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“Hell yeah, seriously. Go for one that makes your heart sing.”
It feels crazy to turn down a place so lovely. I’d have fainted at the prospect just a few months ago.
The next place is in Parkvale, and it’s ok, but not nearly so nice as the others. The current tenant’s stuff in there makes it obvious it’s a lot smaller, and the guest bedroom is barely big enough for a double bed. Mum and Dad would be cramped in there, even though it’s stylish.
“Not convinced?” Richard asks, and I shake my head.
“No, not quite, sorry.”
“No need to be sorry. Onto the main event, and then feel free to make your call.”
I know from his grin that he’s been saving the best until last, and oh, fuck it. I also know my heart is all in when the two towers of Belgravia appear in view. They are glorious, like they’re carved from mirrored glass. The pictures on the website could never have done this place justice… especially not the interior. The west tower feels like a five-star hotel when we head inside the entrance foyer and step into the elevator. The whole place looks crafted from hand polished marble. No wonder the service charge is so high. My heart is pounding when we reach the seventh floor and Richard leads us along the hall to the apartment.
My mouth drops open when he opens the door with a ta-da! because the place is an open plan dream. Seriously. The deep grey electric blinds are open wide at the far end of the lounge area, showing the wonder of the world outside. I’m almost mute as Richard gives us a tour, showing off everything from the gloss black kitchen counters, through to the glory of the slate walled bathroom, with its newly fitted cascade shower.
“Shall I give you some time?” he says, knowing full well this place has captured me whole.
With that, he leaves us to it, closing the front door behind him, and I rest my elbows on the kitchen island, still transfixed by the windows and the magnificent view across the city.
“I can hear it,” Eb says, stepping up close.
“Hear what?”
“Your heart, singing.” She grins. “This is deffo the one for you, Ells. The others don’t even come close.”
She’s not wrong. But I don’t want to say it out loud.
“Yeah, but this is over fifteen hundred a month more than the others,” I say instead.
“Pah, whatever. You could earn that in twenty minutes with the right client. You’re earning a hefty chunk tonight, aren’t you? Stop playing yourself down. You’re a hardcorer, Ella. Hardcorers earn big.”
“I’m not a hardcorer just yet. I’m a newbie.”
“A newbie who is fast becoming a hardcorer.” She goes over to the window and points to the block on the other side of the gardens. “A newbie who could be living right next to other hardcorers, too.”
My heart jumps.
“That’s where they live? Tiff and Josh? Right there?”
“Yup.”
“That’s close. Real close.”
“Just a dash across the gardens. Perfect for late-night visits.”
“That isn’t part of my decision making,” I say, despite the thrill. “I’m doing this for me, not for anyone else.”
She tips her head. “I know that, babe, it’s just an added bonus. But honestly.” She twirls around with her arms out, heels spinning easy on the light oak floor. “This place is standout, Belgravia or not. Be honest with yourself. This is the one you want, isn’t it?”
I get a lump in my throat at the thought. I can’t believe it. Even the prospect…
The thought of waking up in this place every morning. Showering in the luxury bathroom. Drinking coffee by the window as the sun rises over the cityscape. The thought of my parents visiting, and seeing how far I’ve come.
I try to cough down my emotion, but Ebony spots it. She pulls me in for another hug, and that’s it. The tears spill along with my words.
“I never thought I’d amount to anything, you know? I always thought it would be Connor. I figured I was nothing, just supporting him, like he was the one destined for the high life. But it’s me who’s standing here, with a place like this I could live in, not him. I just can’t believe it’s me.”
“And you deserve it,” Eb says, looking me in the eyes. “Take it, Ella, live your dreams.”
