“I fully believe in giving back to the youth, so you don’t worry about the cost, Mr. Greg. It's on me.”
“Oh, I couldn’t. It’d be like stealin’ right from your pocket.” He waves me off.
“It's not, and I offered. I’ll make you a deal. If you can tell me where I can get a good cup of coffee at a local spot, not a major chain where coffee is made up of more milk than espresso, we will call it even.”
“Oh, if it’s coffee you’re wantin’, there’s no better place than Sweet Bean. It’s in the center of town!” He quickly gives me the recommendation and pulls out a little white card from his wallet. “Here! Take my loyalty card and get a coffee on me.”
“Mr. Greg, you are the man!” I take the card as he nods and head to the elevator, giving him a wave as I do. With not a single soul in the elevator, I’m up to my floor in no time and walking into my space.
Opening the front door, I’m met with a view of the lake, which butts up against the lush green of the course. Even from here I can see how sunlight reflects off the ripples in the pond, either from a breeze or a golfer's terrible swing, who knows.
I close the door, hear the click of the lock fall into place, set my bags down, and do a walk-through of the space. The kitchen has been newly renovated, and with my quick glance of the living space, so has the rest of my new home. Dark brown cabinetry and stainless steel appliances provide modern touches that I vibe with, including the wood elements in the bar stools and large butcher blocks leaning against the backsplash. I thumb the stove, excitement pushing me forward at the thought of creating a couple of my favorite meals while having my cousin over for dinner. I follow the dark wood floors into the living room and grip the back of my navy blue couch. It may be strange for the first week being back, but taking in a deep inhale I relax, knowing I’ll be able to put down some roots.
I open, from what I remember from the pictures, the bedroom door. I step onto soft carpet to see where the moving team decided was the perfect spot for my massive king bed: in the center of the wall. They flanked it with two nightstands, along with a pile of boxes against a side wall.
I find the ensuite, and my eyes land on the large two person glass shower, fitted with glossy gray tile work. “A shower bench, huh?” I chuckle, still peeking inside. Two shower heads rain down from the top while three body jets occupy each side. The owner believes in cleanliness,that’s for damn sure.
I slide open the doors leading out to the patio when my cell phone dings with a notification.
Selly
Did you make it in yet?
Clinton
Yeah! I just finished checking out the place.
Selly
How is it? You know I’m nosy…
Clinton
It’s great, I just need to get my records up.
You wanna do dinner and catch me up?
Selly
Hell yes! Next week?
I have a few new vinyls for you too.
Clinton
You’re the best! I’ll put it in my calendar.
Selly
Old man!
Clinton
Maybe,but I’ll be on time.
Selly
Hush.
