Just Roll With It: a Just Us novel Read Free

Really, the things he does shouldn't surprise me anymore. I don't even want to think about it.
    Our relationship seems complicated to people who don't understand, but not to us. It's the norm for us. The fact is, he's always been there for me, and I for him. Through girlfriends and boyfriends, he has been my one constant. I'd like to think he feels the same about me.
    We met in our ninth grade science class. He was the only other transfer student. When the teacher told us to pick lab partners, I freaked. But, Enzo was right there to ask me to be his partner. He'd said I was his obvious choice since neither of us knew anyone else. He was my lifesaver throughout the rest of high school. The truth is, I might not have survived without him.
    I read an article one time about cosmic soul mates, how your soul mate has nothing to do with romance. It's not about who you choose to marry, or spend a life with; it's a person who pushes you to be a better you.
    They challenge you to the point of frustration and get you out of your comfort zone. They tear down your walls, smack you awake, and change you for the better. However, you don't necessarily want to be with them passionately, or for the rest of your life.
    You will eventually need them to leave you so you can figure yourself out. Your best friend. My best friend. His unwavering optimism balances out my solicitous cynicism. That is my Enzo. My crazy, eccentric, caring, masturbating Enzo.
    "Jesus Christ, Bee. We have only been living here, like, less than a month. This shit ain't supposed to happen yet."
    He saunters his way out of the bedroom looking almost smug. He's dressed in a pair of jeans now. Thank … Thor, I guess.
    "C'mon, Enz, something was bound to happen if you insist on not locking your door when you do private shit! Besides, who cares? Everybody does it," I tell him as I walk over to the closet.
    I look back at him and wink. His eyes widen, and a small amount of red creeps into his cheeks. I'd bet he never thought about it the other way around before. At least, not about me.
    "I was looking for my art supplies. I'm still not used to the doors around here. I thought I was opening the supply room," I justify.
    He moves to the kitchen and pours a glass of soda, looking less and less embarrassed.
    "No worries, what are you painting?"
    "Don't know yet. I had to relax my nerves after driving home in the rain," I confess.
    "Oh yeah, your … you know, I was thinking about you actually. When I saw the weather, I almost called to see if you wanted me to pick you up, but the rain didn't seem too bad." He looks at me for reassurance.
    "It wasn't. Not the point, though. I can't control what triggers it. Sometimes driving in the dark or rain does, and sometimes it doesn't. It's unpredictable. Just depends."
    "I know. Well, let me know when you do need anything," he offers.
    "Thanks. Actually, after our little incident, I'm feeling much better," I say with a huge grin on my face. "Turned out to be just the distraction I needed."
    He gives me his famous I hate you, but not really look, and chucks a coaster at me. I duck my head just in time, and he misses, causing the coaster to glide past and fall deep in the crack between the couch and the wall.
    "Glad I could be of service, while servicing myself." He dramatically waggles his brows up and down. "Now, if you will excuse me, I have to get ready for my date." He makes a ridiculous bowing gesture then walks back into his room.
    I listen for a click, but he still doesn't lock his door. Dumbass.
    "I don't even want to know why you were doing what you were doing, before a date," I mutter to myself, as I finally pull out my paints.
    Art is my therapy, always has been. Especially after the time I overheard my mom having a conversation with my grandpa about me needing therapy but not having the money. I'm glad I at least had a paintbrush.
    When I paint, I forget about everything except the brushstrokes, and the color. I started with acrylic