“We’ll be throwing you an apartment warming party this weekend,” Sparkle says as the gang heads out to start their days.
“I look forward to it.”
The day’s over in a flash. My feet and back ache, but that probably has more to do with me being a couch potato for three weeks than standing all day, but who knows? On and off there was an eerie feeling of being watched, but every time I looked up no one was looking at me. I brush it off as first day jitters.
“Alrighty, time to close up, then I’ll show you to your new apartment.”
Wick shows me the closing procedures, and it’s not too bad. He helps Talon with the kitchen cleanup and I finish sweeping up. My first day in a job that I didn’t have to worry about court politics or end the day on my back. Not that every night as a courtesan resulted in sex, but eight times out of ten.
“What’s that look about?” Wick asks when he joins me again.
“Just thinking how nice it is that I don’t have to lube up or suck a dick right now.”
Talon glares at me as he passes through. I keep my trap shut for all of two seconds, not wanting him to think I’m trying to make a pass at him. I raise my hands. “That comment was purely innocent and relevant to what Wick asked me.”
Talon snorts and continues on through the shop and out the door.
“It’s not entirely you. He usually does just leave when the day’s done.”
“It’s fine. I’m not worried about it. Let’s go see that apartment.”
Wick nods and waves for me to head towards the door. “There’s an outside entrance around the building.”
I wait for him to lock up, then follow him to our destination. Solid wooden steps lead up to the apartment door.
“Cute. I like the stars you painted.” I trace one of the purple stars.
“Ethan’s idea. They’re supposed to be bursts of magic since he’s a witch.”
“Love it.” The scent of baked treats fills my senses when Wick opens the door. “Haven’t even seen the place and I’m already sold by scent alone.”
“Ah, yes. The delicious smells do float up here.” Wick steps aside and sweeps his arm out. “Welcome to Cookie Place. At least that’s what Ethan and I’ve been calling it.”
I take in the living room. The vertical blinds are open and spill bright light into the hardwood floors. I turn to my left to the open concept kitchen.
“Back there is the bathroom and the bedroom. There’s a nice, spacious walk-in closet. If there’s anything you want, let us know. Ethan spelled the entire place to be the perfect temperature for whoever lives here. There’s also regular AC and heating.”
I wander through the place. “I’m glad it’s furnished. I don’t have much, just clothes. Lark and Pike went to the Autumn Court to get them for me.”
“We thought as much. I hope everything is comfortable, if not, let us know.”
“You planned this? For me?”
He nods. “Pike might have spilled the beans about your banishment to Van, who spilled the beans to me. And I spilled to Ethan. We have the apartment and we’re happy to have you stay here. We were going to offer it to Sparkle, but he kept shooting us down.”
“I think Sparkle is afraid to leave his mom’s house. Most of the kittens are old enough they don’t need constant watching.”
“He’ll get there when he gets there.”
“True. When can I move in?”
“Now?” Wick looks around. “There’s nothing stopping you from taking it tonight.” He hands me the key.
“What’s the rent?” Probably should have asked first, but here we are.
“Like a hundred bucks a month?”
I choke on a laugh. “You can’t charge that little.”
