It was a typical November Monday night for me. I was in my favorite chair, drinking a beer, working my way through a bag of potato chips and watching football when my doorbell rang. I checked the time, it was just after ten, which was too late for deliveries, and I hadn't ordered a pizza, so I assumed it was someone ringing for a different apartment, which was a common occurrence in my complex.
"Hello?" I said as I pressed the intercom. I let go of the button and listened.
"Hey, it's me, Spencer. Can you let me up? Kayla kicked me out."
Without a word, I pushed the door unlock for ten full seconds, then opened my door and waited for Spencer to trudge up the stairs. He had a backpack with him, which wasn't a good sign.
"Thanks, man, I couldn't think of anywhere else to go."
"No problem," I said. "My home is your home. Want a beer?"
"Sure."
I turned down the game and went to the kitchen for a beer while Spencer dropped his backpack and took a seat in my other chair.
"Well, what happened?" I asked.
"She thinks I'm seeing another woman," Spencer said. "Can you believe that?"
From there, Spencer took off on a long soliloquy about his ongoing relationship troubles. I knew from experience he wasn't looking for advice, he just wanted to vent. I also knew from experience that Kayla would take him back in a few days.
The game ended, along with Spencer's story. I knew he was talked out, and I was tired from a long day, so I wanted to hit the hay.
"I have to go to bed, man," I said.
Spencer looked around at the two easy chairs I had. He hadn't considered that I didn't own a couch when he came over. "Do you have a sleeping bag, or a couple extra blankets so I can camp out on the floor?"
"I have a better idea. I've got a queen-sized bed, so if you promise to sleep on your own side, you can bunk with me."
"Deal." Spencer picked up his pack and headed toward the bedroom while I turned off the lights and locked the door.
When I reached the bedroom, Spencer was rooting around in his backpack. "I didn't grab any pajamas. You have a spare set I can sleep in?"
"Sorry, man. I don't use them. I usually sleep nude or in my briefs."
I went into the bathroom to brush my teeth and get out of my clothes. I was halfway out of my underwear when I pulled them back up again. I didn't want to make things too awkward for Spencer. When I got back to the bedroom, Spencer was already in bed.