They answer a few more questions before we all stand to leave. Crystal, Sasha, and I make our way over to where the Finks stand.
“Thank you for everything these last couple of years,” I say, hugging Mrs. Fink tightly.
“Of course, sweetheart,” she says. “I hope you all stay in touch, and Wren, I can’t wait to see the magic you create one day with your camps.”
My stomach twists. If the rent prices go up, then I won’t be able to put aside as much money as I’ve been saving.
“I promise to keep you updated,” I say.
“We really hate to do this, but we were out of options,” Mr. Fink adds.
“We understand,” Crystal says. “Y’all gotta take care of yourselves. We’ll all be okay.”
The three of us say our goodbyes and walk back to our apartments together.
“You think this new company is really gonna look out for all of us?” I ask when we make it to my door.
“I sure as hell hope so,” she says. “I guess we’ll find out tomorrow.”
From: Austere Development Group
Bcc: Wren Dawson
Date: July 12
Subject: Cedar Hill Apartment Acquisition
We are excited to announce that Austere Development Group has acquired Cedar Hill Apartment Complex effective immediately. The current building is in need of extensive repair and renovations. After much consideration, our team has decided to demolish the current building, so that we can create a safe and livable space for the residents of Cedar Hill. We recognize that this will require the current tenants to find somewhere else to live. For this reason, we are allowing current residents to remain in their apartments until October 31st. Those who stay in their apartments should pay monthly rent to: Austere Development Group. There will be no change in rent costs prior to October 31st, and rent will be due on the first day of each month. If you decide to move out prior to October 31st, we will gladly terminate your lease early and return your security deposit, no questions asked.
Please be on the lookout for more information regarding the renovation and special pricing for current tenants once the renovation is completed. All questions regarding the acquisition should be directed to: [email protected].
Best,
The Austere Development Group Team
CHAPTER 1: BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE! BEETLEJUICE!
WREN - ONE MONTH LATER - AUGUST
“I’m beat,” Gray says, sipping from her martini glass. “Thanks for coming out with me. I’ve been going nonstop lately and needed a night where I wasn’t cooped up in my apartment or thinking about work.”
“I get it,” I say, taking a drink of my water. “Thanks for forcing me to do something other than stay at home with my cat and look for a place to live.”
“Cheers to us for being fun,” Gray chimes, lifting her glass and clinking against my clear plastic cup. “You sure you don’t want something to drink. It’s ladies’ night, so everything is half off.”
“Maybe in a little bit.” I look around The Local, and it’s packed. My stomach turns. Ladies’ Night has never been my favorite because it always feels like the bar is using women as bait for all the men who ultimately show up to try to get us drunk and themselves laid.
“How is the apartment search coming?” she asks.
“It’s not. I’m so stressed about it. I keep thinking I’ll find somewhere else to live, but it’s all too expensive. My current rent is so cheap, it’s no wonder my previouslandlord had to sell.”
“I know you don’t want to hear it, but you could live with Tanner. Lacey and Jace move into their new house next weekend, so T will have a spare room.”
“Jace?” I giggle. “Since when do you call Lacey’s boyfriend by his actual name and not his nickname?”
“It sounded so weird, right? Maybe these martinis are already going to my head. I meant Jacks. Lacey and Jacks.” She laughs.
“Much better.”
