The Mix-Up

By Erin Cristofoli

When college student, Nora Stirling, makes the tough choice to transfer schools to be closer to her family, what she isn't prepared for is that things start to go wrong the minute one of her new roommates opens the front door. When a house meeting is called and Milo appears, one look has Nora spinning.

 

Milo Daughton is moody, flirty and a known player. As irresistibly sexy as he is, he runs hot and cold, and there are a set house rules in place. Determined to focus on school, Nora sets out to keep Milo and his heartbreaking ways out of her life, and out of her bed. 

 

When she finds that her tires have been slashed, Nora chalks it up to being a random prank at her expense. As strange things continue to happen though, she questions if she is being targeted. With her unlikely group of roommates rallying around her, she struggles to accept their help.  Can she figure out who is behind it all, or will everyone be put at risk of getting hurt at her expense?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Erin Cristofoli
• Release date: Nov 17, 2020
• ISBN: 9781393309673

Book preview

Chapter One

Standing in front of my beat-up Jetta, I gazed down the driveway; its length seemed to grow with each passing minute, my nerves growing alongside it. It wasn’t as though leaving home was a new experience for me, but somehow this time felt different.

Mom appeared in the doorway of the tiny bungalow with an overstuffed grocery bag in her hand. My car was already completely full, and I had triple checked that I had everything. I couldn’t imagine anything that I had forgotten.

What’s that?

Mom handed it to me. Just some snacks for you to share with your new roommates, a little ice breaker.

I knew that whatever the bag contained would be all homemade and fabulous, but I was also pretty sure that she had cleaned out her pantry to make it all. With money being as tight as it was for them, it would mean that she would have to do without some things for a while.

When did you have time to do all of this?

I woke up early this morning. I couldn’t let you go empty-handed.

I sighed. Mom, you can’t give me all this. What about you and Dad? You should take some of this back for you both to enjoy.

Nonsense! I won’t hear of it. I’m just sorry that Dad couldn’t be here to see you off, sweetheart.

I felt my chest tighten. It’s okay. I know he had to get to work early this morning. We said goodbye last night. Besides, I’m not that far away.

I’d been a student at the University of Arizona when Dad lost his job back home in Tucson. With Mom being a housewife, it wasn’t long before they began to worry about how they were going to make ends meet. At his age, Dad struggled to find something new. The situation became pretty dire, and the bills were piling up. That was until they were hit with a stroke of luck. An old college friend had called him up out of the blue. When he heard about my father’s situation, he'd offered my dad some reliable part-time work with a promise to help him find additional work with the connections he had. There was only one hitch – taking this job meant my parents would have to relocate to Eugene, Oregon. Dad didn’t have to think about it long before accepting. They sold their house surprisingly quickly, packed up, and made the move. Once they were settled, Dad’s friend stayed true to his word, and a second job was found, taking the financial strain off of my family.

I’d watched on with concern as they went through this time, feeling helpless about not being able to help them while I was at school. I could see the extent that their financial troubles had caused on them emotionally and physically. The strain etched on their faces. Once they had settled, I became aware of the distance between us. It took many hours of consideration and research. Still, no matter how much I dreaded transferring schools for my second year of college, it only made sense to move north. It meant that I’d be starting from scratch in many ways – finding my way around a new campus and making new friends. And, I would have to leave one of my best friends, Anna, behind. 

Fortunately, my other best friend, Adam, was already attending the University of Washington. But more than anything, I knew I would be closer in case my parents needed me, and that made the moving an easier decision to make.

Mom pulled out a camera from her sweater pocket. Well, let’s get a picture that I can show your father later.

I groaned inwardly - having my photo taken was not on my list of fun things to do. Hastily, I ran my fingers through my long chocolate-colored hair before Mom took her picture. Joining me beside the driver’s side door, she pulled me into a tight hug.

Be good and call me when you get there. And be sure to allow yourself some time to have fun, Nora. Don’t forget to call from time to time and let us know how you are getting on, or if you need anything. I love you, kiddo.

