I won’t need an escort up.
Who else is going to give you the full tour? Text me
There’s no hiding my smile. Today is about to be a good one.
Before Demi gets here, I head down to the lobby once I finish the quickest shower of my life. Rob is standing at the desk and waves to me when he sees me exit the private elevator.
“Hey, my man. I have a question for the leasing department. Any way I can get in touch with someone right now?”
My phone vibrates in my pocket while Rob is taking a look at his computer for me, but I tell him never mind when I see it’s Jules calling.
“Hey,” I answer.
“I have some information from the leasing director for that apartment building. I just emailed you the numbers, along with a snapshot of some of your financials if you’re thinking of doing anything. Let me know if any paperwork needs to get done today or if things can wait until Monday.”
“Ah, thanks, Jules. You’re the best.”
I take in my surroundings before moving over to a corner where I can talk more freely without any eavesdroppers.
“Full disclosure, I want to rent the apartment. I know it sounds crazy, but I’m trying to help someone out. Whatever the rent is monthly, I want to cover half.” I can’t exactly tell Demi this place is just free, she won’t buy it, but fudging the numbers can’t hurt, right?
“You’re willing to pay your full rent, plus half the rent for your new neighbor?” She sighs into the receiver.
I know it can be done, there has to be a way.
“Exactly,” I confirm.
This feels like the right call. It doesn’t feel as impulsive as it probably sounds. Demi needs a place to stay, and I want to help. Simple as that. It just so happens to work out that my previousneighbor left last spring. The apartment has been sitting empty for months and it’s a place I know Demi will be safe.
“And this is a stat situation?”
“I think so, Jules. If anyone can make this happen, I know you can.”
She laughs. “Liam, you don’t need to gas me up. I know I can get it done.”
“You’re the best,” I say one more time before we end the call.
Now, I just need to sell this place enough so Demi wants to move in.
Girl of my dreams
I’m about to walk into the building.
I’ve been hanging out in the lobby with Rob for the last thirty minutes so I’m already here when she walks in. I see her hesitate before she walks through the automatic doors. Her head instantly tilts up as she looks at the high ceilings and artwork on the walls.
Her lips are pulled together when she sees me, and she shakes her head back and forth as we walk toward one another. Demi’s dark brown hair is pulled back away from her face and her sunglasses are sitting in her hair. My eyes shoot to her waist, not missing the way the shorts hug her hips, and then I smile at the band T-shirt she’s wearing. blink-182.
“Nice music taste,” I say when we’re within earshot, gesturing to the black shirt hanging off her shoulder. Demi wears black and white exclusively, I’m not sure I’ve ever seen her in something different—maybe gray.
“Just walking in here I can tell this is going to be a look, don’t buy situation. Like when I browse the candle section at the store, or stumble into a model home just for fun.”
“Ah, I think you’ll be surprised.” I motion my hand to have her step in front of me. “Before we start the tour, anything you need? Coffee, water, restroom?”
“Are you a realtor now?” She laughs. “First a barista, then this. I’m starting to think you’re prepping for life after retirement.”
“I’m a jack-of-all-trades, honey.”
Demi huffs out a chuckle as she passes by me, and god, she smells like Valentine’s Day. It’s all sweet fresh flowers as I let myself linger for a moment.
