Page 6 of Misfortune and Mr. Right

Maybe this is a sign. With things going this smoothly, I’m sure to get a chance to make a good impression on Olivia. I have no doubt.

Chapter Three

Olivia

The enemy is within our gates.

– Marcus Tullius Cicero

“I see. Okay. Well, thank you.”

I sigh and stare out the panel of windows running down the length of our office. This building has an open concept, with a spacious, shared workspace—the kind that’s all the modern trend. The design is intended to fuel creativity and collaboration, with beanbags strewn across fluffy rugs at the far end and more structured metal and formica tables along the wall, sofas and seating areas throughout the long room, and a few drafting tables at the other end.

At times like these, I crave an old-fashioned cubicle. I’d settle for a janitor’s closet … or a phone booth … preferably a TARDIS. Anything but my coworkers’ eyes collectively fixed on me, each one of them pretending not to look.

I just got to work. And, so far, this Monday is living up to its reputation as the least pleasant day of the week. I’m on the call I wish I hadn’t answered—the one telling me the apartment … Gran’s apartment … my apartment … has already been let to another tenant. I don’t know why I feel like crying. I’m not a crier. I’m a fighter. Or at least a solver. Right now, I just want to throw in the towel and …

“We do have another apartment open, though.”

“What?” I don’t know if I heard her right.

“We have another apartment available. Apartment 2O. It’s on the same floor as 2B, obviously … I mean, it’s not like we’d put 2O on the third floor of the building or up on the roof, would we? No. It’s definitely right there. On the same floor as 2B.”

“2O.” I repeat the number, remembering seeing it on one of the doors on the opposite hall from Gran’s apartment, near the stairs, I think.

“Yes. It’s actually slightly less rent than 2B since it’s a tad smaller and … Well, the view is … different.”

“I’ll take it!” I shout. My office mates all turn and look at me. I smile at them and lower my voice. “I’ll take it. What do I need to do to lock it in?”

“I’ll send you an email with all the details. It’s yours once you pay your deposit.”

“Great. I want it. Don’t give it to anyone else, okay?”

“Oh, I’m pretty sure you’re the only one who wants this one.”

“That’s great.”

“Well, welcome to your new home.”

“Thank you. Thank you so much. I’ll be looking for your email.”

“I’m sending it now.”

I thank her three more times for good measure. Then we hang up. I look around my office.

“I got the apartment I wanted!” I shout. “In The Serendipity!”

People cheer. It’s the whole office camaraderie thing. I guess I’ll save hiding in the janitor’s closet for another day.

Then I mutter under my breath, “Sorry, Monday. I didn’t mean to bash you so severely. Looks like you redeemed yourself this week.”

I shoot a quick text to Megan.

OLIVIA

I got the apartment. Well, not the one I wanted. Gran’s old place went to someone else. But I got one on the same floor. 2O. Not 2B. It was this whole 2B or not 2B situation. And the answer is not 2B.

MEGAN

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