Starting Fires Read Online Free PDF Page A

already set up. It was a nice size, running the entire width of this floor. On one end, I had a walk-in closet and on the other was my bathroom. Neither spread across the length of the room, so I had little nooks on the opposite side of their walls. Nestled between the bathroom and closet was a space for my bed and nightstands. I opened my closet door. It was huge! You could walk in and twirl your arms around without hitting anything. Several boxes of my clothes were stacked up against the walls, and my dresser rested at the back.
    “We didn’t know how you would want it set up, but figured we could organize it a little bit for you,” Charles said.
    I looked over my shoulder and smiled at him. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” He grinned and started blushing. I walked up to him and wrapped my arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. Wally joined in, cocooning us both with his long arms, giving us a shake before letting go.
    Since it was my room, I had the honor of giving the toast. As I raised my arm to think about it, I realized that I still hadn’t taken a shower. And I needed one. Badly. My body felt grimy and sticky. “Showers,” I told them and tossed it back.
    Once they left, I searched through my boxes for some clothes and toiletries. I took my time under the running water. The buzz of the alcohol in my veins felt liberating. I hadn’t had a drink in months. Now, I was in a new town, new house, new friend (Wally), new everything , and I felt empowered.
    After I was through, I wanted another shot, but needed to pace myself. The liquor Wally had given me couldn’t have been too strong because we’d taken six shots inside an hour and I wasn’t falling flat on my face. One more , I told myself.
    As I opened my door, thumping bass echoed up the stairs. It sounded like Charles and Wally had kept partying while I was cleaning up. With a bright smile on my face, I raced down the stairs, but immediately stopped once I reached the bottom.
    In the living room and kitchen were at least 15 people I didn’t recognize. Nervously, I pulled my hair into a ponytail and scanned the rooms looking for Charles.
    Wally was mixing drinks at the island in the kitchen, a crowd lingering around him. I continued searching until my eyes settled on the chest of a guy wearing a navy t-shirt. I knew that shirt. My eyes continued upwards until I saw his face. He was looking directly at me, a smile playing on his lips. Lucas .
    I smiled back, shocking myself. A girl next to him was attempting to engage him in conversation, and every now and then he would look at her and nod, but his eyes would come right back to me.
    “Hi,” I mouthed.
    “Hey,” he said back before taking a sip of his drink, never breaking eye contact. My insides suddenly felt squishy and warm. I should go talk to him. But what would I say?
    You have hypnotic eyes? I want to run my fingers through your thick, amazing hair? I wonder how soft your lips are? Maybe I should just start with “Hi.”
    Damn it, I’d already said that. I should have kept that one in reserve for when we were actually standing next to each other. Maybe just “ Nice party. ” I groaned. Could I sound more nerdy?
    No, I should just look for Charles. I started scanning again until I heard Wally call my name. “Marlowe, my girl, come have a drink with us,” he said in a big, boisterous voice. I chuckled and ignored the butterflies flittering around in my stomach as I walked towards him. This was the reason I came down here anyway—for another drink.
    Once I made it to the kitchen, Wally stretched his arm out, wiggling his fingers for me to come to him. To do that, I had to stand directly in front of Lucas. Whatever. I needed to get over this. I’m sure I’d be seeing a lot of him and I couldn’t let my brain turn to mush every time he was around. Looking at Wally, I smiled and made my way to his side.
    “Everyone, this is Marlowe. My new roommate. Marlowe, this is everyone.”
    People