Tyler
"And here is my favorite part of the house," Peter said as he flipped the light on.
Tyler gasped. The man cave had everything he had ever wanted in a space of his own. A fully stocked bar, a 72-inch television equipped with surround sound, a pool table, and many other forms of entertainment.
"Holy shit, man," Tyler said. He walked in and examined all the sports memorabilia on the walls and the shelves. "This is awesome, man."
"Yep, I spend a lot of time in here. And you're welcome anytime when the season starts."
Tyler nodded appreciatively. Given his current living circumstances, it was an offer he'd utilize as much as he could.
"Hey man, can I ask you a personal question?" Tyler asked.
"Sure, Ty. What's up?"
"Look, I know we probably make around the same and I know your wife is a personal trainer, but I mean..." Tyler signaled to everything around him. "Did you like win the lottery or something?"
Peter smirked. He walked over to the bar, pulled out two whisky glasses, and poured what looked like an expensive Scotch. Tyler followed him and accepted the drink. The two men clinked glasses and took a sip.
Peter eyed the staircase up then shifted his focus back to Tyler. His voice was softer, "Look, we haven't told anyone, but uh... Jessica's jumped on the side hustle train."
"Side hustle? What kind of side hustle?"
"The kind that has fans," Peter said with raised eyebrows.
"Really? And that brings in this much," Tyler said again signaling to the house.
"We're a simple species, my friend," Peter said, and he poured another drink. "Now why don't we break in that pool table."
Tyler lifted his drink in acknowledgment and despite his curiosity for more answers, he realized he had already broached the subject long enough for comfort. He was lucky that his best friend and coworker had been so accommodating with answers. If it was anyone else, the subject would have been quickly changed.
But now that Tyler knew the truth, it weighed on his mind. He wished he had it as easy as women who used their sexual appeal for personal gain. Then maybe he wouldn't have had to split his place into two apartments so that he could rent the other half to help cover the mortgage. Why couldn't life be easier?
***
"All right, and here is your set of keys," Tyler said as he handed the keyring to his new tenant, Alicia, a beautiful, fit college student. Her dark skin didn't hide the fact that she enjoyed the sun. "Are there any questions?"
"Do you have a set of keys?" Alicia asked.
"Of course, it's my place after all."
"That's kind of creepy."
"Look your place is your place. By law, I don't think I can enter without your permission."
"Mhmm," Alicia said eyeing Tyler up and down. He'd do the same to her with her body trying to magnetize his eyes, but he knew that would only make him seem creepy.
"Look, I simply need a set, so if you don't like that, then you're going to have to find another place to live," Tyler said.
"Fine, but I better not see your white ass around here."
Tyler was tempted to pull the offer because of her attitude, but part of him liked it. Alicia was interesting and, coincidentally Tyler's type. Maybe there was a chance they'd hook up later, but he didn't want to come off too strong.
"Don't worry, I'll keep my white ass upstairs."
Alicia walked away with the keys in hand without saying thank you or goodbye. And Tyler watched her ass until he caught himself then rushed inside hoping Alicia hadn't seen his already lustful behavior.
***
Tyler hit the power button and the computer screen lit up.
"All right, it's just restarting now with the changes, but you should be all set," Tyler said.
"Wonderful, thanks a million," the young woman said. She was petite with silky blonde hair and a warm charming smile. If her Super Mario shirt wasn't a dead giveaway that she was a nerd, her gaming computer certainly did.
With a significantly nicer home than his friend Peter and no partner living with her, curiosity got the better of Tyler again.
"Can I ask you a personal question?"
The woman blushed. "I was waiting for you to ask me for a pic or graph."
"A what? No, I was going to ask you what you do for a living."
"I'm a YouTuber... Sub Snap, you ever heard of me?"
Tyler motioned down at himself, "Sorry, but probably not your demographic."
"It's a pretty diverse audience. I do some risquΓ© stuff too. Let me show you," Sub Snap said.
Tyler followed the Youtuber to her front door. The young woman walked outside and stopped an attractive female jogger. At first, it looked like a normal conversation, then Sub Snap grabbed the woman's right hand, touched her forehead, and said something. The jogger's head dropped. Still holding the woman's hand, Sub Snap led the jogger back to her house where Tyler was waiting. When they were inside, Sub Snap closed the door behind her.
"What is going on?" Tyler asked as the woman's head remained down. "Did you drug her?"