“That’s okay. We went out for a couple of months. We both knew that it wasn’t going to work out, especially since I started liking someone else…which he didn’t know, but anyway….” She brushed that subject off with a roll of her eyes. “So what I was trying to tell you is that I’ve gotten to know Elijah very well. The four of us, Jimmy, Elijah, Seth, and I became like the four musketeers.”

“This way,” I interrupted, pushing the cart toward the food section. Recalling the refrigerator being empty, and needing supplies of my own, it was the second thing on my list. I changed the subject. “Elijah said he didn’t have a girlfriend, so is he dating the girl that came out of his room? What’s her name? Heather?” I was trying not to sound nosy or too interested.

Lexy rested her hand on my arm to get my attention while I was shoving apples into the plastic bag. “Alex, you should think of Elijah as being off limits.”

I started laughing. “Oh, no.” I shook my head. “Don’t get me wrong. I’m asking these questions because he’s my roommate and I want to know what to watch out for. I’m already seeing someone, and to tell you the truth, I don’t date guys that smoke. I’m sure he’s nice and all, and I don’t mean to sound like a snob, but….” Thinking of my dad, I stopped.

Lexy snorted and her brown eyes twinkled with amusement. “Well, it doesn’t stop other girls from wanting him, even if they have a boyfriend. And yes, I knew. Seth mentioned it. What’s his name, and when do I get to meet him? Details.” She didn’t wait for my reply. “Since Jimmy isn’t here to play the big brother role, I’m your big sister now.”

I was grateful for what she said. Though she had been nice since we met, hearing her words meant the world to me. I didn’t feel so alone.

“His name is Liam,” I started to say as we headed to another aisle. “We’ve been in a relationship for six months. He wants to go to law school. My best friend from home and I would sneak out to parties, and that’s how I met him. He was at his friend’s house during spring break.” I shrugged my shoulders and gave her an innocent smile.

Lexy shook her head. “My parents would have freaked out if they knew the things I did. Anyway…go on.”

“Liam is sweet and….” I didn’t know what else to say. “He’s a senior, like you.” Putting boxes of cereal in the cart reminded me I needed to buy milk. “Do you have a boyfriend?” I asked, diverting the attention away from me.

“No, I don’t want anything serious right now. Who knows where I’ll end up after graduation?”

“I know what you mean.” Then I began to think about my relationship. I knew Liam wanted to go to graduate school. How would this affect our relationship? I wondered how serious he was about us? I didn’t want to admit it, but Emma was right. He could have driven me to the condo, but at the same time, I’m glad he didn’t. He would’ve seen how crazy it was here. Would he have cared?

“Do you need anything else?” Lexy asked, pulling me out of my thoughts.

Closing my eyes, I tried to remember the things on my list without taking it out. Giving up, I peered down at the items I bought. “I just need to swing by the other section to get some towels, shampoo, and toilet paper.”

“I’m sure Elijah has them.” Lexy gave me a funny look.

“I’m sure he does, but I don’t want to use his stuff.”

Lexy’s eyes shifted to the cart. “Don’t tell me you’re buying all that food for yourself. You barely ate anything for lunch. If you plan to share with Elijah, then I’m sure he won’t have a problem sharing toilet paper.”

“Lexy, please. I don’t mind giving. I’m just not good at taking,” I pouted.

Lexy rolled her eyes playfully. “Great…you’re one of those.” She wheeled the cart as I followed behind, glancing from aisle to aisle to make sure I didn’t forget anything. Since I didn’t have a car, I didn’t want to bother her again if I didn’t have to.

“What do you mean, ‘one of those’?” I asked, feeling worried. Had I offended her?

“The giver and the pouter. I bet you get away with anything you want when you pout like that with Liam.”

“Emma always did tell me I had a killer pout,” I laughed.

Seth and Elijah weren’t around when we got home. Lexy helped me bring the groceries inside, and we put everything away in the refrigerator and the cabinets. Since the kitchen had been pretty much empty, it was easy to toss them in. Then we went back out in the dreadful heat and brought the rest of the bags into my room. She went out of her way for me today, and the only way I could think of to thank her was to invite her to dinner.

“Wow! I’ve never seen this refrigerator full…like ever, even when Jimmy was around. Elijah would cook for us once in a while, but he’s a guy. They eat out all the time,” she laughed lightly, wiping sweat off her forehead.

“I guess all guys are like that,” I shrugged and changed the subject as I did the same. “Are you free tomorrow?”

“Depends on what time?” Lexy paced toward the living room. “Since school starts next Monday, I’m going back to work. I work at the food court.”

“You do?” That piqued my interest since I needed a job. “Do you know if they’re hiring?” I followed behind her with two bottles of water. “Want one?”