The Roommate

“It gets lonely after a while mom,” I confessed through a webcam. The first couple of weeks back in Pittsburgh is never an easy transition. However this year more than others I’m struggling through it. I’ve already started talking to my team's psychologist, and even he says it’s unusual for me.

“Well if you that lonely, why not get a roommate?” my mom suggested.

“But I need to focus on my playing and conditioning. I can’t have the worry of someone else always being around distracting me.”

“Sidney, you have enough room in that house where you could go days without seeing each other. And you travel a fair amount. Why don’t you look into it? They don’t have to be a hockey player either, that way it gets you out and seeing other people every once in awhile.”

“Everyone knows who I am. I don’t want to be letting a weirdo or a stalker live with me in my home.”

“Then why don’t you do a screening process? Or use a secret name until you meet?”

“I’ll consider it. I gotta go tho mom.”

“Alright sweetie, I love you.”

“Love you too.” With that I close the laptop and let out a sigh. She does have a point, a roommate could be very beneficial for me right now. It could be some sort of friendship that could come out of it and I need to stop being so involved in the hockey world.

After a few moments of sitting in awkward silence debating if I should give this a shot, I threw any caution I had into the wind. Opening my laptop backup with confidence I set up a new email address, and went on a legitimate website that was meant for finding/offering places to live with roommates. I know some of my teammates over the years have used this site before, so I know I can trust it.

Once my account was set up, I began creating my profile. I didn’t want to post any pictures of my place in case there was a stalker who already knew where I lived. You never know these days. After reading what I should have posted I started to feel a little bit of doubt. I hadn’t even considered what they should pay, where they’d be sleeping or anything else. Guess it’s time to work my magic.

So I type: “Seeking new roommate willing to live in the outskirts of Pittsburgh. I’m willing to allow pets if they are well trained and kept to a minimum number. Multiple bed room arrangements, and access to a large kitchen. Garage space for vehicle if applicable. There won’t be much interaction with each other. For any pictures of the house and payment inquiries, please email the address linked to this account - SC.”

Here goes nothing.

I went to the gym for a two hour workout to blow off some steam, and start my intense conditioning for another season ahead of me. Once that was finally over I decided to go over to one of my good friends house for a quick bite and came home to do nothing before bed.

Out of curiosity I decide to check the site to see if anyone had contacted me about my place. To my surprise I had about 18 emails. Already? I thought. One by one I began to read each plea, and every single person either sounded creepy, or like a possessive demon. Until I read email number 18.

“Hi, I’m very interested in your posting. I work in a profession that requires me to travel a lot, so there will more than likely be times where I would go a week or more at a time where I will be absent from your home. I do not require much space, and am willing to negotiate arrangements. I would love to see pictures of your accommodations and discuss anything further. However, I would prefer to have at least one physical meeting before any deal would be made. As I’m sure you must be thinking, I just want to make sure you are a real person and am serious about this, and has a similar outcome from this. To contact, please email me back or free feel to call me. Here’s my number. I hope to hear from you soon, Bri.”

Is that short for Brian? Is this person a male or female? Either way I like what they put. Seems to be legit. I’ll most definitely reply to that one.

“Hey Bri, I would like to meet up to discuss everything as well. I’m glad you suggested it. I will have pictures and everything ready for you. Is there a date that works best for you? I’m free tomorrow afternoon around 2, otherwise I won’t be available for a while. I’m sorry if it causes an inconvenience. I’d be willing to meet for coffee?” If they’re serious about it then they can find a little time.

Within minutes of typing my response I received one from Bri.

“Hey! Tomorrow works perfectly actually. Would you like to meet up at Carlo’s Coffee Shop on first street downtown Pittsburgh around 2? I know you said you lived on the outskirts, but I’m not exactly sure where would work best to plan a meetup. Please let me know.”

Surprised by the urgency, I had no choice but to say yes. This is impressive. “Works perfectly for me. I’ll wear a navy blue golf shirt and khaki’s.”

Bri replied again confirming we were on, and I actually felt excited for what could come out of this experience.

Notes

First chapter!
I know it's not long or very detailed, but it helps set the story up, so deal with it for now!
Please let me know what you think! :)