let's leave it at that

 

Will noticed the truck pull up to the back exit of the apartment building. He'd been out in the sun putting the recyclables in the appropriate containers. Before he knew it, he asked if he could help. He texted Lux to let her know he was helping someone move in. There was a new mattress still in the box.

They were a young couple. But no kids. He guessed they were at the uni, but Micah said he worked at the hospital and she said she worked at the grocery store. When he turned to the doorway he found himself taking a double-take. It was Ivy.

Iona took the pots and pans from her and Ivy followed her into the kitchen. Not far behind her was someone with a box.

He remembered now. Ivy wasn't with Brian anymore. She was with Brian's best friend, Jay

"Is this Jay?" Will knew as soon as he said it...it was the wrong question. From the look on Ivy's face, this was not Jay.

Will bit a grin as if that was all he really needed to do. If he kept grinning he could get through anything, according to his significant other, Lux.

"I'm not Jay," the tall guy told him.

Will nodded. He guessed he didn't need to know, anyway. Ivy was pretty much giving him the cold shoulder, but Iona offered him a soda and thanked him.

"See, there are nice people in the world," her smile was open as she looked at Ivy who wouldn't even notice him.

Funny, he felt he'd invaded a certain space he shouldn't have. After all, it was Ivy who'd given him so much grief senior year and he was thankful he'd met Lux when he did.

"Just one big happy family," Ivy commented. He knew she was being sarcastic, but Iona didn't take it that way. 

Will found himself smiling, thinking maybe this was who Ivy needed in her life, someone with a sunny attitude. 

"So, if you're not Jay, who are you then?" Will asked before he left so they could unpack in the tiny studio.

"I'm Dan and yes, Ivy is my roommate," Dan clarified with a handshake. "She mentioned you. Will? Right?" It was as if he was memorizing his face already.

"Yeah," Will kept smiling wondering how much more awkward could it get.

"Maybe, I'll even see you around," Dan smiled back. Will winced thinking he was sure he could be friends with Dan, but Ivy..well, that ship had sailed.