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I’ll be there.
GABRIEL:
Get reception to call me.
ME:
See you then.
My heart is in my mouth as I type the last message. Am I truly doing this?
Nat and Stella return with a bottle of wine. Stella pours three glasses, raising hers in the air. “To Leah’s new home.”
CHAPTER 10
GABRIEL
My phone buzzes, and the tension I’ve been holding since this morning dissipates.
I’ve spoken to Caleb about my plan, and he is fully on board. Especially if it means sticking one to Leah’s ex-fiancé. The guy is a complete dick, while Leah is family. In Caleb’s mind, he says I owe her. If for nothing else than her putting up with my grumpy ass for all these years.
ME:
She’s going to take it.
CALEB:
Good. Don’t scare her off!
ME:
Ha ha ha
It’s not quite what she agreed, but I know she’ll be willing once she’s seen it.
I meet Leah in reception. Seeing her out of the office and in casual clothes is a shock. I did a double take when she first arrived, dressed in jeans and an off-the-shoulder jumper, her hair tied up in a messy bun. She looked so different from the woman who walks around the office, the epitome of professionalism. Only the dark circles under her eyes highlight the fact she’s clearly not sleeping.
I open the door to the apartment and wait for Leah to enter ahead of me.
I’m happy she finally relented and agreed to view the apartment. It makes perfect sense for her to take it. If she feels uncomfortable staying here long term, it will give her the opportunity to find somewhere decent.
“Gabriel, this is stunning.”
Leah turns to face me, her eyes bright with excitement.
I take a step in and make my way to the left. “This is the main bathroom,” I say, holding the door open so she can enter. The room contains a large walk-in shower, sink and toilet. “Across from here is the second bedroom.”
She follows close behind me. I can feel the excitement radiating off her. I don’t think I’ve ever seen Leah like this. She’s usually as reserved as I am.
“Wow,” she says, walking into the room and around the large double bed in the middle. I added a comfy chair while the rest of the furniture in the room, including the television, is built in. Leah walks to the window and takes in the view. I hear her sigh, unsurprised, when she turns and faces me.
“Gabriel, this place is beautiful,” she says.
“I know,” I reply, unsure why she is making such an obvious statement.
“But that’s the thing. I can’t afford this. I wish I could. It’s really stunning, but this is so far out of my price range.”
“Ah.” We’re back to that. I thought I covered this, but then maybe I haven’t. Caleb warned me to tread cautiously and avoid being too pushy, even if I can only see the benefits for Leah.
