Willie Lake: Goth. Glam. Ride-or-Die Best Friend.
When your best friend starts talking to glowing aliens and sneaking around a secret lab, there are two types of people:
- The ones who freak out.
- The ones who show up with lipstick, iced coffee, and a crowbar.
Willie Lake is unapologetically herself—flashing eyeliner, black fingernails, and all. She might joke a lot, but when it counts, she’s the first one Lana trusts. And let’s be honest… we all need a Willie.
The start of a friendship…
“Oh, are you on a lease?” Lana asked.
“No, but I’m paid up until the end of June—not that they care. I can leave whenever I want. So, what are the terms? I know there are rules and shit.” She sat up, admiring the ambient light that filled the room and the open doors to the large closet opposite the bed.
“Sure, they’re pretty simple, though. No smoking indoors, no pets, no drugs, no loud music after 9:00 pm, and no overnight guests. Also, I pay a month ahead.” Lana counted out the rules on her fingers.
“Sounds fair enough, I guess. The overnight guest thing may suck, but for this price, they can afford a motel if we need one. I don’t smoke or drink, and I have earbuds if I want to listen to my music late. Is that a smart TV, too? I pay for YouTube TV, so I can use that. I’ll split the internet bill, or you can use my YouTube TV password.”
“So, paying at the beginning of the month is okay with you?” Lana asked, still appearing surprised at Willie’s declaration of clean living.
“Hard to believe?” Willie asked, standing from the bed and checking out the dresser drawers. “Roomy,” she muttered and closed the top drawer.
“What?” Lana asked, realizing her expression may have given her away.
“That I’m clean,” Willie answered, stepping to the open closet doors. “Oh, you can be honest. I’d prefer it that way, sis. I hate bullshit and drama, so let’s clear the air real quick. What do you wanna know?” Willie turned to face her and cracked a slight smile.
“Why do you dress all in black?”
“Well, this is the outfit I picked out today, and the makeup just goes with it, don’t ya think? I don’t wear all black every day. It’s not a trademark or anything; I dress how I feel.”
“So, you’re into fashion then?” Lana asked, taking a seat on the bed.
“No. I’m into personas. I’m an actress. I like to experiment and play with my appearance. Is that a problem?”
“An actress? That sounds exciting.” Lana smiled. “Is that your major?”
“Nah. It’s just a hobby and a way to make some extra money.”
“Oh. Where do you work?”
“I work from home. I’m in sales, kinda. It’s nothing as glamorous as that yellow polo shirt, but I’m getting there.”
“What do you sell? Anything I’ve heard of?”
“I’m a content creator on TikTok and YouTube. I do fashion hauls and try-ons, yada yada. Yeah, judge away if you need to, but it’s an honest living,” she declared without so much as a hint of attitude. “I’m no good at normal jobs. Believe me, I’ve tried. I got a great bod and make good money showing it off. I don’t do any of that kinky shit, though, which is probably why I’m not rich yet,” she said over a hearty laugh. “Listen, if that’s a problem, just let me know. I won’t be offended. It’s my life and my choice, and I don’t expect anyone else to get it.”
“I’m not offended at all. It takes a lot of guts to do that. I could never have the confidence to do anything like that. I give you a lot of credit. However, if you take the room, we must keep this between us. I don’t think Mrs. Blanchard would understand.” Lana giggled.
“You sure?” Willie asked, dropping a hand on her hip and raising one expertly drawn eyebrow.
Lana stood. “Listen, what you do in your room is your business. As long as it doesn’t get us both kicked out and your… and my privacy is protected, I have no problem with it.”
Willie looked up and around the room and nodded. “Well then, if you’ll have me, I’ll take it.”
Lana stuck out her right hand, and Willie shook it heartily. “It may be a bit of an adjustment, but welcome home, I guess.” Lana smiled.
***
Mrs. Blanchard was in the back garden tending to her plants and flowers when the girls stepped up behind her.
“Mrs. Blanchard? This is Willie Lake. She’s the girl I told you about who wants to be my roommate,” Lana said.
“It’s lovely to meet you, Mrs. Blanchard. Lana has told me so much about you,” Willie said, offering the woman her hand.
“Hello, dear. My, what lovely hands you have,” Mrs. Blanchard said. “I’m not sure how much Lana could tell you other than I run a clean ship and mind my own business.”
“She also told me you take care of this beautiful garden. It’s amazing,” Willie gushed, her eyes widening to take in the glorious sight.
“Thank you, Willie. I was a horticulturist most of my life, and this garden is the result of years of love. It’s a bit early in the season, but thankfully, it’s been warmer this year, so things are blooming like mad,” she beamed. “So, when will you be joining us?”
“Tomorrow evening, if that’s okay with you?” Lana asked.
“Oh, that’s fine. Tomorrow is my ladies’ night at the senior center, but I’m sure Lana will help you move your things. I’ll be home by 8:00 sharp,” Mrs. Blanchard said as she snipped a bright red rose and handed it gently to Willie. “You remind me so much of myself at your age. I was a real trendsetter in the 1960s, and your makeup reminds me of how I used to wear mine. Mind the thorns, my dear.”
“Thank you so much. This is beautiful,” Willie said. “I think I’m going to love it here.”
“I have Willie’s rent for this month. Shall I leave it on the kitchen table for you?” Lana asked.
“Just tuck it here in my apron pocket, and I’ll leave her receipt in your mailbox. You girls have a lovely night. I’m about finished,” the sweet elderly woman said as she pulled off her gardening gloves and shook them out to her side. “I think I’ll head in and get cleaned up to watch my programs. It was lovely meeting you, Willie. Is that short for Willamina?”
Willie appeared to blush and smiled. “Yes, ma’am.”
“That’s a very old name. I like it.”
“Me too,” Lana chimed in.
“I suppose it is, but Willie suits me better,” Willie said.
“We’d better get going, Willie. I’ll talk to you tomorrow, Mrs. Blanchard,” Lana said as the girls strolled through the garden and out the gate to the pathway.
“She’s adorable, Lana, and I don’t say that about anybody,” Willie gushed.
“She’s a treasure and in great health.” Lana pointed at the carport and nodded. “Still drives that caddy, too. I keep telling her she’s going to live to be a hundred.”
Coming Soon…
Author P.S. Bartlett 