Total pages in book: 118
Estimated words: 112892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 452(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 112892 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 564(@200wpm)___ 452(@250wpm)___ 376(@300wpm)
I filled her in. “I’m so tired of being stuck inside. I’ve talked my roommates’ ears off, I’ve been so bored.”
“Sounds like you do need to come back to work,” she said.
“The thing is… one of them, Diego, told me the story of how he became the residential advisor here. They didn’t even have one when he first moved in, but he convinced the powers that be that they needed one—and then convinced him that he was the right person for it. I hope I’m not overstepping, but maybe you could do something like that with your internship over winter break.”
“I don’t have an internship. That’s the problem.” Her voice was a little testy, but not unduly so.
“I was thinking… you’re such a go-getter. Could you maybe contact a place that doesn’t official provide an internship and tell them why they need you?”
“I can’t imagine that working.”
“It did for Diego. And… I’ve seen the way you work, Zoe. You’re strong and assertive and take charge. Like the polar opposite of me. Maybe you could just kind of do your thing and bowl them over, like make them realize that they can’t live without you?”
She huffed out a sigh. “That does kind of sound like something I’d do. But where? I’ve applied to practically every high-end resort and hotel east of the Mississippi.”
“Have you ever heard of The Fraser?”
“No, what’s that?”
I told her what I knew. I’d done some research last night. The place had a website—a minimal one—but otherwise, it was hard to find out about it. Aaron said it was so exclusive it didn’t have to advertise. I’d questioned him on what it was like when he went there with his grandparents, and I shared that info with Zoe now.
“It’s worth a shot, I suppose.” She sounded like she was warming up to the idea. Good. Maybe she wouldn’t make me scrub the floors with a toothbrush when I came back, as payback for upsetting her.
“I hope it works out,” I said, and I truly meant it.
That evening there was yet another knock at my door. That had been happening a lot lately, even though the door was open. But this time, I was quite surprised by who it was.
“Hi, Raymond.” He wasn’t my favorite roommate, but we all lived here and needed to get along.
He stood hesitantly at the door. “Hi. How are you feeling?”
“Better, thank you. How are you?”
“I’m okay. I, um…” Something about the way he hovered and looked uncertain made him seem younger and a little vulnerable.
“Come in, Raymond.”
“Thanks.” He took a couple steps toward me. “About the other day… the reason I asked if you were having your period is because I had a foster sister who had endometriosis. She had terrible pain, and it took them three years to figure out what was wrong. Before I knew about your leg, I thought maybe that might be it.”
I blinked, surprised by his words and that he’d actually been trying to help, in his own slightly awkward way. “Thank you. Is she doing okay now?”
“Yeah. I get a text from her about once a month. The doctors help her manage the symptoms. It’s easier to treat something when you actually know what it is.”
“Yep.” This was the nicest conversation we’d ever had, but I wasn’t quite sure what else to say.
Then he continued. “After that, I was at a group home.”
“What was that like?” I asked softly, suspecting I knew the answer.
“It was… rough.” His quiet voice barely reached my ears. “It was like if you didn’t say something provocative, no one heard you. And after a while, it just became easier to say something mean.”
That explained a lot. “I’m sorry you were in that kind of place.” I couldn’t help wondering what he’d be like if he’d been taken in by a caring, loving family.
Raymond toed at something on the floor with a scuffed tennis shoe. “Sometimes I forget that all of us have been through crap. I’ve been talking with Evan. He’s like Aaron—a little less fucked up than the rest of us. He’s a nice guy.”
“He is.”
“I’m glad I’m here. Living in this house.”
“Me too. I mean, I’m glad I’m here, and I’m glad you are too.”
“Yeah.” He didn’t seem to know what to say to that.
Inspiration struck. “When I get better, Aaron and I are going to start a new season of American Adventures. Do you want to watch with us?”
His expression turned skeptical and more Raymond-like. “That ridiculous show with all the dumb challenges? I’ve heard it’s all staged, and they decide on the winner before the race even begins.”
“Maybe,” I said, not wanting to pick a fight. “Want to watch it with us?”
He hesitated only a few seconds. “Yeah. I’d like that.” His smile was genuine and just a little bashful. “Let me know if you need anything. I’m just right across the hall.”