Page 92 of Forbidden Hearts
twenty-three
PHOEBE
“We only have one apartment on the property left, and if you wanted to put down a deposit today, it would be yours three weeks before the semester begins.”
I love this apartment. It’s seriously perfect. The property was renovated last year, it has a pool, gym, movies on Fridays, and they actually have Wi-Fi as an amenity. That would cut out a bill, but it wouldn’t offset the difference between how much I want to pay for a place and how much this one costs. I’m so torn because it is worth the extra money, but it’s going to mean I really don’t have any extra money each month.
Still . . .
“I want the apartment,” I tell Bianca, who I also happen to like. “I’m just worried if I end up going to a different school . . . just . . . it’s a lot of money.”
Her head tilts to the side. “It’s on the high side for the area. Okay, here’s what I can do. Since it’s the last apartment, and you’re not fully committed to Texas, I can do just a hundred dollar deposit and secure it. Once you know, you can pay the remaining balance, and then we’ll do the paperwork.”
My heart is near to bursting. “Oh my God! Are you serious? Wow. Thank you!”
Bianca smiles. “It’s my pleasure.”
I’m feeling really excited to have one big thing done. Tomorrow is my official college tour, and I’m meeting with one of the professors in the program and a student another day. All of this feels really good and exciting, but a part of me is nervous.
My hotel is just a few blocks away, so I start walking and pull out my phone to call Asher and check on Olivia, which is when I see two text alerts.
Emmeline
Did you find a place?
I did! I’m going to the campus in a bit to walk around on my own before my tour.
Emmeline
Awesome. Is the apartment nice?
A hundred times better than what we had. It’s really great, Em. I’m excited about it.
Emmeline
So, you’re liking Texas?
Am I? I don’t know. Maybe. I could be. A part of me says it’s too soon to tell, but this city just feels so fun. Austin is brimming with life, and everything feels fresh and artsy.
We’ll see after the official tour and see if I get into Vanderbilt. That’s the big question mark.
Emmeline
Can’t wait to hear more. Gotta run, my dad is glaring at me since I’m on my phone.
I laugh and then check the one from Olivia.
Olivia
Miss me yet?
I smile.
I do! Do you miss me?
Olivia
Yes! I’m with Aunt Brynn for the next few days. We are having a spa weekend, and she’s taking me to New Jersey to visit my friend.
