236 The new roommate 1

~ Seattle ~

Tuesday

10:02 AM

Ashton is in a good mood while walking toward the FD Studio.

Last night was a rollercoaster. After the tour of the apartment (and the kissing on the sofa), Sabrina ordered dinner to be delivered to her apartment and the two of them shared a meal while discussing their future as roommates.

Their first dinner together was Italian food delivered in plastic containers, but he never had anything so tasty in his life. Actually, everything tasted like Sabrina. And it seems that is only the first dinner out of many. He is giddy only thinking about it.

Sabrina seemed cool about anyone finding out that they are roommates, but Ashton has his reservations. Ashton came up with an idea: other than Mike, Jake, and Derek, no one really cares where he lives, and he will tell them that he is house-sitting for a lady who travels frequently. That will explain how he ended up in such a fancy building and why they can't visit him in the apartment. If they insist on coming, he will entertain them in the clubhouse.

Sabrina laughed and shook her head. "Is there a reason to lie to them?"

"If they see the place, they will be all over me. They know that I can't afford such a place."

Sabrina flashed a mischievous grin. "Tell them that you are paying me with your body."

Ashton swallowed hard. "Sabrina, you are playing with fire."

Sabrina stifled a laugh and continued eating while her eyes shone in amusement. She does not remember when was the last time she had so much fun.

Ashton has no idea how he managed to leave her place after they finished dinner. He really-really wanted to stay, and Sabrina wanted him to stay also. But he forced himself to move.

"I will see you tomorrow morning at work.", he said while tightening his hug on her.

"OK.", she said with longing in her voice and fisted his t-shirt. She missed him already.

He leaned to kiss her on the cheek, but she cupped his face and kissed him on the lips.

"Don't kiss me on the cheek. That is fake.", she said in a half-whisper.

Ashton didn't understand what that means, but that whole day was overwhelming so one kissing comment seemed insignificant.

Back to the present…

Ashton entered the FD Studio and walked toward Nicole and Madison who are behind the counter.

"Uh, the hottie from yesterday is back…", Nicole said shamelessly to Madison who is eyeing Ashton.

Madison looked at Nicole questionably. "From yesterday?"

Nicole confirmed. "You were in the back, so you didn't see him. He spent some time in Rina's office and then the two of them left together."

"You will scare the customer away.", Madison responded through giggles.

"Not a customer. I think he is applying for a job."

"Oh, that changes things…", Madison smiled playfully and turned to Ashton. "Can I help you?"

Ashton smiled. "I am here to see Sabrina."

Madison and Nicole did a quick rock-paper-scissors game which Madison won.

"Do you have an appointment?", Madison asked while ignoring Nicole's pout.

Ashton could not believe that the two young ladies in front of him just played a game to determine which one of them will talk to him. And he heard all the previous comments. He did his best to stay cool.

"I don't have an appointment, but I believe that she is expecting me." Ashton lifted his arm and showed them the folder he is holding onto.

"This way, please…", Madison said while gesturing in the direction of Sabrina's office.

"Rina, a handsome man from yesterday is looking for you…", Madison said when she peeked in Sabrina's office.

Sabrina frowned. Yesterday, when Madison announced a handsome man, Jackson showed up. Is it possible that it is him again? Why is he back?

Madison saw that Sabrina frowned and added suspiciously: "He said that you are expecting him."

A moment later, Sabrina relaxed and smiled. If she is expecting him, it can be only one person. "Let him in…"

"Hey…", Ashton said when he walked into Sabrina's office. "I've brought the paperwork for the job."

"Let's deal with that first.", Sabrina said while standing up. "Come, this way…"

They walked to the adjacent office.

"Delphine…", Sabrina called. "This is Ashton, he is applying to the part-time position we have. Can you check if everything is in order while he is still here?"

"Sure. I need a few minutes.", Delphine responded while smiling at Ashton. "I am Delphine."

Ashton nodded and introduced himself.

"Delphine is in charge of our administration and finances.", Sabrina explained and gestured toward the main area of the studio. "Let me introduce you to others while Delphine checks the documents."

Ashton followed after Sabrina obediently.

