“You’ve already picked up your keys and signed off on your inspection. Once you take possession of the apartment, there’s nothing I can do.”
Frustration roars through my veins, but I tamp it down. Acting like a Karen never solved anything, and I’m not interested in becoming a meme.
“It’s only been a day. We’ll clean everything. I swear.” Hell, I’ll work my knuckles to the bone scrubbing the townhouse from top to bottom. “It’ll be spotless and ready for another renter. One who likes football players.” She heaves a weary sigh, but I press on. “If you think about it, it’s practically a selling point. I mean, there are tons of women on campus who’d give their left ovary to live next door to Austin Reid and Cooper DeLaurentis.”
My roommate included.
Which probably makes me the worst kind of friend, but Maddie doesn’t know about Freshman year. If she did, she’d move in a heartbeat—and neuter Parker on her way out.
She’s loyal like that.
“As much as I appreciate your suggestion, we take our residents’ privacy quite seriously.” The rental agent shoots me a patronizing look. “I’m sure you understand.”
Oh, I understand all right.
If I don’t figure this out, I’m going to spend the next nine months staring at Parker’s stupid, smug face.
Should’ve shoved the vibrator down his throat when you had the chance.
Truth. Then he’d get a restraining order and the complex would have to separate us.
It’s not too late.
I file the thought away. Just in case I need a backup plan.
“Look, Nancy. I know this is a highly unusual request, but I did put a note in my application.” On an impossible to miss neon orange Post-it Note. “If you could just pull my file, I’m sure you’ll see—”
“Hon, even if you did put a note on your application, it’s too late to do anything about it. The apartments are assigned based on move-in date, and we are booked solid.” She offers me a sympathetic smile, her dark eyes softening. “We’ve got a twelve-month waiting list. The only option you’ve got is to sublet, but then you’ll have to find somewhere else to live.”
I groan. This is total bullshit. I can’t ask Maddie to live somewhere else. We chose this complex specifically because of its proximity to the training facilities. Once gymnastics officially starts, we’ll be slogging to the gym at the ass crack of dawn. And come winter, we’ll be doing it in snow and rain and subzero temperatures.
Coño.
My palms begin to sweat and I wrack my brain for a solution. There has to be something I can do. I can’t give up.
Not yet.
“Excuse me.” A tall Black girl steps up to the counter, her friendly smile easing my anxiety. “I couldn’t help but overhear your conversation.” She gestures to a curvy brunette standing by the door. “My roommate and I haven’t moved in yet. We’d be happy to swap apartments with you.”
My heart soars. “Really? That would be amazing. Which building are you in?”
She glances down at the paperwork in her hand. “Two.”
Maddie and I are in fifteen.
That would put thirteen buildings between Parker and me. The odds of us crossing paths would be slim.
Infinitesimal, even.
“That’s perfect. And it’s a two bedroom?”
Her face falls. “Four. Our other roommates are moving in tomorrow.”
And there you have it. Proof karma is salty bitch.
“Unless you’re willing to swap roommates and apartments, it’s a no go.” I can’t afford to pay for empty bedrooms and I doubt these girls are willing to share just for the privilege of living next door to a couple of hard bodied athletes. “Thanks for the offer, though.”
“It was worth a shot.” She tilts her head thoughtfully. “What building did you say you were in again?”
