𝐂𝐎𝐈𝐍𝐂𝐈𝐃𝐄𝐍𝐂𝐄 • Jake Webber & Johnnie Guilbert

- 016

It had been a few days since Mandi and Maria had been staying in Jake and Johnnie's house. They'd been trying to get a hold of their landlord, but she wasn't answering.

"All I wanna do is go home and sleep in my own bed," Mandi said, "Why isn't she answering her texts?"

Maria flopped down next to her on the couch. "You know how landlord's are. Unless there's an issue with the house that'll affect its value, they don't care."

"I thought getting a girl landlord would help me avoid this problem. You know, thought it was just a man thing."

"Usually it is. In the case of landlords, I'm afraid they're all just assholes. It's okay, though. I think we'll be safe. I haven't had a text from Adam since we broke up."

"It's only been a few days Maria. I don't wanna get our hopes up."

"Why not? We shouldn't live in fear of him all the time. I mean, look, we're living with two of our best friends, technically three if you count Tara since she's here all the time."

Mandi sighed. She didn't like living with Johnnie when Tara was around. She liked them separately, but together they were so... flirty. It wasn't that she cared if the two dated or anything, that was none of her business, she just wished they wouldn't be so in her face about it, it was like she was invisible when it was the three of them.

"Do you think it's safe to go and get your stuff?" Jake asked, breaking Mandi out of her unwanted thoughts about Johnnie and Tara. "I mean, you guys don't have many clothes yet. Can't have you outfit repeating."

"I don't wanna go alone," Maria said, reaching for Jake's hand. He told it, rubbing his thumb across her knuckles.

"Me and Johnnie will come," he said.

"When did I consent?" Johnnie asked from his bedroom. No one had realised he was awake. Jake rolled his eyes and walked into his friends bedroom, finding him sat in the mirror doing his eye makeup.

"You have other plans?" Jake asked, lowering his voice so the girls couldn't hear.

"No, Jake, but you know how I feel around Mandi. She's been... weird, like she doesn't wanna be around me."

"First of all, you're reading way too much into it. Second of all, even if Mandi was being weird, the girls are scared. The least we could do is take them to their place to get their stuff. If you're not gonna do it for Mandi do it for Maria. And for me, actually. I don't wanna be the only one waiting whilst they get their stuff."

"Fine. Give me a few minutes."

Jake smiled widely and went back to the living room, telling the girls to go to the car while he grabbed their bags. He made sure they were empty so they could fit as much stuff as possible, before him and Johnnie followed the girls to the car.

Mandi smiled at Johnnie, causing Jake to deadpan. He seriously had nothing to worry about.

They drive to the girls' house, begrudgingly taking the stairs because the elevator was out of use.

"Considering how much you pay for rent, you'd at least think you can use the elevator," Jake said.

"It's two flights of stairs," Maria laughed.

"Two flights too many."

They finally made it to the girls apartment, Maria unlocking the door. She gasped as it opened, causing Mandi to bolt to her side.