“What the hell is that?” My roommate, Brody, made a face as he watched me cook my dinner.

“It’s food. What else could it be?”

“I’ll make us something decent if you’ll throw whatever that crap is out.”

“Hey, I’m offended. My hamburger macaroni casserole is incredible.”

“I’m sure it is.” He pulled out some pots, and I knew that arguing was pointless. Brody loved cooking, and not the fried seafood dishes he threw together at the grille. He wanted to work at a French restaurant or something. He was all about the heavy sauces and stuff. I didn’t mind. Neither Maddy nor I were good cooks. Maddy complained that Brody was going to make her gain weight, but I think she just did that to annoy him.

I put my food into a bowl and stuffed it into the fridge. Brody probably wouldn’t be around to cook the next night.

“At least cover it,” Brody complained. “The whole place is going to smell.”

“I like the smell.” I smirked and took a seat on the couch. Brody didn’t want any help, and if he wanted my food covered he’d get out the plastic wrap himself.

I turned on the TV and started flipping through the channels. There had to be something. I settled on ESPN. I didn’t care much about the baseball coverage, but at least it was something.

Before I could set down the remote, I heard a knock on the door. We weren’t the type to get too many visitors, so I rushed to answer it. Maybe we’d get lucky and it would be a hot new neighbor to pass the time.

I pulled open the door. The visitor was hot, but not a new neighbor.

“Macon, hey.” Carly looked up at me with her hazel eyes. Her hair was down, covering her shoulders that were left exposed by her red floral shirt. The shirt was kind of old fashioned looking, but it looked cute on her. She was also wearing a red skirt. She’d been in town over a week, but I’d only seen her a few times at the Grille.

“Hey. To what do we owe this honor?” I held open the door for her.

She walked in tentatively and glanced around. “Is Maddy here?”

“No. I saw her in passing this morning, but I assumed she was back over at your brother’s place.”

“Nope. I haven’t seen her all day. I guess we kept missing each other.” Carly meandered over to the kitchen. “Wow that smells amazing.”

Brody stirred something in the largest of the pots. “Thanks. Have you eaten?”

“Not yet.”

“Then stay. We have plenty.” Brody was all about sharing his culinary creations. I didn’t mind the company.

“Have you tried calling her?” Maddy never went anywhere without her cell phone.

“Yeah. It went to voicemail. I’m guessing she went somewhere and forgot it.”

“Let me try.” I pulled out my phone and found her on my favorite contacts list. Her phone rang and rang before going to voicemail.

Carly’s forehead wrinkled. “She’s still not answering?”

“I know a good trick.” I texted her. Either let us know you’re alive or I’m calling your parents.

Carly read it over my shoulder, giving me a whiff of her strawberry scent. It must have been her shampoo or something.

“Her parents? Not the cops?”

I pressed send. “This threat works better.”

My phone rang immediately. “Hey. Sorry. I went out for a walk and forgot my phone and then I took a nap. What’s going on?” Her voice sounded heavy with sleep.

“Brody’s cooking. You should come home.”

“Ok sure. I had a late lunch with Colin so I’m not really hungry, but I can always make room for Brody’s food.”

I turned to Carly. “She’s coming over, and I’m sure she’s terribly sorry for not calling you back.”

“Is Carly there?” Maddy snapped at me through the phone.

“Yes. She came searching for you when you rudely didn’t bother to pick up your phone.” I was laying it on pretty thick, but Maddy would have done the same thing to me.

“Give me the phone.”

I handed the phone over to Carly.

I’m not sure what they discussed, but Carly was smiling when she handed my phone back. “She’s on her way over.”

“Brody, plan on making enough for four.” I walked over to the half wall separating the kitchen from the living area. The condo wasn’t huge, but it was nice. My parents had bought it as an investment property, and after a few years it had definitely become home. I wasn’t sure how much longer I was going to be able stay at the beach, but I could think of worse places to spend my twenties.

Brody pulled out a large cutting board. “I heard. I’m glad Maddy’s coming.”

At first I thought Brody had a thing for Maddy, but it wasn’t like that at all. I don’t think he’d ever had too many female friends, and he liked having her around. He also mentioned once that she reminded him of his brother’s fiancé. Maybe she made him think about home or something.

“It’s going to be awhile though.” Brody cut up some chicken.

“Okay.” I sat back down on the couch. “Carly and I can wait.” I touched the cushion next to me.

She sat down and carefully smoothed out her skirt. Carly was different from most girls I was used to. She was shy, but not in the usual won’t make eye contact kind of way. It was more the way she handled herself. She was bubbly on the outside, but I got the feeling there was something altogether different underneath, like she was hiding something. It wasn’t my place to pry, and I already worried enough about one girl who wasn’t my girlfriend. I didn’t need to add a second.

Carly sighed. “I need to find something to do.”

“You’re looking for a job?” I turned off the TV. I hated trying to make conversation with it on. I was too easily distracted.

“Yeah. I can’t get an apartment or anything without one.”

“True enough.” I put a hand behind her on the couch. “Have you thought about applying at the Grille? I’m sure Maddy would put in a good word for you with Max.”

“I would too.” Brody stepped out of the kitchen. “And I know Max is always looking for extra help in the summer. Have you waitressed before?”

She sat up straighter. The result had her leaning more into my arm. “No… but I’m a fast learner.”

“Just let me know if you want me to talk to him.” Brody disappeared into the kitchen again.

“You could probably get something at the scuba shop if you want, running the register or something. It’s not going to be nearly as many hours though.” And it would also mean she’d be working with the asshole son of my boss. I regretted even suggesting it. She was exactly his type—innocent and young.

“Thanks.” She smiled. “Nice to know I have so many connections.”

I laughed, determined to keep things light. “Yeah, amazing connections at jobs that pay nothing and make no use of your diploma.”

“Beggars can’t be choosers. Besides, didn’t all of you go to college?”

“Yeah, but we’ve accepted we’re wasting away our lives.” At least I was trying to accept it.

She crossed her legs. “I wouldn’t call it wasting your life, just postponing the next stage.”

“What do you mean? I can’t fry fish at the Grille forever?” Brody’s laugh carried over the sound of whatever it was he was sautéing. “By the way I’m almost done.”

Carly turned toward the kitchen. “I guess that depends on how good of a chef you are.”

Brody peeked over the half wall. “You’ll find out soon.”

“Great.” She stood up. “Can I use your restroom real quick?”

“Sure, you remember where it is, right?” She’d spent the night at our place once after a game of cards went overtime.

She gave me a look of disbelief. “It hasn’t been that long.” She walked down the hall.

Brody leaned over the wall. “Be careful, man. She’s Colin’s sister.”

“What? I was just talking to her.”

“Yeah. Right.” Brody didn’t say anything else, but he didn’t have to. I was interested in Carly, but hooking up with a girl I’d have to see all the time wasn’t a good idea. I brushed off the thought. That didn’t mean I couldn’t enjoy the company.