The exterior of the buildings all looked the same, with the same beige paint. You couldn’t tell them apart, except for the address. It looked to be a single-level condo with each unit attached side by side. As long as it was in a livable condition, I didn’t care.

The streetlights provided enough light, and the numbers getting higher indicated I was getting closer. Finding a place to live near the college was not an easy thing to do. Lucky for me, my cousin Jimmy graduated and told me I could take his old room. I was hesitant, but I had no other choice since my funds were limited.

One of the perks was that the furniture and basic appliances were already provided and all I had to do was move in. There was only one condition; I had to live with a roommate. From what my cousin said in his text, she seemed like a really nice person. No biggie. I could handle a roommate, I hoped.

Looking at the address on my text again just to confirm, I knew today wasn’t my lucky day. The music was blasting out of 48. Great! Approaching the doorway, there were two guys and a girl with their backs to me.

When the first guy turned, my heart skipped a beat and our eyes locked for who knew how long. With dark brown hair and piercing, beautiful eyes that twinkled just underneath the light, he was attractive. I could even tell he had a nice, toned body from the gray tank top he was wearing.

I didn’t know what to do. I lost my words. His stare became intense. I waited for any type of greeting, but he continued to stare in silence. With a fast sweep of his eyes from my head to my toes, he finally shifted them away from me. Maybe he didn’t like what he saw, but I didn’t care.

“Lookie here,” the second guy said, breaking my trance. “Hello, sweetheart. How can I help you?” His words came out too playful.

“I…umm. Is this 48 Dartmouth Court?” I asked shyly, wringing a strand of my hair around my index finger, then quickly dropped it when I saw his eyes widen with amusement.

“It sure is. Are you here to party or spend the night?” His eyes fell to my suitcase.

“Oh…I’m Jimmy’s cousin. I’m taking over his room. I’m Alexandria, but he calls me Alex.”

“You’re Alex?” the second guy said too excitedly, laughing out loud. “I thought Alex was a guy. How about that?” He nudged the first guy, but he didn’t bother to reply.

“Oh My God! You’re Alex? I should’ve known.” The pretty brunette’s tone rose with elation. With beautiful green eyes, her soft curls passed her shoulders. Wearing shorts and a black tank top, I didn’t blame her. We were dressed similar. The blistering heat was unbearable today and it carried over into the night.

“I’m Lexy,” she said, extending her hand to shake mine. “Jimmy is a good friend of mine. Actually, a good friend to all of us.” She gestured to the guys.

“Lexy,” I repeated, returning the heartfelt smile, releasing her hand. “Jimmy told me to get in touch with you. He spoke highly of you.”

“I don’t know about that,” the second guy teased, chuckling. “Unless you want a good time.” He got a good smack from Lexy. “I’m Seth. If I knew you were Alex, I would have told Jimmy to send you my way. I have a spare room if you change your mind about this place, or if you don’t like your roommate,” he winked.

Seth had that kind of baby face that would make you trust him easily. The look you could warm up to, because he had a sweet smile. But knowing him for only a couple of minutes, he was obviously a big flirt.

“I…um…thanks,” I said quickly, feeling my face warm up. I didn’t want to be rude, but I wasn’t sure if I should have said that since he was flirting.

The first guy hadn’t said a word. I glanced up to see if he would introduce himself, but he wasn’t even looking my way. He just lit a cigarette and puffed away. Only when I started coughing from the horrid smell, he looked at me with a short, irritated sigh. It was a fast glance, and then he turned his back to me. Great! I just got here and I already met someone who doesn’t like me.

“Let me take you to your room,” Seth said, taking my suitcase.

“I’ll see you inside,” Lexy muttered. “Say hi to your roommate, Ellie, for me.” Lexy let out a hearty laugh as she accentuated the word “Ellie.”

It only made me wonder if this Ellie was going to be a friend or a nightmare. “I will,” I said, and then followed behind Seth. I turned when I heard a low grumble sound from the smoker. He looked surprised when my eyes caught his, most likely thinking I wouldn’t have turned. I just hoped I didn’t have to see him around any time soon.

It was difficult to follow Seth through the mass of people inside, but I couldn’t miss him. He was taller than most of the people in the crowd, so I could see the tips of his blond hair. There were several small groups of guests talking and holding red plastic cups. Someone was behind the dining table making drinks. Several couples were making out on the couch. They seriously needed to get a room. Others were near the DJ and on the balcony, shaking and grinding their bodies against each other to the music.

Pushing through while bumping into bodies, I managed to catch up to Seth, who looked over his shoulder to see if I was following.

“Here’s your room,” he said, opening the door.

“Oh God!” I yelped, covering my mouth from saying anything else. A couple was having sex.

Seth slammed the door. “I’m sorry. I’ll be right back.”