The Roommate

“Yes I know. But why do you have the bag, and not Carol?” I asked.

He paused a moment, then responded “She accidentally left it in my
car. I’ll give it to her next time I see her.”

“Speaking of Carol,” I asked, “when do I get to meet her? Sounds like
you are really hitting it off.” Bob didn’t respond directly, and
seemed evasive, so I tried another question. “I notice that you are
dressing different. No more tennis shoes and jeans. What’s up
there?”

“You know how girls always try to makeover a guy. She’s been taking
me shopping and stuff. That’s all.”

Seemed reasonable to me, so I didn’t push it. But as he spoke, it was
clear to me that he really seemed different and not the same old Bob.
It wasn’t just the clothes. It was Bob. “Well, anyway. I just
wanted to see how you were doing, make sure you were OK. You know I
care about you, and that you can always talk to me if there is
something on your mind…”

“Oh. Thanks. I know you do, and I appreciate it.”

With that, he ushered me out of the room and I noticed his nails for
the first time. They were longer, and painted white. As the door
closed behind me, I just shrugged and figured he must really be under
the influence of this Carol chick.

Another 3 weeks went by, and I hardly saw him at all. He was even
more evasive than before. From the glimpses I caught of him, things
hadn’t changed. He was still dressing like a hairdresser or wedding
planner or something. It was his life, so I didn’t push it, but it
was getting increasingly difficult having him as a roommate.
Normally, he and I would share groceries or talk about the bills and
rent. Lately, none of that was happening. I would have to leave him
notes on the kitchen table.

A few nights ago, I came home early from the baseball game. It had
been rained out. As I was approaching the steps to our flat, I saw a
woman coming out. Or, I thought it was a woman. She was wearing a
short blue minidress with matching purse, white pumps, seamed
stockings, and looked pretty glam. I was naturally very curious who
was coming from our building. If it was a new tenant, I naturally
wanted to meet her.