I will, I promise. Love you, Mom. Trying to come across as calm and happy so Mom wouldn’t lose it herself, I could feel my emotions begin to rise in my chest, my eyes threatening to betray me. Determined to leave before any tears had a chance to fall, I hopped in the car and started her up. As I pulled out of the driveway, Mom remained rooted where she was, one arm wrapped around the front of her, the other hand up near her mouth.

After a few hours of driving and only one stop to grab some food, I finally made it to Seattle. Once I knew I was close to the university, I pulled over, digging through my purse until I located the email that would tell me the address of the house I had to find. It was closer than I thought. I pulled into the crescent driveway of an impressive bungalow that stretched across the lawn a short time later and parked. Grabbing my purse, I left the rest of my stuff until I was shown my room. Nervously, I rang the bell and waited, taking a moment to check out the white stucco home with wood trims and well cared for flower beds. It was the type of home I would imagine a movie star would reside in, and I questioned how it had become a place that students could rent a room in. The door swung open suddenly, startling me.

Can I help you? a tall bleach-blond guy asked.

Uh, I hope so. I’m looking for whoever is in charge. I’m moving in today.

The guy laughed. I don’t think that’s likely but come on in and I’ll call Cory for you.

What did that guy mean it wasn’t likely? With a shrug, I followed him into the large living room. Foosball, air hockey, and pool tables were scattered around the floor, along with a substantial u-shaped couch in front of a wall-mounted flat-screen TV and a giant dining table. At the end of the long room, there was a doorway on either side of the wall that I guessed led to the house’s bedrooms.    

But in a moment, all of the furnishings and décor slipped from my mind. All I could see were guys lounging around – GUYS.  Oh, God.  I looked down at the email in my hand, scanning. There was one question I was supposed to ask, and it most definitely had not been asked – was the residence co-ed. 

I rubbed my fingers across my eyebrows with the hope of easing the headache that was forming. I was snapped out of my thoughts at the sound of footsteps. Standing in front of me was a tall, lean man with rich brown hair that looked like a slightly grown out crew-cut and a bright, wide smile.

Hey there, I’m Cory. What can I do for you?

His looks really were distracting.

I-uh, well I’m Nora and I’m supposed to be moving in. Is this place co-ed or something?

Cory laughed. Nope, it’s not. I think there must be some kind of mistake.

Letting out a loud sigh, I waved our emails in the air. Nora Stirling.  

His brow furrowed. Just a sec.

He disappeared for a moment, returning with a binder. I have here a Norman Stirling.

Norman?! How on earth did you get that name? I can assure you that I am not a Norman.

Cory shrugged. You signed your first email as Norm. I just assumed it was short form for Norman.

I glanced back at the emails and groaned. I don’t know how this happened. What am I supposed to do now?

He smiled sadly at me. You can try the admissions office.

Sinking into a nearby chair, my shoulders dropped, feeling defeated. 

This was quickly becoming the worst day ever.

Can you tell me how to find the admissions office?

He crouched beside me. I’ll take you there. Are you doing okay? You look a little pale.

I nodded mutely. After a moment, I found my feet again, and Cory led the way as we walked over to the campus. He pointed out various points of interest, but my mind could not take any of it in. The sudden curveball of my lack of living arrangements weighed heavily on me.  

Even without a required appointment, Cory managed to get us in to see the Dean of Admissions.

So, you see, Ms. Henson, there was a bit of a mix-up when Nora replied to my ad for a housemate, Cory finished after telling the story of how we came to be sitting in her office.

 Yes, I can appreciate the dilemma. Unfortunately, I don’t have any spaces in residence at the moment. My best suggestion is to try to find another apartment to rent. I wish there was something else I could do, I’m sorry.

I could feel tears well up. I knew there wouldn’t be much chance that there would be any places available near campus with school starting. Even if there was, I couldn’t come up with the money to pay for an entire apartment by myself. Finding this place with a room with cheap enough rent that I could afford had been an essential part of my transfer. To make matters more complicated, I needed to find a part-time job so that I would be able to pay the rent on whatever place I did find. Now it seemed that I might be living out of my car for a while.

Well, thank you, Ms. Hanson, for your time. I’ll make sure Nora finds a place to stay.

Good luck, Nora. I’m sure you will find something, she said.

