"Well, that's the last box. Do you need anything else?"
"No thanks Jake. The removal van brought everything else yesterday. Thanks for stopping by moms to give me a hand, I could not have fit everything in my car."
"No problem man, I was curious to see your new pad.
" Have you time for a coffee, the coffee maker is set up and I have fresh coffee."
"That would be great."
"You care for a tour?"
"Lead on."
"As you can see, this is the living room. I've a huge shaded balcony with great views of the river."
"So I see. Impressive. You've a built-in barbecue, I see."
"Yes. Come on, the two bedrooms are this way. My bedroom furniture has finally arrived and I figure I'll turn the second room into an office."
"So, you're not going to take in a room mate."
"No. I figure I should go it alone for a while." Ray said as he handed Jake a cup of coffee.
"Hey Ray, this is really nice."
"Yes. I like the space and light. I'm renting for a year with an option to buy after that if we can agree on a price. The owner can't get rid of it at the moment so he was happy to sign the lease for a year. When my insurance pays up, I'll consider buying. By next year I'll be in a position to make up my mind."
"So. You're happy with your decisions."
"Yes. All of them. And, I see you're staying round for a while."
Jake laughs, "You caught me there."
"So, are you and Jenny getting serious?"
"It's too early to say. But I do want to hang around and see what happens. Maybe in a year or two, she might agree to travel with me."
"That sounds serious to me."
"What about you?"
"What about me?"
"You and Sarah?"
"No man, we're just friends."
You sure?"
"Positive. I'm happy with casual encounters for the moment."
"You mean one night stands."
"Guess so, unless I meet someone really special."
"Are you commitment phobic?"
"Ouch!"
"Face it, it's a fair question."
"I've just never had luck with long-term relationships so I'm happy just playing the field for the moment."
Jake gives him a penetrating gaze.
"What?"
"You are commitment phobic."
Ray just laughs.
"OK Jake, enough, this topic is exhausted, move on."
"So, when is your last shift at Scott's clinic?"
"Thursday. Then I've five days off before I start as an R2 again."
"Any plans?"
"I'll have enough to do just getting settled in here. I thought I might have a few people round for a barbecue on Saturday. You interested?"
"Yes please, count me in."
"I must start phoning round and see who's free."
"Well that's my Saturday night planned. Look, I'd better head, I'm running late."
"Ahhh, hot date!"
Jake simply smiles and waves.
"See you Saturday."
With that Ray was alone for the first time in his new apartment. He heaved a sigh. Now where to start with the unpacking. Yes, finally he was starting afresh.
It really felt like he was moving on.