning the lights off when Erris walks in. Holy mother of kittens and cows, he sees me, see’s me basically naked. I flare red and cross my legs, blocking my boxers and my you know who. Erris blushes too and closes the door, making sure not to look at me.

“H-h-hey Erris……You ne-e-ed something?” I stutter out and quickly wrap myself in a blanket, not used to my roommate’s attention.

“We have a problem, Jordan Kinda thinks we are dating”

“WHAT!!!!” Again, not that I hate the idea but WTF (what the frog!).

“Yeah well, he saw you on insta and said he wanted to shoot his shot but I don’t know I guess I got jealous and said we were already dating?” Erris was jealous? Kick me with a soccer cleat, my heart is beating so fast I could power an electric car. 

“Okay so….just pretend to date?” I whisper, not believing those words.

“Yes…Just pretend to date” and with those last words, he waves goodnight and leaves my room.