I'm scrolling through rental listings when Shane's voice startles me.

"Planning on moving?" he asks.

"Uh, yeah," I say, not sure how much to tell him. I feel like we have gotten close, but I still like to keep a firm line between professional relationships and personal ones. "I need to move out of my mom's." I can tell him that much, at least, without going into detail. I've already told him I don't get along with her.

"Any reason why?"

"Yeah, I...she and I are on the outs right now."

"Ah," Shane says. "You're not the first kid who's had to leave their mom's. Don't worry, we'll find you something."

I breathe a sigh of relief. At least he understands.

"So, what are you looking for?" he asks, pulling out a notepad.

"Well, ideally, something close to campus. But I'm willing to compromise. As long as it's reasonably priced and not too far."

"And what's your budget?"

"I'm not sure," I admit. "I have a little saved up, but not much. I can't work anywhere full-time right now. Not between school, this, and what little freelance I do."

"Well, actually. I can probably help with both of those things."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. You're doing a great job here. Beth has nothing but praise for you, and I've seen your work myself. It's impressive. Just the kind of worker we are looking for. What would you say to a part-time job here? You can come in the same days and hours you are for your internship, but we can't hire you full-time until you actually graduate. You'd be making a decent wage, and we can even provide a housing stipend. It's a temporary apartment complex. It isn't close to campus, but I could show it to you today."

"Oh my god," I exhale, not sure what to say. "That would be amazing. Thank you, Shane!" I jump out of my chair and hug him, then immediately pull back. "Sorry, I got a little carried away."

"No worries," Shane laughs. His hand flattens against my lower back before stepping away. "Let's go look at this place. If you like it, we can start the paperwork."

Shane's car is a black BMW, and he drives us to the complex. It's not in a sketchy part of town or anything, but it isn't the nicest area.

"The apartments are a bit older, but the units are in good condition," Shane explains. "There's a pool and gym on-site, and the rent is pretty reasonable. It's a great place to live when you're saving up to buy a place."

"It sounds perfect," I say. I'm not picky, and honestly, anything is better than living with my mom.

Shane pulls into the parking lot, and we get out of the car. He leads me to one of the buildings and unlocks the front door.

"Here we are," he says, ushering me inside.

The apartment is small, but cozy. It has a kitchen, a living room, and a single bedroom. The floors are carpeted, and the walls are a plain white. It's perfect for me. I can already picture all of my things here.

"The bathroom is just down the hall," Shane says, pointing to a door on the right.

I follow Shane through the small apartment as he shows me around.

"What do you think?"

"I love it," I say. And I really do. I can taste the freedom. The only obstacle now is going to be moving my stuff out without my mom noticing. I'll have to figure out a day that her and Archer will be gone and have Alex and Skylar help me.

"Great. I'll draw up the paperwork, and you can sign it later."

"Thank you," I say again. "I really appreciate this, Shane."

"No problem. It's the least we can do. I can see how hard you're working, and I know it will pay off for us in the end. I'll take care of the lease and security deposit."

"Okay, thank you."

I can't believe this is happening. It's such a relief to know that I'll have a place to live.

I have to tell Skylar and Alex the news. And maybe even Ares. He'll be happy to know that I won't have to stay with my mother.

On the ride back to the office, I can't stop smiling. We pull into the parking lot and Shane shuts off the car. We sit in silence for a minute. I feel the adrenaline start to leave my body. I can't believe I'm actually doing this, finally moving out. I look over at Shane and catch him staring at me. I swear he blushes.

"You're glowing, Emma."

"Really?"

"Yeah, you seem excited."

"I am. I really am. I can't wait to get out of my mother's house."

"I'm glad. I know we're giving you a job and an apartment, but it's the least we can do. You're doing a great job."

"Thank you," I beam.

Shane puts his hand on my shoulder, squeezing it gently. "We'll take good care of you, Emma."

"Thanks, Shane. That means a lot."

"I mean it. Anything you need, let me know. I want to make sure you're taken care of."

I'm touched by his words, and I can't help but feel a bit excited about what the future holds. But then he does something unexpected. The hand he had on my shoulder moves down between my back and the seat and he shifts towards me. I don't have time to react before his lips touch mine. I'm frozen in place, unable to process what's happening. His mouth is soft and warm, and I feel his tongue flick across my bottom lip.

It feels wrong, like a violation. Not because of who he is, but because of who he isn't. He isn't Ares and Ares is the only one I want to kiss.

"Shane," I say, pushing him away gently.

This is honestly harder than it should be. If Ares wasn't in the picture, Shane would definitely be my type. He's handsome, intelligent, and has a sense of humor.

His eyes are full of emotion, and for a second, I'm tempted to give in. But I know it's not right.

"I'm sorry, Shane. I can't. I'm kind of seeing someone."

"I didn't know," he says. His face is full of surprise and disappointment. He runs a hand through his hair. "I'm so sorry. That was very inappropriate of me. I shouldn't have..."

"It's okay, really," I assure him.

He sighs and looks at me, his eyes filled with regret. "I really am sorry, Emma. I guess I just got caught up in the moment. I've had a thing for you since we first met."

"Thank you, but really, it's okay. I'm not mad."

"I should've asked," he says, shaking his head. "I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. That wasn't my intention."

"It's alright," I assure him again. "I understand."

"Can we just, start over? Go back to being friends?"

"Of course," I say, letting out a breath of relief. "I'd like that."

"Good. I'm glad," he smiles. "You're a good person, Emma. Any guy would be lucky to have you."

***

Alex and Skylar are more than pumped to help me move. I don't have a lot of stuff, just what is in my room. The majority of what we're moving are my clothes. Alex was able to get a free couch and tv stand from some of his friends. They're currently sitting in my empty living room.

"Emma, we've got the last box," Skylar huffs, entering the apartment with a heavy cardboard box.

"Perfect! That's the last of it!" I smile.

"I can't believe you're moving out," she says, setting the box on the kitchen counter. "My little girl is all grown up," she teases.

"Oh, please. You're a year younger than me."

"I know, but still." She looks around the apartment, taking in the sight. "It's crazy how much can change in just a few weeks."

"I know. Everything has happened so fast."

"And you're sure about this?" she asks. "Moving out? Being on your own? Do you need me to stay tonight?"

"I'm sure. I need to do this. For myself. Plus, I'll only be a short drive away. You can come see me whenever."

"True," she agrees.

"Plus, it's not like I'll be alone," I smile. "You and Alex will be over all the time."

"Hell yeah, we will!" Alex exclaims, coming out of the bedroom. He wraps an arm around Skylar's waist and nuzzles his nose into her neck.

I make eye contact with Skylar and she knows I need all the details. Neither one of them has told me much about what's going on between them. It looks serious.

"So, are we gonna unpack or what?" Skylar asks, pulling out of Alex's grasp.

"Yes, let's get started," I agree.

The next few hours are spent putting things away, cleaning, and organizing. It's not exactly how I planned on spending my Friday night, but I don't mind. I'm just glad to be out of my mom's house.

Alex and Skylar leave around eight, promising to come back the next day and help finish up.

When they're gone, I settle onto the couch and enjoy the quiet.

"Oh god, what is that smell?" I sniff at the couch. It's definitely the couch. It smells like stale booze and frat boys. Gross. I need to rent a furniture vacuum. A carpet cleaner? Something.

I'm so proud of myself for making this move. This is my first place on my own. There is a pang in my heart, missing Ares. He'd love to be here to celebrate with me. I pick up my phone, opening our text messages. They are sparse. I still haven't texted him back. It's probably a good thing. I need to get used to not talking to him. But a part of me wishes that I could share this moment with him.