Groomless - Part 1 Read Online Free PDF Page B

keep the peace. We’ve gotta be neighborly with the neighbors.”
    “Yeah, I guess. Anyway, I’m surrounded by walls of towering laundry. I’ve got a few bucks. Can I bum a few quarters?”
    “Sure. I’ll bring some home. Next topic. Dinner. Wanna do Chinese tonight?”
    “Can’t afford it. I can’t even swing the rent this month really.”
    “Huh? Didn’t you get paid today?”
    “No. They stiffed me. I went to the job this morning, only to find that the guy closed up shop. The loser was a total scam artist. From now on, I’m sticking with reputable modeling agencies.” She sighed again, more heavily this time, sounding defeated. “How did I ever think I could make it in the playground of America’s millionaires and billionaires?”
    “Don’t worry. I’ll cover the rent,” I said.
    “How? You barely have enough money to cover your own half. Why don’t we get another roommate? Ann’s been off filming that B movie of hers, and I know she’s not paying a cent of the rent either.”
    “She said she’s coming back soon.”
    “Well, empty promises don’t pay the bills. Besides, you know how she is. ‘Soon’ might mean three months to her. Maybe it’s time to think about other options. Remember Barbara, that blonde actress? She needs a place.”
    “She’s a lush,” I said. “Drunks are out of the question.”
    “Well, we need to do something. I’m tired of living on ramen. You know that stuff is 400 calories, right? How am I supposed to keep my girlish figure eating that?”
    “I dunno. Maybe moving all that laundry around helps.”
    “Very funny,” she said, huffing. “Hey, I know! Why don’t you do some modeling too? You’re gorgeous, and you could make a lot more money than what you’re earning now if you’ll get on the other side of the camera. You’ll get more jobs as a model. And you’re way prettier than me.”
    “Thanks, but we both know that’s not true. I’m a brunette, and you’re the blonde bombshell. Your pictures are the most stunning I’ve ever seen, and I would know.”
    “Thanks. You’re always such a sweetie. I guess starting out isn’t so easy.”
    “It’s a little rough. Once you get established with some big agencies and a few connections, you’ll be okay, but my dream is to be a fashion photographer. It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, ever since I was a kid.”
    “Living in New York City can sure be tough,” she said. “Where’s my prince charming?”
    “We don’t need those. We’re strong, independent women, taking Manhattan by the horns. Anyway, I’ll bring home dinner after work…and don’t worry about the rent. We’ll figure it out.”
    “Okay. I’m gonna go ruin my stilettos pounding the damn pavement again, I guess. I have the entire day, so maybe I’ll get lucky.”
    “Get lucky, huh?” I said, laughing.
    “With a job, I mean…although the other kind of lucky sounds pretty good right about now too.”
    “Girl, you know you need to let that hot mess of a boyfriend go. If you decide to head over to his place just because you have the day off, remember that he’s jobless and about to be evicted. If you keep hanging around losers like him, you’re gonna end up in his shoes.”
    “I already am in his shoes,” she whined.
    “You won’t be jobless for long.”
    “Speaking of him, do you think he could stay with us for a week or two, just until he gets on his feet?”
    “With all those screaming matches you two have? Absolutely not.”
    “Yeah, I know he gets really excited, and—”
    “I’m talking about your fights , goof.”
    “Oh yeah. We do fight a lot, but our make-up sessions are beyond steamy, and then we get to screamin’ again.”
    I laughed. “On that note, I gotta run. Good luck today.”
    She let out a long sigh. “I don’t think anyone takes me seriously.”
    “They do, Kate. Just give them time. The world just hasn’t discovered you yet.”
    “Yeah? Remember back in January, when it was freezing?