What It Cost

A New World

Matt picked Lilly up from the airport, his friendly grin cutting through her nervous excitement. As they made their way through the parking lot, he began laying out the plan.

"So," he said, unlocking the car, "you'll be living with the band for now. It's just the simplest setup, especially with the tour coming up."

Lilly slid into the passenger seat, her fingers tightening on her bag. "So... I'm living with four guys?" She tried to keep her voice steady, biting the inside of her cheek to contain her smile.

"Yeah," Matt replied, pulling onto the main road. "I get it's not ideal, but it's temporary. You'll have your own room, though."

"No, it's fine! I mean... it makes sense," she stammered, glancing out the window to hide her flushed cheeks.

Matt pulled into the driveway of a modest house with a dark gray exterior. "Here we are. The guys are out right now, so you've got time to settle in." He handed her a key as they stepped out of the car.

The house smelled faintly of coffee and cologne when Matt opened the door. They both kicked off their shoes, and he gave her the tour.

"This is the living room," he said, gesturing at the couch with mismatched throw pillows and a stack of game controllers on the coffee table. "Kitchen's over there, and down that hallway are three bedrooms, a full bathroom, and a half bath." He motioned toward the stairs. "Up here, three bedrooms and another full bath. The last room's soundproofed—a home studio where the boys keep their gear."

He led her down the hallway and stopped at the second door. "This one's yours."

Lilly stepped into the small room, her eyes landing on the twin bed with a simple gray comforter. A desk, dresser, and open closet completed the setup. She set her bag on the bed with a heavy sigh. "Okay. Thank you."

Matt nodded. "If you need anything, give me a call. I've got to head out, but make yourself at home."

After unpacking her clothes and gear, Lilly FaceTimed her best friend, Tasha.

"Lilly!" Tasha's voice was full of excitement as her face appeared on the screen.

"Tash! I've got to show you this place." Lilly flipped the camera, giving a quick tour of her room before moving to the bathroom next door.

"Do you share it? I see men's stuff on the counter," Tasha asked, her brow furrowing.

"Yeah," Lilly replied, flipping the camera back to herself. "Not sure who with, though. Matt didn't say."

"Cozy," Tasha teased, wrinkling her nose. "You're basically in a frat house."

"More like a sardine can," Lilly quipped, laughing as she headed downstairs. "But it's fine. The kitchen's cute, and there's even a backyard. Look."

She slid open the glass door to reveal a fenced yard with a cement patio, complete with furniture, hanging lights, and a grill.

"Okay, not bad," Tasha admitted. "Perfect for parties."

"Right?" Lilly plopped onto a patio chair and chatted away until the sun set, casting long shadows across the yard.

---------------------------------------------------

The sun had set, darkness taking over the backyard.

"Okay, Tash. I gotta go.. I need to unpack and I don't know when the guys will be home."

"Okay, girl. I'll talk to you later. Love you."

"Love you, too." Lilly hung up and walked back inside and up the stairs. Lilly took her time hanging up her clothes, arranging her closet, and setting up her desk. Once her suitcase was empty, she sat down at her desk and worked on her laptop.