Page 34 of David

I could decorate it with curtains, plants, and fairy lights. To my left, a large sofa leans against the wall while a door opens into a small bedroom in the back.

The bedroom's furniture includes a queen-size bed, a chest drawer, and a chair.

The walk-in closet has a few shelves and enough space to turn around without getting stuck.

“I’ll take it… This is it,” I say, smiling.

The woman looks at me, surprised.

It’s the fourth place I’ve seen today, and I feel good about it.

I’m also very much aware it's difficult to find the perfect place when money is an issue.

“Are you sure?”

Our eyes meet.

“Yes.”

Honestly, the cafe around the corner has tipped the scale. If I remember correctly, there’s a gym not far from there, and they’re offering a special deal this month.

It’s a good neighborhood, close to almost everything I need. I can walk, jog, go to the gym, buy stuff, and eat in the same area.

Maggie’s boutique is a twenty-minute drive, the campus about half an hour from here by car, and everything else… Well, I rarely visit it.

“Good. I’ll let the owners know. How soon can you move in?”

“I could pack up my things and move in tomorrow.”

A smile stretches across her lips.

“Fantastic. I’ll have the lease agreement ready for you. We can meet tomorrow in the afternoon.”

“Sounds good to me.”

We exit the bedroom when she tips her gaze to the side.

“Would you like to see the back porch?”

“There’s a porch?”

She flashes a grin again.

“Yes, there is.”

I follow her to the door that opens to the backyard.

Although relatively small, the porch has a great view and big trees that hide from prying eyes.

I could actually sit in the rocking chair and write here. How cool would that be?

Her phone rings, and she excuses herself and walks into the house to take the call.

I sit on the rocker chair and lean back, contemplating everything.

I like this—I really do. I slide a hand into my backpack, remove my cell phone, and text Chloe.

Me: I have a new place.

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