Hot Mess (LBSC #1) | Completed

Chapter 10

The trilling of my alarm broke through my dreamless sleep. In the two days I'd been waking up and going to yoga with Zoey, I'd been falling asleep pretty early since I didn't have to work those nights and my sleep had been amazing.

Of course I'd never willingly set my alarm for 5:55 a.m., but I wanted to make sure that I was up before Zoey took it upon herself to come and rouse me out of bed. Groaning, I sat up and threw the covers for a good stretch. I was surprised at how much easier it was to wake up early today.

I rummaged through my workout drawer again and found another inspirational tee ("If I keep running, I'll come across a taco stand eventually") and some black-and-white checkered spandex leggings. I was in the bathroom brushing my teeth when I realized it was weird that Zoey hadn't yet burst into my room.

I spit out my mouthful of toothpaste and leaned over the sink. Whew, the grey hairs hadn't reappeared. Time to go see where the hell Zoey was. I picked up my shoes and bag and headed into the living room. I deposited my stuff on the couch and pushed open Zoey's bedroom door ever so slightly. Her lamp was on and the bed unmade, but I didn't see her anywhere.

"Zoey? You in here?"

"In the bathroom!" she called.

I padded to her bathroom door and eased it open.

"Excuse you!" she exclaimed around the toothbrush in her mouth. "I could have been pooping."

In the mirror, my reflection stood with her arms crossed, looking down her nose at Zoey. "You know we have no secrets. Why didn't you wake me up for yoga?"

Zoey spit out the toothpaste and rinsed her mouth before answering. "I'm not going. I've got an important presentation later this morning and I want to get a little more rehearsal in." She paused. "I can't believe you're up. I didn't think you even had a functional alarm clock."

"Very funny, Zo."

Zoey sobered up. "Look at you, Reese! I'm proud. You're taking initiative and making stuff happen."

I leaned against the doorjamb and pursed my lips. "Aw, shucks, thanks for the vote of confidence."

Zoey's brows knitted as she frowned. "Don't be like that. I'll admit I was a little worried at first, but it looks like you're well on your way. That open house thing was just a tiny setback."

I sighed, not wanting to be reminded of just how quickly my dream job managed to slip from my grasp. "Jenna said she'd give my name to some friends with connections, so we'll see what happens."

"That's a good idea," Zoey said, opening a tube of mascara.

"It won't be interviewing musicians, but..." I trailed off.

"Whatever it is, it'll be a step in the right direction." Zoey's face suddenly brightened. "I forgot to tell you–Hayden's coming home tomorrow!"

Just flippin' great. The two weeks Hayden had been off visiting his relatives had been wonderful; I'd had Zoey all to myself. Now I'd have to share her again. I thought Hayden was cool, but with him around there would be no way Zoey would be committed to helping me get my goals under my belt.

I plastered a smile on my face. "Awesome! It'll be so nice to have our third, non-rent-paying roommate back in the apartment."

"Reese, you barely even pay rent. I'm always covering you, so I don't want to hear it."

I narrowed my eyes and pouted. "Well, since Hayden is moving back in and I know I won't see you for days at a time–" at this Zoey rolled her eyes, "And you're not joining me for yoga this morning, I want some quality time tonight. Besides, you'll need to decompress after your presentation today."