And do you know what?
This is what I need.
Friends.
Not that I don’t have friends back home, but all of them are married and building families, or they’re still single and enjoying a different lifestyle than what I want. I don’t mind going out and enjoying an evening, but I realize very quickly The Tipsy Lizard is a little more my scene—not clubs or crowded college bars.
And I’ve felt stuck right smack-dab between them for quite a while.
“So, are you moving with your boyfriend?” Sommer asks, sipping a mixed drink.
My throat is suddenly dry. “No, not yet,” I reply, glancing around the room. “He’s in a tiny studio near the hospital, but eventually, that’s the plan. I’ve started looking for my own apartment here, temporarily. If I can sign a one-year rental agreement, that would be perfect.”
Something that looks like worry, or maybe confusion, flashes in her eyes, but she quickly hides it. “That makes sense. If you need help, let me know.”
“Actually, I might have a lead for you. My parents own a couple rentals, and one of their tenants just moved out. Mom was saying she needed to clean it up and do some touch-up hole patching and painting, but I’m sure it could be available pretty quickly,” Sommer chimes in.
“Really?” I lean forward, giving her my complete attention.
“Yep. Hold on,” she replies, pulling out her cell phone. “Let me just shoot my mom a message and see if that’s still the case. I’d hate to get your hopes up if she’s already talked to someone about renting it out.”
I nod, trying not to get too excited about having a lead for a rental so quickly. Yes, I’ve looked online but haven’t found too many options listed. I can look in North Ridge or other surrounding towns, but am hoping to find something close to work, so I could walk during the nicer months. I love being outside and try to take advantage of it as much as possible.
“How long are you in town?” Sommer asks without looking up from her screen.
“Until tomorrow. I’m staying at the Cooper Town Inn,” I tell them, instantly feeling all eyes return to me.
“Wait. You’re not staying with your boyfriend?” Charli asks, clearly confused by this detail.
“Umm, no. He’s working all weekend and isn’t allowed to have guests like that in their company studios,” I reply casually, even though it feels wrong and still irritates me. It’s not like I’m looking to stay for a week or two. It’s one night, and we’re dating. I don’t understand why it’s an issue. I’m sure if he were to go to the property manager and explain the situation they’d understand and allow it, but he didn’t want to ruffle feathers so early in his residency.
“That’s stupid,” Charli declares, making Allison smile. She’d already made her opinion on the matter clear earlier when we talked about it over dinner but hasn’t said much about it since. We became close during nursing school, but our communication became less and less over the years. It wasn’t until she reached out and we reconnected.
“Are you interested in meeting my mom at the rental in the morning? She said any time is good with her,” Sommer states.
My heart starts to beat in my chest a little harder as excitement fills me. “Of course. I’d love to,” I rush out, unable to keep my eagerness at bay.
“Perfect,” she states, typing out her reply. “What time?”
“Nine?”
“Yep,” Sommer agrees, adding that to her message. “Done.”
“Wow, I can’t believe that happened,” I reply, taking another drink and feeling myself relax even more.
“It’s a cute little house,” Sommer announces. “One bedroom, eat-in kitchen, and a decent-sized bathroom. There’s a laundry room off the kitchen, one car attached garage, and a fenced-in backyard.”
My eyes widen. “Wow, I assumed it was an apartment or something.”
“Nope. Mom and Dad own a few houses in town. There are apartments, but I wouldn’t suggest renting from them. They’re a revolving door of tenants, because they’re cheaply made and the upkeep is trash. There are also a few condos near the high school, but those rarely have openings. Give me your number, and I’ll text you the address.”
When I share my contact information with her, Charli goes ahead and asks for it too. “Now we can keep in touch. When you officially move, let us know, and we’ll come help.”
I smile, slipping my phone back in my pocket and feeling pretty good about my potential move here. You’d never get this kind of warmth in the city. Not only does everyone already feel like a friend, but they’re going out of their way to include me. I don’t feel like an outsider looking in.
“Excuse me, I’m going to use the restroom,” I state before standing up.
“Do you want another drink?” Charli asks.
