“Most people want to make a profit on their investment.”
“I didn’t buy this place for money.” He stares at me, letting his meaning linger. “See you soon, Kira.”
I let him go this time.
God, what a bastard. He’s doing a really nice thing for the people in this building. He could leave their rent unchanged if he wanted, but instead he’s giving them all a break, purely because he can.
Meanwhile, he’s trying to ruin my life.
I throw the rent notice into the trash and storm back to bed, livid that this insane rich guy is messing with me so much, but happy for Tabby and Mina and everyone else.
Maybe that’s just my lot in life.
I suffer so other people can prosper.
So long as Gem gets into a good college with a full scholarship, I’ll take all the pain coming to me and then some.
KIRA
New paint appears in the hallway. The hole in the wall near the stairwell gets patched. The handrails get tightened, and the flickering light in the foyer gets swapped out. The old carpet ends up in a dumpster. New carpet gets put down in its place.
Every day, workers show up. “They fixed my leaky sink,” Tabby says, so happy she’s fighting back tears. “Joshy almost passed out when he saw it. No charge either. Even Brian said they came and repaired a bunch of stuff he’s been complaining about forever. And did you see the basement?!”
I sigh and nod. “I saw the basement.”
“Free laundry.” She groans and leans up against the wall, giddy with joy. “No more lugging it down the block. Can you imagine?!”
I genuinely can’t.
Every day, life in this building gets better. Even Mrs. Walker seems like she’s in a better mood. Under any othercircumstances, people would be right to assume these changes mean huge rent increases.
But Stellan made it clear: that isn’t going to happen.
I don’t get it. None of it makes sense. He’s taking care of my friends in this building and making all their lives better. Even Gem’s reaping the benefits. She doesn’t have to live in a total shithole anymore. And the laundry situation really is a huge deal.
All the while Stellan’s trying to grind me into dust.
The deadline keeps approaching. A second rent doubling notice appeared under my door at the two-week mark. He appeared after my grooming shift to ask me out, and I had to tell him off again. The worst part is he doesn’t even get angry. It feels like some big game to him.
Mina can’t stop gushing. “Stellan is the best landlord I’ve ever had. This is incredible. I can’t believe how lucky we are.”
“Lucky, yeah, that’s how I feel,” I mutter, but nobody seems to notice.
Everyone’s too happy with the new situation.
Except for Gem. My sister’s busy finishing up her applications, but she’s always been perceptive. One night, after the second doubling notice, she corners me in the kitchen and gives me one of those serious-not-playing looks she has. One day, she’s going to make a great politician.
“What’s wrong? Something’s up with you.”
“I’m fine. Just the usual stress, but I’m handling it. I always say you don’t have to worry.”
She shakes her head, undeterred. “It’s the new owner, isn’t it?”
I stare at her. “Why would you say that?” I try to laugh like she’s totally crazy.
Gem’s still not buying it. “Every time he comes up, you look like your dog died. You hate that guy, and I don’t know why.”
“It’s nothing, okay? Don’t worry about it.”
