Page 4 of Riesling with My Roommate

Zoe, inspired by listening to Aunt Jade’s stories of traveling her whole life, got accepted to the architecture school’s study abroad program, and the university in Munich made the arrangements.

I was the last one to make plans. I wanted to be near Zoe, but German visas and the rules of Schengen are complicated.

And now I have an apartment situation.

I could just forget it all and go home, but I’d miss a lot. I’d miss getting together every month in a new city with my friends. The yoga studio back home could only get me so far—I was limited by the hours I could teach and the number of students for each session. Sure, I was taking a hit financially now, but when my business gets rolling, I’ll be able to make more money and help Zoe chip away at student loans.

I down the rest of my now-cool tea and stand, throwing my tote over my shoulder. I pick up my phone and text my friends.

Sara

I’m fine. I’m headed back to the (shitty) apartment. I’m going to look at listings. Tessa, have a great date with Luc, and we can talk in the morning.

What would I be teaching my daughter if I just gave up, anyway? The lesson hiding in this is to make the best of any situation and stand on your own two feet. That’s what I did when her dad died, and that’s what I’ll do now.

How bad can a little fungus be?

The fungus isthe least of my problems.

After returning to my apartment with a renewed focus, I find basic cleaning supplies and scrub until my back aches. I unpack, order a vegan meal from a delivery service, and eat dinner.

As soon as I roll out my yoga mat for an evening meditation, a heavy bass and screaming lyrics start up next door.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I grumble.

I sit for no more than ten seconds before I realize there’s no way I can practice mindfulness here. My resolve crumbling, I pick up my phone and send Chris’s information—address, selfie, photo of his driver’s license—to my friends.

Jade

Um, Sara, who are you stalking?

Sara

This guy, Chris, has a room for me to rent.

Jade

Wait, what happened to your apartment?

I fill Jade, and eventually Emma, in on the fungus-and-mold situation. Together, we weigh the pros and cons of the apartment and debate stranger danger versus the kindness of humanity.

Tessa

What do we know about this guy?

Sara

I searched online, but his name is common, so the results are mostly about an MP in Britain’s Parliament and a goth-punk rock star.

Wait, how was your date with Luc? Is he still there?

Tessa

It was great. He’s back at his hotel.

Jade

Did your date end with a bang?