one sin.

48) Beware of Roomies

As I told you, I'm in love with you... But I can't even tell you....

I jump awake, not having even realized I'd fallen asleep. I look around, taking in the scenery of buttfuck nowhere Missouri. I see I have an incoming video chat from Layne and accept it, "Hey, baby."

She smiles and frowns, "Why is that bitch on you?" I look and see Wren resting on my shoulder. I hadn't even noticed, having just woken up myself.

"No clue," I throw her off immediately with the shake of a shoulder.

Layne smiles, "Good girl."

"What the fuck?" Wren wakes up, and sees me, my phone, and my screen, before shutting up.

"Hi Wren," Layne waves at her and a look of disgust flashes across Wren's face before she readjusts herself and falls asleep again.

"You have a girlfriend," Layne says.

I chuckle, "I know, babe. Thanks for having Brandon remind me though."

"I feel like you need frequent reminding," she says, "Why is Wren sitting next to you anyway?"

"She sat there," I respond, "It isn't like I can make her move. We're a full house on both buses."

I hold up the camera and do a quick sweep. Every available seat is filled, "Nothing I can do, love."

"You could've drove yourself, walked," she teases, lowering her voice, "Or just stayed here with me..."

"I regret leaving already. Trust me," I respond. Trees turn into buildings and we enter the city.

"HEY!" Graves stands up and starts to talk and I remove my headphones in order to hear her better.

"Alright guys, when we get off the bus, grab your luggage and gather in the lobby. There, sign in and you'll receive an agenda for the weekend, along with food options outside of the competition. Once you are checked in, see me for your room assignments and keys. Got it? Got it."

We exit the bus and I end my call with Layne promising to call her back. I go through the motions, getting checked in smoothly before I hit a bump.

"Can I have the key?" Graves turns to me, "Wait a minute. It's rooms of four with two keys so you have to wait for a partner before going up."

"Well can I know who's in my room?" I ask.

She glances at the clipboard in her hand then back at me, "Oh... You'll see."

Oh my God I'm about to be fucked up in three... two... one...

Wren steps up next to me and Graves surrenders the key to her, "Room 304."

We look at each other and Wren smiles while I frown, "Lead the way."

"Oh," Graves grabs me, "And remember, you have a girlfriend."

I clench my jaw, swallowing my anger. It's two nights. It's only two nights.

The elevator proves to be packed with every other competitor, so we opt for the stairs. I make it up quickly, my bags fairly light for the trip. As I climb I stop and see the hoe dragging behind.

"Give me the key," I order, "You're slowing me down."

"The polite thing would be to take my bag," she huffs, struggling along only marginally faster.

I say nothing, continuing my ascent.

"The polite thing to do would be to offer to take one of my bags!" she complains again.