T's & C's (don't) Apply

2: Negotiate (wisely) Before You Sign

I sat at the kitchen nook with a piping hot cup of tea and my laptop open in front of me. The aroma of peppermint tea was welcoming as I scrolled through the internet.

I'd never bothered to research anyone before unless it was needed for work or studious purposes. This time, my project was a person, if I could've even called him that. Kaidan Berkeley's face covered the entire screen as the page loaded and I already grew annoyed.

He had smiley eyes and the specks of green in his eyes complimented his tan skin. He showed off an almost perfect set of teeth while he smiled in the picture and his smile somehow irked me more.

"Who is that fit man?" Glenda, my roommate nosily peeked at the laptop screen.

I glared at the girl who was typically sloshed as soon as she walked through the front door. "None of your business."

"Future of Berke-" she read.

I shut the screen closed and glared at her. "Can't you take a hint?"

Glenda sighed. "Must you always be such a grouch?"

I glanced at the clock on the wall that read eight pm. "Why are you home so early?"

Glenda tossed her arm around my shoulder. "I wanted to spend some time with you. I feel we barely see each other even though we live under one roof."

I removed her arm and put some distance between us. "If it was up to me, we wouldn't even live together."

Glenda and I weren't exactly friends, and I didn't quite like her. I needed a decent place to live, and she had a room available, so I had no choice but to tolerate her. I moved to London for work three years ago and ever since, I shared a flat with Glenda.

She did multiple part-time jobs and mostly worked at nightclubs or bars because she preferred working at night. She came home when I was about to leave for work, and I preferred it because it meant we didn't have to cross paths. I was ambitious and had goals to meet while Glenda lived each day as it passed without any future plans.

"Are you trying to seduce this bloke?" Glenda wriggled her brows. "He looks minted so I'm willing to help you get him. The first step is a wardrobe change, if you dress like a widowed woman in her fifties, you're not going to get anywhere."

I sighed. "Don't you have work?"

"It's my night off."

I gathered my belongings. "Goodnight then."

"Come on, babe, we've been living together for three years now and other than asking for my share of the rent every month, we never talk."

"That's rubbish, I keep reminding you to clean up after yourself too."

"Lectures and nagging don't count," Glenda sulked.

"Words leave my mouth en route to you. In my book that's talking," I stated. "Now, if you'll excuse me. I'm done for the night."

On my way to my cramped little bedroom, the front door opened, and I dreaded seeing who walked in. Glenda's boyfriend was almost always over but mostly when I was at work. It was unfortunate that I had to cross paths with him on an already bad day.

"Hello, gorgeous." He grinned.

I didn't mind Glenda but hated her boyfriend. He was a freeloading arsebadger. The times we crossed paths, he tried to flirt with me and always proposed a threesome with them.

"Fancy seeing both you lovely ladies here for a change." He discarded his jacket and hung it on the rack. He rubbed his hands together in anticipation. "Is tonight finally the night you agree to a threesome?"