Covered

Very early tomorrow morning, 9am is leaving to go to Southern California for a few days. Less early tomorrow morning I am leaving for several days as well for some house-sitting. On the first of each month, the entire rent for the apartment is deducted from my checking account. In the olden days it was never a big deal if a roommate was a day or two late in getting a check to me.

These are not the olden days though, and I scramble to pull together enough rent each month - there's no way I can cover a roommate's portion of rent. I felt awkward and nervous asking 9am if he could give me a check today, before he sets off on his trip. Even though in the past he's often suggested this very arrangement to me. Even though, despite my rants, he's a most reasonable roommate.

It's just scary asking someone for money, even when they (sort of) owe it to you. Of course I waited all day to ask, and of course 9am said sure like I knew he would. Before I leave tomorrow morning I will run to the closest ATM to deposit 9am's check, and I'll be able to leave, confident there'll be enough money to pay rent for one more month.