Standing, I smiled weakly at her and left her office. Once we were outside, I tilted my head back and let out a sigh. At least the sun was shining.

I appreciate you trying to help me out, Cory, thank you. Can I follow you back to the house so I can grab my car?

He draped an arm lazily over my shoulder. Sure thing. For what it’s worth, Nora, I have a feeling things are going to work out.

I glanced up at him, unconvinced. I was not quite so confident.

Chapter Two

Iwalked with Cory side-by-side at a leisurely pace back to the house. He was kind enough not to try and fill the silence, my brain needing the time to try and sort out how things could have unraveled so quickly. He paused on the sidewalk outside the house, placing a hand on my shoulder to stop me from carrying on to my car. With a wide gesturing of his other arm toward the house, he looked down at me with a smile.

Welcome to Raven House.

My eyebrows pulled together. Cory, with all due respect, I’m not exactly sure what difference it makes if I know the name of the house. Why are you welcoming me?

Well, you have to stay somewhere.

Yes, so I had better get going. I think I saw some of those bulletin boards around the campus. Maybe I will get lucky and there will still be someone looking for a roommate.

You can stay here.

I shook my head. No, I can’t. Staying in an all-male house is not an option.

Why don’t you come inside, just for a few minutes. I’m sure you could use a drink of something.

With some reluctance, I allowed Cory to guide me through the front door, stopping in front of a closet.

You are going to want to plug your ears.

He pulled out a megaphone, and I managed to cover my ears just in time for him to shout, House meeting! Everyone make your way to the living room.

There was a flurry of action around the house. Guys were coming out of their rooms, games were paused, and the TV and music were turned off. Chairs scraped across the floor, and they all sat around the grand dining table. Cory returned the megaphone to the closet, and with a smile, he led the way across the room. It took a moment for any of the guys to notice me as I was hidden behind him, but a few cat-calls and questions started once they did.

Wow look at her!

Got us a house pet, Cory?

Is that your girlfriend?

I began to regret following him inside.

And that’s my cue to leave, I murmured.

Turning to leave, Cory grabbed my hand. Stay. Please.

He pulled me to the head of the table, and everyone quieted down. Now look, we are a house of gentlemen here. There will be no more snarky comments from any of you, got it?

Each guy around the table nodded in unison.

Okay. So, we have a bit of a problem. You all know that we have been expecting a new roommate from out of state named Norman. Turns out, there was a little misunderstanding. I’d like you all to meet Nora.

The noise rose in the room, discussions about this uncomfortable situation.

Quiet, everyone. I had an idea that I wanted to run by you all. You know, being that my father has made me the landlord of the house, that I occupy a single room. I would be willing to bunk with one of you jokers and let Nora have mine if you were all in agreement to let her stay with us. Normally, I wouldn’t bother to ask an opinion on a renter, but because we don’t normally rent to females, I figured this is probably the best idea. We’ve already been to the admissions office, guys, there is nothing they can do. Quite frankly, I am not comfortable with the idea of leaving Nora without a place to stay.

More mumbling ensued. Cory let this discussion carry on for a few moments, smiling reassuringly at me.

I can’t let you give up your room for me. I’ll find some other way, I protested quietly beside him.

He shook his head. Let’s just see what everyone says.

One guy who sat near the middle of the table raised his hand. Nice to meet you, Nora. I’d like to say that I am all for having you stay, and I’d also like to offer up the alternative idea that you share with me. Hell, if you bunked with me, we would still have room for another roommate! Either way, my services are available to you anytime.

He winked at me, snickering breaking out around the room.

And… I was mortified.

Cory looked less than impressed. Mike, for that comment, you have just volunteered to clean the eaves troughs.

Mike groaned, his head dropping into his hands.

Anyone else want to join him?

I was stunned. Could Cory force chores on a tenant like that?

All right, men, time to vote.

One by one, they voted. My fate was quickly decided – I was staying at Raven House.

See, I told you it would work out. Cory grinned widely.

I still can’t see how this is going to work out. Won’t it be just a little bit awkward having a woman around all the time?

Cory had just opened his mouth to answer when someone else spoke up.