“Oh, okay.” Zoe sighed. “I wish I could come over, but we’re expecting a full house as it’s Sunday.”
“Of course. I’m sorry to bother you. I just thought you might—”
“No, I’m glad you called, and I’m having a break,” Zoe interrupted her, holding up a coffee cup. “So, are we going to name him?”
“Name him?” Marcy threw her head back and laughed.
“Yes. How about Kitty, that’s what you called him at the beginning, right, when you thought he was just a sweet little cat?” Zoe suggested with a chuckle. “They say you should always use the first name that springs to mind, right?”
“He says no way,” Marcy joked. “He wants a big, manly cat name, like Hercules or Thor. He’s a big boy with a big beard; we can’t possibly name him Kitty.”
“Oh, is that what he says?” Zoe asked in a playful tone. “So he’s definitely a boy now? Is that what you’ve decided?”
“Definitely,” Marcy said, not sure why she was so convinced.
“What about Tank, then?”
“Hmm…” Marcy hesitated as she considered the name. “I like Tank.” She turned the camera again for a moment so Zoe could see him. “Yep, he agrees. Tank it is.”
Zoe laughed but the sound didn’t scare him. “Well, I hope to see you again, Tank. Or perhaps it would be better if we didn’t because that would mean you’re still wandering the woods and chasing the ladies.” She took a sip of her coffee and cleared her throat. “What are your plans for today?”
Marcy looked at her truck; the back filled with boxes. “I’m moving some of my stuff over to the cave house. Clothes and kitchen essentials, mainly. I’m going to donate everything I don’t need to this charity jumble sale my mum’s organising.”
“Great. So, you’re moving?”
“Yes, over the next few days. I figured now was as good a time as any, and I want to be here in case Tank needs more time to recover. And I’m going to do some online shopping. I can’t possibly have old floral bedsheets on my new, slick bed.”
“No, that would be a crime.” Zoe licked her lips, and Marcy was sure she was looking at her mouth. “Do you need help moving? I’m stronger than I look.”
“Really?” Marcy’s brows shot up at that. She’d been thinking of excuses to see Zoe again and this was the perfect one. “I suppose I could do with some help. Let me know when you have time.”
32
Zoe scrolled through the list of available rentals in the area. After living in her tiny flat in Hong Kong and then her single bedroom in her parents’ house, any of these modest flats would feel like a palace. Finding somewhere affordable with outside space would be harder, but she was happy to settle for a balcony. Compared to Hong Kong, prices here were low, and she wouldn’t have to worry about spending too much on rent. That way, she could start saving and buy a place of her own in a couple of years.
“Found anything nice?” Lisa asked, joining her for coffee at the beachside restaurant.
“Yes, I’ve saved a couple of places I like.” Zoe gave her a hug. “Thanks for coming, I’d really appreciate your opinion.”
“Are you kidding me? I love looking at property.” Lisa waved at the waiter and asked for an espresso. Her Spanish was really improving, and she seemed more confident now, forgiving herself for making mistakes.
“I know, that’s why I asked you.” Zoe nodded and handed her phone to Lisa. “Just click on the links.”
“Hmm…” Lisa looked at the first one; a traditional Spanish, one-bedroom flat in the old town. “I like this, but there’s no parking space here, right?”
“No. I currently take my parents’ car to work, but there is a direct bus route.” Zoe shrugged. “I don’t really see the point of having a car when I work so close by.”
“True.” Lisa scrolled through the pictures. “The outside space is communal. Is that a problem?”
“I’d rather have a private balcony or courtyard, but the price is great for the location, so I saved it anyway.” She looked over Lisa’s shoulder. “The second one is my favourite, I think.”
“Nice,” Lisa said. “It’s totally different; ultra-modern.” She paused as she went through the rest of the pictures. “Two bedrooms and a private balcony. That’s great. And it’s very close to work, right?”
“Yes, it’s only a five-minute walk.” Zoe felt relieved at Lisa’s enthusiasm. She’d always lived with family and friends, so house hunting wasn’t her strong point.
“Do you have a preference for traditional or modern style?” Lisa asked.
“No. I don’t mind either way. I won’t be there that much anyway; I’m usually at work or outside.”
