Life Improvement Services

Chapter five

The next couple of days were civil. Colin lived by the written rules, much to Nick’s relief. He would often go out of his way to make coffee or tea for Nick in the mornings and when Nick has to stay up late to finish paperwork. Nick has even caught him cleaning up the shared spaces at 1 in the morning, trying not to make too much noise. When asked about it, Colin simply replied “I just like to clean.”

These were the makings of a fine roommate, Nick had initially thought. However, said roommate also followed him everywhere like a puppy to its owner. From the very moment Nick stepped foot outside his room, Colin would either be just out of the shower or sitting in the living room trying to woo Cal. The only habit Colin had yet to get rid of was exiting the bathroom wearing just a skimpy towel around his waist.

“If you stare at me like that, a man is surely going to blush.” Colin said with a c****d eyebrow and a teasing smile.

Nick realized that he had been staring blankly at Colin’s waist, as the man walked towards him carrying two cups of coffee. They were about to eat breakfast on a sunny Tuesday morning before heading to the clinic.

It was early in the morning and Nick was already so flustered. “You’re one to talk! You always stare at me, always observing. Yeah, I notice.”

Colin sat with him at the dining table and offered him a cup. “That’s literally my job, Nick!”

Nick didn’t know how to respond. He had almost forgotten the main purpose of Colin being in his life. “Still…” he muttered. Looking quite dejected, he focused on his plate instead. “Hurry up and eat, Mrs. Henderson is coming in early today for her dog’s vaccinations.”

“Ah, about that. Be prepared to miss me because I won’t be coming in with you today. I’ll walk with you outside, though.”

Nick looked up at him with raised eyebrows. “You’re not?”

“I have some errands to take care of.” Colin simply said. “Plus, it’s been a week and the assessment stage is finally over! We can finally begin step one tomorrow.”

Nick often forgot that Colin had a life of his own outside of the apartment. For almost a week, they had been together for around 15 hours a day, that Nick easily mistook their relationship as friends.

It was a bright and busy day in the city. When the men arrived in the clinic, there were already three people in the waiting area who were quick to greet their veterinarian. Lisa, Nick’s assistant, was quick to greet Colin instead.

“Good morning, Colin. I brought some brownies today from the bakery you liked, especially for you!” She sweetly called out from behind the counter. She had an affinity for good-looking men, and Colin was definitely not lacking in that department.

“So nice of you, Lisa! But, I’m afraid I won’t be staying today. I have some things to take care of.” Colin pouted.

“That’s too bad, I was going to show you pictures of my grandkids.” Mrs. Henderson piped in. Nick had also noticed how easy it was for his regulars to be so fond of Colin. With him around, they were much more talkative.

“I’ll make it up to you next time, Mrs. Henderson. But for now, take care of the doc right here.” Colin patted Nick’s shoulder, then leaned in to whisper, “I won’t be eating dinner at home tonight, so don’t wait up.”

Nick’s heart tightened when he realized Colin called his apartment “home.” Before he could reply, Colin waved goodbye to everyone and went on his merry way.

“Such a sweet, young man, your intern.” Mrs. Henderson commented, to which Nick just smiled at. Colin was introduced to everyone as an intern who was just there to observe, which was only half a lie. No one questioned it, and everyone just seemed to acceptable him easily. No one knew that they were living together.

The day went by as usual. Pets were cured and taken care of, vaccinations were given, and Colin was asked for almost by every one. At the last hour, a pet was sadly put down. Nick was almost glad that Colin wasn’t there to witness such an event. It dampened Nick’s mood as he locked up in the clinic. It’s never a good day when someone’s beloved passes away.

As Nick made his way back to the apartment at 6 in the evening, he couldn’t help but feel Colin’s absence. For the past week, Colin would often make them take detours for various reasons. Twice was to look at the children playing with birds, once was to literally smell flowers in the park, and a couple times to buy dessert from a patisserie a block away.

Nick stopped in his tracks and thought for a second, then decided to walk back and make his way to the patisserie. The man at the counter recognized him and smiled.

“Good evening,” Nick greeted instinctively, as he did whenever he entered any shop.

“Hello, good evening.” The man looked behind Nick, as if expecting someone else to come in. “Are you alone tonight? No cheerful man in a leather jacket?"

Nick chuckled and shook his head. “Not tonight, no.”

“What will you be having tonight?”

There were so much to choose from. Colin was usually the one who ordered as he stood in the corner waiting for him.

“Some kind of cake,” Nick muttered to himself as he scanned the ones available, trying to remember which of them Colin liked.

The man behind the counter noticed his confusion. “Would you like the usual?”

“Um,” Nick did not know what the usual was. Thankfully, the man pointed at the chocolate mousse as he mouthed “the usual.”

Nick’s face lightened up. “Ah, yes, the usual, please.”

As he picked up the order, the man waved and said, “Give my regards to the cheerful man!” to which Nick just smiled to before leaving.