Page 86 of The Reluctant Roommate

But she was in. A college student. Older than most, maybe wiser, and certainly poorer, than some. She took a deep breath and turned toward the door. The urge to share the news with Morgan beat in her chest. But Morgan was out running errands.

She opened WhatsApp and clicked on Fiona’s name.

Fiona answered almost immediately. “Don’t leave your dirty dishes on the bench. The bloody dishwasher doesn’t load itself.”

“Is that your life advice for this morning?” Heidi smirked into the camera. “Because I stopped doing that when I left home.”

Fiona rolled her eyes. “That was directed at Iza, of course. She’s cleaning her room, and she’s just done a dump and run. There must be four cereal bowls. Still, ifyoucan change, there’s hope for her. Even if she’s just ignored me. Again. Why can’t kids spring into the world fully formed as adults?”

Heidi laughed. “Think of all you’d miss. I remember you telling me about the overwhelming love for baby Iza, about the joy of her little mouth smeared with spaghetti sauce, the first smile, first steps, first time she said she loved you—”

“First-period angst, first-crush heartbreak, first broken bone. Next kid I have, I’ll farm it out until it’s twenty-one.”

“You won’t, you know.” She paused. “Nextkid? Are you telling me something?”

“No.” A sigh. “I’d have to find someone to father it first. And talking of romance…how’s the not-girlfriend situation?”

“Morgan?”

“Yes, Morgan. Unless there’s anyone else in the picture?”

Heidi smirked. “Morgan and I are good. The ‘girlfriend’ word has not been mentioned, though. We’re happy. There’s nothing formal about it, nothing really discussed. But for all that we’re such different personalities, she’s wormed her way in. Our road trip really changed things.”

“Seeing someone naked can do that.”

“Not just that. She’s less uptight. And I’m walking on eggshells less around her.”

“I’m happy for you,” Fiona said. “Really I am. It’s a sort of jealous happy; I want what you have.”

“You want to be alone in a foreign country working for an arsehole boss?”

“No, idiot. I want that falling-in-love feeling again.”

In love?No. She wasn’t doing that…was she? “It’s not love, Fi.”Not yet.

“It’s starting to sound like it. Think about that for a hot second and come back to me.”

She would. Later. Another day.

“I called to tell you something great, though.” The news from DU bubbled up inside her, the words hammering in her throat to be let out. “I got into the University of Denver on their Early Decision process. I’m officially an impoverished student. On my way. I’m committed now—but the Early Decision means I get a merit scholarship of a few thousand. That helps.”

Fi threw her arms up. “I knew you could do it. My awesome about-to-be-educated sister. When does term start?”

“Not until September.” Heidi sighed. “So long away. But it gives me more time to earn money.”

“To pile on top of the money you got back from Serena. I’m still not sure how you managed that.”

“Best you don’t know.” Heidi squirmed. “But she hasn’t tried to contact me at all since we confronted her, so I think she’s accepted it.”

“So she should. However you got it back, it was your money to take. I don’t suppose you’re coming home for Christmas? Bring Hot Housemate with you.”

“I can’t, Fi.” Longing for her messy, uncomplicated family gripped her chest. “It’s so expensive. More so at Christmas. Maybe next year.”

“Make sure you do. I wish I could come over there.”

She laughed. “Try not to do it the way I did. You don’t need a Serena upsetting your life and stealing your money.”

“No, I already have a daughter who does that. Although she only pinches ten bucks from my purse, not twenty thousand from the bank.”