*All characters in this story are over 18*
Eddie sighed and leaned forward on the table.
"I can't believe my landlord can get away with kicking me out without any notice. What am I supposed to do now?"
Ada took a sip of her coffee. "There's only one thing you can do: find a new place to live."
Eddie groaned. "I've been trying. I can't find anything. I got one lead, but it turned out to be a scam, the room didn't exist."
"You know, I have a friend who mentioned that she was looking for a new roommate. Apparently the old one left pretty suddenly and she can't afford to pay for the place on her own. I've been there before, it's a really nice apartment, especially for what she pays. Want me to message her and see if she's still looking?" Ada asked.
Eddie sat up. "Really? Yes, message her right now!"
Ada nodded. "Alright, give me a second."
She pulled out her phone and began typing.
"So," she started, still looking at her phone. "Have you talked to your ex recently? What was her name again? Molly?"
"Mallory," Eddie supplied. "And don't even get me started. She wouldn't stop texting me. I finally blocked her."
"I really don't see the appeal. You're not that great. I'm positive she's better off without you."
Eddie made a face. "Gee, thanks."
"Oo, good news: she said that the room is still available. Rent is 500 a month plus utilities, and she said that if you have the money, you can move in today. She said she trusts me to make sure she doesn't get screwed, so if I say you're good for it she'll take my word. I feel so powerful. I get to decide your fate. So, what do you think. Can you handle 500 a month?"
Eddie nodded eagerly. "That's amazing. Tell her I'll do it."
Ada nodded. "Okay, done. She's at work right now, but the door uses a pass code, and she said we can go check it out now if you want. The old roommate left a bed and dresser, but it's up to you about whether you want to use them or bring your own furniture."
"God, Ada, you're a lifesaver! Thank you so much!"
"In that case, you can pay the bill," Ada replied.
Eddie laughed. "Deal."
Eddie looked around the apartment in awe. It was a modern style building with a newly renovated kitchen, two huge bedrooms and a spacious living-dining room. Whoever his new roommate was, she seemed awesome. She had a VR headset, a PS5, and a collection of some of his favorite games. She had planned for the landlord to meet him there, so he'd been able to sign the lease right away.
He grinned and sat down on the couch. Ada had stayed for a bit and helped him unpack his suitcase which he'd had in his car, but the rest of his stuff was currently in storage, and he would have to go get it at some point. He was so excited he didn't have to live in his car anymore. The apartment was so clean too, which was promising. He was a bit of a clean freak, but it looked like his new roommate was too.
Suddenly, he heard the beeping of someone punching the code in at the front door. It must have been his roommate, getting home from work. He stood and headed for the front hall.
"Hey, you must be my new roommate. It's nice to meet you I'm Edd-" he started.
He stopped in his tracks, dread spreading through him.
"Mallory?" He asked. "What are you doing here?"
"Surprise!" she grinned. "I got us an apartment. It took a lot of work to get you here, though. I had to bribe your landlord, use a fake name and befriend your pal Ada... but it was all worth it because you're here now!"
"You've got to be fucking kidding me. This is insane. I'm out of here. I would definitely much rather live out of my car."
"Ah ah ah, not so fast," Mallory interjected. "You signed a contract. You can't leave."
Eddie scoffed. "Yes I can, I just have to give proper notice. I'll pay the rent until my 60 days is up."
Mallory grinned. "You really should have read what you were signing more carefully. Another one of my tricks. That wasn't a lease. It was a contract. You agreed to live here for one year and work for me. You'll be a... maid, of sorts. We can use the title 'cleaner' if you prefer."