Chapter 5

I was just about to leave work for the day when Tom popped into the trailer.

“Hey, you up for some cold ones after work again?” I shook my head.

“Nah, I’m meeting Ruth about being roommates this evening, remember.”

“Oh yeah,” he replied with a smirk. I rolled my eyes.

“I know what that look’s for, and don’t count on it!”

“Hey, you never know,” he teased without losing his smirk. I groaned. “And if you refuse to make a move, send her my way!” I snorted.

“Goodbye,” I deadpanned. “I’ve got to go get cleaned up.”

“Good luck!” He encouraged with a wink. ‘See you monday!” I shook my head while he walked out. A minute later I did the same and was headed home.

“Afternoon David,” greeted Reylund, who was also just arriving.

“Hi,” I responded as he was walking toward his door. “Hey!” I called out just before he got there. I started approaching and he did the same.

“I just wanted to let you know that I’m gonna be moving soon.” His wolf-like face was hard to read, but even I could see the dismay in his eyes. “The landlady’s selling the place, so I got the boot.”

“I’m sorry to hear that,” he replied with a sigh. “There were a lot of people that were very unhappy with us moving in, but you’ve always been kind to us. Thank you.”

“You don’t have to thank me for just having a sense of decency...” I rubbed the back of my neck.

“Maybe, but it still meant a lot of Lorie and I, and we’re going to miss you.” He extended his hand. With a grin I shook it. “Do you know where you’re moving to?” He asked.

“Not yet, but I’m leaving to go look at an apartment right now. The rent’s amazing for the size, but I’ll have a roommate,” I answered. “There’s not much on the market right now...”

“At least you found something. Where is it?”

On the other side of town, not really that far from your job.” He narrowed his eyes.

“ ... where exactly?” He asked slowly. I pulled the address up on my phone and showed the map to him. He groaned when he saw where I was indicating. “That’s the centaur district.”

“Oh...”

“They’re a bit too proud if you ask me, but they’re also honorable. You’re a good person so you’ll probably be ok, eventually.”

“Eventually?” I asked.

“Just don’t expect them to welcome you immediately with arms wide open, that’s all.”

“Great,” I muttered, wondering what I was getting myself into.

“Well, I’d have a roommate. That might help smooth things over with the neighbors. Her name is Ruth.” Raylund’s head cocked to the side.

“That’s odd...”

“What?”

“Female centaurs stay with their family until they’re mated. That’s all.”