“Stalker-ish? Is that even a word? Gage isn’t a stalker Ally, I know you don’t seem to like him but he’s a good guy. A good friend. As far as dating him I just don’t get that vibe. So when I think I’m ready you’ll be the first to know.”
She huffs out a breath as we pull into the parking lot. “Fine be that way Leah. I do have someone you should meet though, we just never seem to run into each other lately.”
Ally grabs our bags from the trunk while I hoist Caleb up onto my hip and we head upstairs as Ally opens our door and throws are purchases onto the couch. “You wanna lay down for a bit baby?” I ask a sleepy Caleb as he rubs his droopy eyes and I lay him down on the recliner, covering him with a blanket before he quickly dozes off again.
Allys phone buzzes and it lights up with My Sky on the caller id. “Here, its lover boy.” I toss the phone to her and she hits the side button to decline it. I raise my eyebrows at her, normally she’s on the phone with Skylar almost every minute she’s not with him. “Trouble in paradise?” She shakes her head at me, “No I told him this was strictly a girls day. I felt like I haven’t spent any time with you at all since we’ve gotten here it. I miss you.” I roll my eyes at her, “Aw thanks Ally, I knew you loved me. I do have a ton of laundry to catch up on though so I really wouldn’t mind. We’ve had all day together.”
“You sure? I could help if you want.” “Uh no but thanks I think I can handle my own laundry. Now go!” She stands up and grabs her keys back out of her purse, her phone already glued to her ear calling Skylar back. “’Kay, see ya later. Don’t wait up either. Feel free to have any guys over. Just stick a sock on the door or something.” She slams the door behind her and I can hear her excitedly talking and giggling with Skylar. Ah young love.
I change out of my clothes and put on a pair of comfy black yoga pants and a bright orange racer back tank top and throw my hair up into a messy bun. If I’m feeling motivated enough I’ll hit the gym down there while my laundry is running. I pack up a small backpack for Caleb with some juice, snacks, and toys that will hopefully keep him entertained for a little bit.
I grab my two overflowing laundry bags and a sleeve of quarters. By the time I’m ready, Caleb is wide awake and refueled for the day so we drag the laundry bags down the two flights of stairs to the basement where the small laundry room and gym are. Another plus to this apartment complex. We didn’t have to drag our stuff to the laundry mat every week and with the gym we could work out whenever we wanted.
Surprisingly, I’m the only one in there on a Sunday night and I grab two machines separating mine and Calebs clothes and dumping detergent in. I grab some skittles from the vending machine, debating on whether or not I want to head to the gym before getting Caleb settled. “Here buddy you want to color while our clothes get all clean?” I rifle through Calebs favorite Elmo book bag and pull out two of his coloring books, settling him down at a folding table that’s been stuffed into the corner. “Sure Mommy. Can I have a snack too?”
“Sure thing jelly bean. Here’s some pretzels and juice. Remember only color on the paper, nowhere else, right?” “Right,” he answers back as he starts to scribble over all of the pages and stuffing his little mouth with his snack.
“Hey are these machines free or were you going to use ‘em?” I turn around at the slightly familiar voice and see tattoo guy who has two bags of laundry trailing behind him. “Yeah I’m just using those two,” I reply as I point to the machines that I have filled. “But I’m pretty sure this laundry room is really only for the tenants to use so….” I guess he must think since he’s here so often with all of his one nighters he’s welcome to all of the facilities too. I really need to talk to the landlord about the security around this place. He gives me a strange look and says, “Well I do kinda live here so I guess I’m welcome to the machines right?” I nod my head at him and shrug my shoulders. “Uh, I guess.” Woops way to shove your foot in your mouth Leah.
He smirks back at me, “Did Ally not mention meeting me before the party the other night? I helped her carry in a few boxes the day you guys moved in.” Well that explains me not being introduced to him before. Ally and Mr. James had driven the U-Haul up the night before and I had driven my car up separately the next day. By the time I had pulled in, the U-Haul was gone and Ally had half the apartment unpacked.
“Nope she didn’t actually. I just assumed….uh….”