"That bad?" she asks softly. I wince and rub my temples again. "I guess it makes sense. This isn't a good time for apartment hunting right now. All the college kids probably just took up all the decent spots, and the rest I assume are in shitty areas of Philly."
"Can you come with me to see the last two?" I plead. "I can't handle any more of these on my own."
"Yeah, sure," she responds instantly, and I think I love her for it. "I'm at Steve's, can you come pick me up?"
"Thank God," I tell her gratefully. "I'll be there in ten minutes."
Having Hailey with me at the next hellhole makes the task a little more bearable, but the place is still a major pass. I've had enough of living next to frat houses for the next few lifetimes.
"Okay, last one," I cringe. "Then we get plastered at the Irish Pub."
The next apartment isn't too far from Jax and Tristan's house, and we actually manage to find parking in front of the building. I get out of my car, already skeptical.
The street is pleasant enough. We're on a side street in South Philly and I see young couples and an occasional baby stroller when I look around.
"This is too good to be true," I mumble.
The realtor is waiting for us on the steps of the apartment complex. It's a somewhat newer building, which explains the price compared to what this area should be going for. They offer cheap prices to get people into the apartments immediately.
When we walk into the one bedroom that I called about, I realize with a sinking feeling that something must definitely be wrong here. It’s very clearly too good to be true.
The door opens to a little hallway, at the end of which is the bedroom and bathroom. Both are a great size. But it's the kitchen and living room that really take my breath away.
The kitchen is cozy—not overly large but with enough counter space that even I nod in approval. There's an island in the center with two barstools. Another huge checkmark on my list. I like to host, and I always prefer entertaining guests at an island while I prepare the food.
But the biggest selling point of this apartment is the living room that the kitchen opens into. Not because of the size or shape, but because the far wall is made up entirely of oversized windows.
I walk over to the windows and peer down to the street below. I can only imagine how beautiful the city's lights shine in here at night. I sigh and ready myself to be disappointed.
I turn back to the realtor. "It's incredible," I breathe. "What's the catch?"
He looks startled. "There's no catch," he assures me. "It's a one bedroom, $1,400/month, just like you asked for. And it's ready next month."
I groan. There it is.
"I needed it next week," I say, dejected.
He frowns as he looks down at the paper in his hands. "I'm sorry, I must've misheard you on the phone. I thought you were looking to move in next month. This building won't be ready until then so unfortunately I can't get you in here next week."
I sigh and pinch the bridge of my nose. I figured this was coming anyway, so I shouldn't really be surprised.
"I'll take it next month," I say. "Just send me the paperwork and I'll get everything signed. Deposit is first, last, and security, right? So, three months’ rent?"
He nods, still looking guilty. I smile weakly at him. "Okay, thanks for showing me around. We'll be in touch."
He leads Hailey and I back to our car and shakes our hands goodbye. When I slide back into the driver's seat, I pull out my cell and type a single message:
Remy: Guess I'm moving in with Tristan for a week
* * *
Twenty minutes later, Hailey and I are tucked comfortably in a booth at the back of the Irish Pub. It's the oldest Irish bar in the city and was Hailey's first job when she moved here, so we always get the VIP treatment.
"There you are. I thought I heard a little birdie whisper that you're here tonight."
We look up to see her old manager. Hailey's face breaks into a smile as she stands up to give him a hug.
"I thought I'd stop in to say hi since it's been a while," she says warmly. I wave politely at him.