“Sounds good.” He says as he brings our plates to the table.
“So, how’s everything at the studio?” he asks hesitantly. He knows I’ve been having some struggles with my landlord. It’s gotten so bad I’m concerned about having to move my studio to a different location.
“He’s raising the rent again. Greedy bastard. That’s twice this year. Is that even legal? I really should review my lease. I clearly missed a few things if he’s able to do this.”
Moving the studio to another location feels like an impossible task. My small studio is finally profitable, so my landlord’s latest demand is really hard to swallow. I was finally at the point where I could afford my own apartment when he announced the latest rent increase. I’ll never be able to afford it now. Not to mention trying to pay Walker and Kenji back for the startup loan they gave me. I know they don’t care about it, but I do. They both have plenty of money, but for me, it’s the principle of the matter.
“Again? That seems a bit much. Do you want my lawyer to take a look at your lease? I’ve got an appointment with him tomorrow to discuss some contract stuff. I can take it with me.”
That’s an excellent idea. Maybe his lawyer can help.
“Yes, please. Thanks, Kenz.”
“No problem. You know I could just buy the building and then it would be yours anyway.”
I groan. His solutions always involve spending money. He’s already been way too generous, letting me stay here for free. What was only supposed to be a few months has turned into a year and a half. He claims he owes me for pretending to be his girlfriend, but that’s bullshit. All I have to do is show up at his fights, which I would do anyway. It’s been hard to convince him of that, though.
“You can’t just buy me something every time I have a problem. That’s not how life works.”
“Why not?” he asks, winking at me.
“Kenz,” I say warningly. He holds up both his hands in surrender.
“Fine, but I think you’re being ridiculous. Seriously, Mads, what’s the point in having all this money if I can’t help my friends out?”
“Hey, your career only lasts a short time. It needs to last you for a while after you retire from fighting. I tell Walker the same thing. You guys need to be smart about money, and that doesn’t mean spending it on a stupid building you don’t need.”
“I’ll give you this one, but I still think it’s no big deal if I can afford it.” He says, stubborn to the core. We both let it go. We’ve had this disagreement before, and I’m sure we’ll have it again, but I’m determined to handle this on my own.
The silence doesn’t last long, because we’re us and we just can’t stay upset with each other. Instead, we plan the menu for dinner with Liam and Walker before going our separate ways at bedtime. We both have to get up early, so it’s no surprise that we’re in bed before ten.
As I plug my phone into the charger, I send Liam a quick text. I hope his meeting went well.
Madison:Hey! How was your meeting?
I go to put the phone down, but I see the three dots.
Liam:Hey! Guess what happened? ??
Madison:What?
Liam:They made me captain. Can you believe it?
Madison:Yes. I sure can. Smart of them.
Liam:Yeah? Thanks. Don’t want to fuck it up.
Madison:You won’t. You’re awesome.
Liam:Thanks, Mads ??
Madison:Come for dinner when Walker gets here?
Liam:Sure. His flight lands tomorrow at 2. Dinner after?
Madison:Perfect. See you then.??
Liam
