Penelope eyed the “submit” button. She had selected her final two classes that she needed to graduate and was getting ready to commit. She couldn’t believe it. After the time away from school, she realized not only did she miss it, she was excited to start again. Her imagination started to fill with possibility…as long as she could find the money to pay for her dreams, she was about to be back on track.

Nolan knocked on her door, interrupting her train of thought, and didn’t wait for her permission to enter. “Yo, I’m going to work,” he said. “Gonna deliver some food.”

“See ya,” Penelope said dismissively, excited by the thought of having the apartment to herself for a few hours. “Oh, and if you want to pick up some new coffee since you ruined everything we had, that would be great.”

“I’ll think about it,” he said with a smirk. “By the way, what was in those eggs?”

Penelope paused before admitting, “Like a whole bottle of red pepper flakes.”

“Nice,” Nolan said, admiring her guile.

“And your coffee? More lemon rind?” Penelope asked.

“Oh no, today was chef’s special: banana peel,” Nolan answered.

“Mmm,” Penelope nodded. “Well good luck out there.”

“Yeah, have fun in here with your—whatever it is you’re doing,” Nolan said, turning away from the bedroom. And then he turned back. “Don’t touch my guitar. Please.”

“Sure, sure,” Penelope said, trying to wave him off again. Nolan stared at her.

“Nolan, I won’t touch your guitar, ok? I’m competitive but not mean,” Penelope said, trying to reassure him.

“I believe you. I think,” said Nolan as he finally backed away.

Penelope waited until she heard the front door close. At least now I know his one real weakness, she thought. Here’s hoping I don’t have to use it.

She clicked “submit” on her classes and exhaled a deep breath she didn’t realize she’d been holding. That part is done, she thought, feeling a mixture of relief…and then panic.

Design school required a capstone project to graduate. She hadn’t thought about what she would work on since before the pandemic. Jake’s apartment was limited in terms of design elements—there was only so much you could do with a pile of neverending dirty socks and Mountain Dew cans.

But now, here, in the loft…the possibilities were endless. Penelope smiled to herself. I’ll make this place my capstone! she thought gleefully. As long as Nolan stays out of my way, the loft will be the perfect place to stretch my design muscles.

Penelope stood up off her bed and examined the living space, her head filling with ideas. First thing’s first: I’m going to move that TV, she thought.

***

Two hours later, the TV wasn’t all that Penelope had moved. She pushed the couch back against the exposed brick wall, opening up the space in the main room. The small coffee table was now next to it, instead of in front of it. And she was proud that she had mounted the TV on her own, on the far wall, so at least if it was on, it wouldn’t be directly against her bedroom wall.

Penelope stood back with her hands on her hips, examining her work. Not bad for a starting place, she thought. She turned her attention to the kitchen and spotted the package that Flo had brought over—and opened.

Penelope tried to contain her curiosity…and then she realized that she still needed more information about her roommate, who she knew practically nothing about. Information that she could use to get him out.

She picked up the brown padded envelope, and something square shaped practically glided into her hand. She examined the sterling silver frame she was holding which contained a photograph: a well-dressed woman in a designer dress and a sharp-dressed man in a tailored suit, with their arms around a young boy, about ten, with sandy hair. The boy was wearing a custom made suit to match his father’s. Tucked inside the frame was a note on a small piece of cardstock: “Thinking of you. Don’t forget to call. xo M & D.”

Penelope looked again at the sandy haired boy and smiled. Nolan really was a cute kid. I wonder if his clean-cut parents approve of all the tattoos, she wondered to herself.

Just then, Nolan’s key jangled in the lock. Penelope quickly slid the frame back inside the envelope and deposited it back on the table as if she never touched it.

She sauntered back into the main room for her “ta da” moment.

Nolan entered and paused, scanning the room.

“Do you like it?” Penelope asked, triumphant.

Nolan scowled. “Penny, what have you DONE?”