"These two handy helpers are Madison and Nicole… They work on the main floor.", she turned to the two young ladies. "This is Ashton."

They shook hands and Sabrina gave him a mini-tour of the place.

In the back area, Sabrina introduced Ashton to Charlie (the second interior designer in the FD Studio), and then Sabrina showed Ashton the storage, which is further in the back. By the time they returned to the main area of the studio, Delphine confirmed that all the paperwork is in order and that it will take her two days for background checks.

Ashton looked at Sabrina. He is not sure how long he was at her studio, but he knows that it's not long enough. "I guess I will be going now."

Sabrina was not ready to part from Ashton, and she already had an idea how to stick to him. "Do you have anything planned after this?"

"Not really."

Sabrina gave him a knowing look. "Do you want to move some of your things? My calendar for the day is free so we can go in my car."

Ashton's lips curved into a smile. "Sounds great."

"I just need a minute…"

"I will wait here." Aston said and looked after Sabrina dreamily.

When they confirmed that Sabrina went to her office, Nicole and Madison approached Ashton.

"You applied for a job here?", Madison asked Ashton.

"Yes."

Nicole went straight to the point. "Is there something between you and Sabrina?"

Ashton smiled. "I wish."

Nicole made an exaggerated gasp. She wanted to ask something else, but Sabrina was back.

Just by looking at Nicole and Madison, Sabrina can tell that the two of them are up to something. "Don't you two have work to do?"

Nicole pouted. "I was just talking to him. Why are you so possessive? We can share."

Sabrina narrowed her eyes. "Ashton is not for sharing."

Madison made a silly face at Sabrina. "Waah! Why do you get the hot ones, and we are stuck with Charlie?"

"I heard that!", Charlie bellowed from the back room.

They all burst into a laugh.

"I get the hot ones because I am the boss.", Sabrina said smugly while nudging Ashton toward the exit.

"Charlie will handle my clients for the day. I have things to do.", Sabrina told Madison and Nicole before she left the studio.

Outside…

"You guys are getting along well.", Ashton said when they walked to the car.

"Yeah. They are with me for a long time. They will tease you, but it's harmless."

Ashton remembered Nicole and Madison talking about him (in front of him!) when he arrived, and how they rushed to hear gossip the moment Sabrina was out of the earshot. "Are you sure they are harmless?"

"For you, yes…", Sabrina said and stifled a laugh at Ashton's confused expression. "Madison and Nicole are a couple."

It took Ashton a few seconds to process that information. "I see…", he said awkwardly.

"You look disappointed.", Sabrina said while eyeing his reaction.

Ashton pressed his lips into a line. He knows that Sabrina is teasing him, but… "A hundred Madisons and Nicoles are not worth one Sabrina, regardless if they are gay or straight. With you by my side, no one else exists."

Sabrina's heart jolted at his words. He is a sweet talker. And she confirmed again that Ashton is a total opposite from Jackson.

They made a stop to a home improvement store, and Ashton bought large moving boxes.

Sabrina helped him with packing and in one trip they filled the trunk and the backseat of her car, taking all his clothes, books, and most of the things from the kitchen.

"I have time until the end of the month to figure out what I will do with the furniture.", Ashton said.

"I can help you sell it or maybe even buy it from you.", Sabrina offered. "How much I've seen, it's in great shape and I can definitely use it in my studio for staging."

Ashton was not sure if he wants to part with it. "I might keep it in the storage. Just in case if you change your mind and kick me out."

Sabrina didn't respond. She knows that Ashton is insecure, and she is aware of how that is her fault. It is because of her unusual relationship with Jackson. Sabrina decided to tell Ashton the truth, as soon as she gets the chance. She needs to tell Ashton that she is in a contractual relationship with Jackson for eight years, and that Jackson never touched her, and that she has no feelings for Jackson… but Sabrina knows how none of that is important. What is important, is that she needs to end that relationship with Jackson. Only when Jackson is officially not part of her life, Ashton will be confident enough to stand by her side.

They went to a restaurant for lunch before heading to Sabrina's (and Ashton's) apartment, and she helped him unpack.

Sabrina and Ashton spent the day together, and it was wonderful.

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