I pulled up in front of Miguel’s apartment building less than ten minutes later.
Me
I’m here. Should I come up, or are you ready to go?
Miguel
Come on up. I’m still getting ready. Dwayne and Jason are here, so you can talk more about moving in.
Me
Good, because my big news affects them too.
Miguel
Now you’re just being mean. Get up here.
When I got up to Miguel’s apartment, the door was open, and Miguel stood there waiting for me. He wore a dark-red long-sleeve shirt with a short zipper in the front. His liquid brown eyes were highlighted with eyeliner and the barest hint of eyeshadow. He looked good. “What’s this big news you have?” he demanded.
I blinked and then chuckled to cover up my zone-out. “Impatient much?”
“Of course I’m impatient,” he said as he turned back into his apartment. I followed him and closed the door behind me. We went into the spacious living room, where Dwayne and his boyfriend, Jason, sat on the sofa. Miguel sat in one of the overstuffed armchairs in the living room, and I sat in the other. They all looked at me expectantly. I started to feel nervous, wondering if Dwayne and Jason would be willing to move up Dwayne’s move-out date.
“So, what’s this news you’ve got?” Miguel asked.
I told them all about the offer I got from Mr. Peterson’s son. I finished by telling Dwayne, “And I can pay you back the month’s rent you already paid for this place, plus your half of the security deposit.”
All three of them stared at me. “That’s amazing,” Miguel finally said.
“And very generous of you to pay me back the full month’s rent. You don’t have to do that,” Dwayne added.
“Sure, I do,” I replied. “I’m inconveniencing you by asking you to move out two weeks early.”
Jason shrugged. “Not really. Most of his stuff is at my place already.”
Miguel held up his hands. “Tell you what. Let’s split the difference and throw a big double housewarming party.”
I was about to object, but Jason and Dwayne were smiling and nodding. “That’s a great idea,” Dwayne said. “I’m always up for a party.”
I sighed in defeat. “Fine. It just can’t be the first weekend of May. I have National Guard training.”
“No problem,” Jason said. “We can do it the second weekend of May. That will give us all time to get settled.”
Miguel clapped his hands. “Good. Now that’s settled, let’s go. I’m starving.” He got a light jacket from a closet by the door. “Come on. I’m craving pizza from Talula’s.”
I pulled out my phone. “I just have to text Tino to let him know it’s a go.”
Me
I can move by the 15th.
Tino
Fantastic. I’ll contact the other lawyer.
Me
I can pay you for your time now.
