roommates

03

"Here, let me help." He extended his hand out and I grabbed it trying getting up from the floor.

"Thanks," I said while picking up the books and placing them back on the shelf. I kept my head down since my cheeks were probably flushed from embarrassment.

"Anytime. Hey, are you looking for something? You aren't supposed to be back here."

I looked up at him and when I did, I found that I was staring at his chest. I tilted my head up and realized that he was towering over me. I'm 5'4'', which would make him about 6 feet tall. That's really tall. He had his platinum blonde hair brushed back with gel and his eyes were golden brown.

"Um, I'm here for an interview? My friend Marissa set it up for me?"

"Oh! You're Casey Treslock!"

"Yeah, I am. How do you know that?"

"I'm going to be interviewing you. Josh was supposed to do it, but he called in sick today."

Of course he's interviewing me. Of course I would make a fool out of myself before my interview even began.

"Oh, I'm sorry for the mess. I'm really clumsy sometimes."

Make that all time, the stupid green paint.

He laughed. "Me too. I'm Leo."

"Casey. But you already knew that."

"So where do we start?"

"Let's go over to that table over there," he said while pointing to an empty area of the library. "That way, nobody will bother us."

I follow him to the table and we both sit down on the wooden chairs with yellow pillow cushions placed on the seating area.

"Ok, let's begin," he started. "Why do you think you're fit for the job?"

"Sorry, I'm really unprepared. I was really in need of a job and Marissa said that this would be a good fit for me. What am I going to be doing exactly?"

"That's alright," he chuckled. "You'll just be helping out the people in the library and stacking books and stuff. Also, when Cassandra's not reading to the children, you'll fill in for her."

"Oh, ok. Well for starters, I love to read. In fact, I moved here to get some inspiration for my creative writing work. I think the library will definitely help that out. I'm also a very organized person and I like to keep things in order."

Leo asked me a few more questions, and before I knew it, we were done.

"Thank you again for giving me this interview at such a late notice," I gushed while walking out of the library.

"I think you're a great fit for the job. I just have to get Josh's input. He kind of runs things around here."

"Thanks again."

I wave goodbye to him and leave the building. I pulled out my phone to text Cadillac and notify him that I'm done. I realized that he had put Cadillac as his contact name and there was a picture of his car as the profile picture. A few seconds later, I get a call from him.

I picked up and the first thing I hear, is a voice growling, "I told you to call me. Not text."

"I'm sorry, geez. I didn't think it mattered," I apologized.

He ends the call, and a few minutes later, he pulls up by the library.

"Get in."

I pull open the car door and slide into the passenger seat.

"Are we going back?"

"No, we have to make a stop first."

"Okay," I say quietly, hoping not to make Cadillac even more angry than he already is.

He drives and I stay quiet. There was no conversation among the two of us and the silence was becoming unbearable.

"Why does it matter that I texted instead of called?" I blurt out.

"It just does," he replies sternly. I didn't say anything else for the rest of the ride.

A few minutes later, we pulled up upon a massive house with blasting music. There were drunk college students all over the front lawn and most of then were wearing very little clothing.

"What are we doing at a college party?"

"You ask too many questions Fiona."

"Stop calling me that!"

"Sorry, Fiona."

I was about to shout something at him but a guy with blazing red hair approached us.

"Hey! K-" Cadillac put his hand to the guys mouth and motioned towards me.

"Oh, she's the girl. Got it."

I'm the girl? What?

The guy put out his hand and smiled, "I'm Jackson."

"Casey," I say while shaking his hand.

"Casey, why don't you come inside?"

"She'll stay out here," Cadillac replies for me.

"Actually, I think I will," I scoff.

Who does he think he is, making decisions for me?

"No."

I ignore him and start walking into the house. Before I could get there, I feel somebody pull against my arm and I stumble backwards.

"What the hell?!"

"Fiona, stay out here. Trust me."

"What makes you think I'll trust you?"

"Just stay here. Please. I'll only be a second."

I think about it for a moment and reply, "What do I get in exchange?"

He hesitates, but then responds, "I'll tell you my name."