Page 30 of Surviving the Merge
We exited on the tenth floor and made our way to the unit at the end of the hall.
“There’s only two apartments per floor for a total of twenty in the building. You’d be sharing this floor with Old Man Newton?that’s what I’m told everyone calls him. He’s lived here since the building went up fifteen years ago. It’s just him and his mute dog.” She gave me adon’t asklook. “So, you don’t have to worry about noise.”
I walked in and fell in love. The huge foyer opened into a sunken living room big enough to have a little breakfast nook in the corner. My feet took me to the colossal bay windows that overlooked the central park across the street.Great for running.
I headed back in the direction I came, passing the front door to enter the galley-style kitchen. Sam hung quietly off to the side. “Everything’s white,” I said, pointing out the obvious.
“Yeah, most people want a blank canvas. The stainless-steel appliances are new. The kitchen got a remodel after the last tenants moved out.”
Sam opened the cabinets, then moved on to the fridge. She couldn’t resist stepping into the role of admirer. Couldn’t blame her; the place was spectacular.
“Is that a balcony?” I asked. The ad didn’t mention a balcony.
Sam stepped in beside me. “Pretty amazing, right? It wraps around the whole apartment.”
I darted through the living room, straight for the sliding doors. A small table and two chairs sat outside, and at the curving far end were French doors that opened to the master bedroom. I could sit out there and enjoy the rain or enjoy it from the comforts of my own bed. My lips tugged upwards but quickly thinned when I remembered that I’d be enjoying it alone if Damon didn’t agree to my terms. The epitome of a bittersweet moment.
Down the hall, I inspected the second room, already planning to convert it into a dance space.
“Well, that’s it. The rent includes two parking spots, the daily paper, free access to the fitness center and indoor pool.” She went through her crumpled checklist, ticking things off before looking at me expectantly. “What do you think? Do you have any questions for me?”
“I love it, and none that I can think of at the moment.” I turned in place, chewing nervously at the inside of my cheek. “I guess I do have one question, how soon do you need an answer?”
“Well, this is a hot commodity. The sooner the better would be my guess.” She wiggled her eyebrows. “Why? Do you have a hot stud that you need to clear things with first?” Her eyes shot straight to her hairline, and her hands clamped over her mouth. “I’m so sorry. Did I ruin this? My uncle’s going to kill me.” She smacked herself on the forehead.
“Sam, it’s okay.” I laughed. “Really. I, ah... I do have a ‘hot stud,’ but I don’t need to clear it with him first. It would be nice to have some time to think about it. I don’t want to rush into anything.” The truth? I was terrified and wanted to give myself the chance to back out.
“I’ll tell you what—my uncle has exclusive showing rights to this place. You’re my last potential for the day, and we can’t show it tomorrow or the day after because maintenance will be buffing the floors. That gives you two days. I can’t make any promises beyond that.” She looked apologetic.
“Two days is more than enough time. Thank you.”
She shrugged and flicked her wrist, “No problem.” Snapping her fingers like she’d just remembered something of great importance, she said, “I know how you can pay me back for my kindness.” Her eyes lit up. I couldn’t help my smile. “I’ve got two tickets to see The Coverstonight, and my flaky friend backed out on me last minute. You can take his place.” Again, that smile. I had a feeling she knew what it did to people.
Gearing up to politely decline, Julie’s voice entered my head: “Do something you’ve never done.” So instead, I found myself asking, “Who are The Covers?”
She squealed. “They’re a sick cover band. They do all the greatest hits. They’re amazing! They’re going to be at this cool dive bar across town. Beers are cheap, and the crowd is always great...” She droned on and on at an unprecedented speed, her hands flying everywhere. She’d lost me after confirming they were a cover band, but I didn’t stop her. I found her litany endearing.
She came up for air after running down a list of songs they performed. Shrugging, conveying a carefree attitude at odds with the knot in my chest, I said, “What the heck. I’m in.”
“Yayyyyy.” She jumped up and down in triumph before planting a kiss on my cheek. Pulling back like I’d burned her, she said, “Shit, there I go again. Don’t kiss the clients, Sam,” she chastised herself.
I hadn’t laughed that much in... forever.
* * *
I felta stab of disappointment when I arrived home and Blake wasn’t there. I agreed to meet Sam at the bar around six, which gave me a few hours to get ready before needing to make my way over. I’d hoped to get some alone time with Blake first. I had an urgent desire to connect physically with him, more than I normally did. Which said a lot.
The perceived gap between us served as a trigger for my insecurities. With everything going on, I needed the constant reassurance of our love that always came with that level of intimacy. It didn’t help that I missed Damon quite terribly. I could use his brand of anchoring as well.
With one foot on the stairs, I heard the front door open; I rushed over to greet him.
“Mmm, if this is how I’m welcomed after a day of you apartment-hunting, I think we should turnthatinto your profession.”
I released his lips and my hold on his lapels. “You’ve had much better homecomings from me,” I murmured as I removed his jacket and tie, hanging them on the coat hooks by the door.
Sensing my mood, he took my hand and guided me over to the sofa. “Tell me what’s wrong.”
The stern set of his jaw told me we would not be covering up the real issue with sex. New territory for me. “I’m desperate to be close to you,” I confessed. My answer took him by surprise.
