The Before

The Before

AGE: 28

Gianna held her hands over Riley’s eyes, walking closely behind her as she directed Riley through her new home.

“I’m not going to lie, I am a little confused as to why I need to have my eyes covered for this one area when I already walked through the entire house with you without so much fanfare?” Riley’s amusement was clear in her tone.

“Just let me have this moment,” Gianna gently chastised, feeling her excitement start to bubble over.

Only a few more steps before…

“Ta-da!” She lifted her hands away from Riley’s face as soon as they were in the doorway of the laundry room.

Her custom designed laundry room, made specifically for the two of them.

“No more laundromat for us, babe!”

In truth, this was Gianna’s favorite part of her new home. Yes, she really liked the rest of the house; she wouldn’t have bought it otherwise. But while it was a beautiful house, Gianna had been in many beautiful places.

The laundry room was theirs. Something for her and Riley, and she looked at Riley expectantly.

Riley’s eyes were wide as took it all in, the edges of her lips curling into a smile that made Gianna feel ridiculously proud. “You really went all out in here; it’s amazing.”

“Thank you very much.”

“Honestly, Gianna, this whole place is amazing. I know I already did the walk-through with you, but…” Riley turned to her, searching her gaze. “I’m so proud of you. Everything you’ve accomplished, everything you’re going to accomplish?”

She reached down, taking Gianna’s hands in her own. Gianna sighed at the feeling, at how well their fingers slotted together.

“I’m just honored to be by your side.” Riley’s voice was soft, as was the look in her eyes, and Gianna’s heart skipped a beat.

“Well, I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”

Riley scoffed. “Yes, you would have.”

Gianna merely shook her head. Because she knew the truth.

She could remember, clear as day, when her life had changed. The first place she’d been able to solidly call home , and it was that small dorm room. Walking in the door, seeing and approving of the décor choices her mysterious roommate had made. Riley the Roommate had changed her.

And Gianna would always hold that close to her heart.