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Typical Gabriel, straight to the point.
I sigh. “It’s been a bit of a disaster,” I admit, unsure why I’m not just telling him everything is fine.
“I have a solution,” he says. “I have an empty apartment.”
I pause. Unsure what to say to his declaration. I know the properties Gabriel invests in. I couldn’t possibly afford the rent on one of his.
“Leah, are you there?”
“Er, yes,” I say, not sure what to say.
It’s quite an embarrassing situation. He must understand that I live nearby solely because of Vince’s salary. I can never afford somewhere like that in a million years on my own.
“What do you think?”
Maybe I’m mistaken. Maybe he has a tiny shoebox somewhere. One of his first properties.
My stomach tingles in anticipation. “Where is it?” I ask, holding my breath.
“It’s in my building.”
My heart sinks, and I bite the inside of my lip to smother my disappointment. “That’s very kind, but there is no way I could afford the rent.”
A lengthy pause leaves me questioning if we’ve lost connection.
“I can work something out. The apartment is currently empty and has been since I bought it. I use it as somewhere to house guests.”
A multi-million pound plus apartment sitting empty, only for guests. Oh, how the other half live.
I smile, pleased he can’t see my response.
“We can work out a rent that suits you. If I’m honest, you’d be doing me a favour. Only one person has ever stayed in it, and I haven’t tested everything. The builder has sent a final warning on snagging lists.”
His words warm my heart. I’m aware Caleb’s company constructed the building, and thus, would readily address any issues.
“Have a think about it and let me know. If you want to have a look. I can show you around.”
I cough to clear the lump that’s clogging my throat.
“Thank you. Can I take a moment?”
“Take as long as you need. Call me when you’ve decided.”
The phone goes dead, and I sit and stare at it.
When I glance up, Stella and Nat are staring at me wide-eyed.
“Did he just offer you an apartment in El Castillo?”
I look back down at my phone and nod, my head spinning.
“He did, but there’s no way I can afford that.”
I sigh.
“What did he say when you said that?” Nat asks.
“He said we could work something out. The apartment is empty, and I’d be doing him a favour.”
