He Picked My Roommate, I Picked a PhD Instead Chapter 01
My boyfriend Keaton Reed came to pick me up for dinner. My roommate Sierra Vance happened to be at the school gate and asked to tag along.
Before I could say yes, she slid into the passenger seat.
The whole ride, she chatted him up—new sneakers, yacht parties. All stuff I knew nothing about.
Keaton laughed along like I wasn’t even there.
When we passed a smoothie shop, he said he’d buy Sierra a drink.
I mentioned I wanted a mango smoothie. He acted like he didn’t even hear me. Only asked what she wanted. When he handed it to her, he even stuck the straw in for her.
Mine he just tossed at me. The car turned a corner and it spilled all over my skirt.
He didn’t apologize. Just frowned and barked, “Sloane Hayes, can’t you even hold a drink?”
As soon as the car stopped, I unbuckled my seatbelt and calmly told him, “We’re done.”
Keaton looked at me like I’d lost my mind. Clearly couldn’t understand why I’d dump a perfect catch like him.
He smirked. “Okay, drama queen. What do you want this time?”
I shook my head. “Nothing. Just stay away from me.”
***
Keaton didn’t answer me. His eyes moved from Sierra to me, voice lazy. “Sloane, you’re so dramatic. What, cause I said your whole name?”
“You never had a problem when I was buying you stuff.”
He paused, then slid his arm around Sierra’s shoulder. “See how chill she is compared to you? Maybe I should make her my girlfriend instead.”
My heart slammed.
Sierra didn’t push his hand away. She leaned closer and smiled, playing peacemaker. “Sloane’s just being dramatic, Keaton. Don’t even worry about it.”
Keaton chuckled, raising his voice on purpose. “Mad? Nah. If she doesn’t want me, plenty of other girls do.”
He squeezed her shoulder. “Be my girl, and I’ll buy you that new bag next week. Deal?”
Sierra’s eyes lit up. Just as she started to answer, Keaton tilted his chin at me.
“What do you say? Just admit you were wrong and I’ll pretend this whole thing never happened. Or else…”
He paused, moving his hand down to grab Sierra’s wrist.
I sniffled, looking at that hand—the one that had held mine so many times. And suddenly, the tears stopped.
My voice came out steadier than I expected. “No need. Done is done.”
“Hope you two are miserable together.”
I got out and walked away.
Keaton’s smile froze. Then he snorted. “Keep acting tough. You’ll be back in three days.”
“But tonight? Guess I’ll just have to keep my new girl company.”
Behind me, Sierra’s laughter mixed with his voice, fading as I walked.
Back in the dorm, I sat down and finally let the tears fall.
It was the weekend. No roommates around.
I cried for a long time before pulling myself together. Packed up the necklace, the plushie, and all the little things he’d given me. Sealed the box and left it by the door. Figured I’d return it later.
By the time I was done, it was already night. I opened my phone. He’d posted a photo on his feed.
Sierra sitting in his passenger seat, holding her boba and smiling. The caption: [New beginning.]
Hanging from the dashboard was that acrylic sign he’d put up to humor me last time. It still said “Sloane’s Spot.”
I stared at the picture for two seconds. My chest felt tight. I called my best friend Riley Cross, then turned off my phone and left.
…
Riley was waiting for me at a hot pot place. She saw my swollen eyes but didn’t ask. Just piled meat into my bowl.
Halfway through the meal, once I’d calmed down, she asked softly, “So why’d you really break up with him? Can’t be just because he yelled your name.”
I stirred the soup in my bowl and shook my head.
“No.”
