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‘Hi, Miranda!’ Rebecca sprung on her as soon as she entered. ‘Let me get your details and then you’ll be free to wander around.’
The living room was surprisingly spacious and airy, and the kitchen had been renovated with state-of-the-art appliances. Shiny granite counter tops gleamed and LED down lights glowed within the glass display cabinets hanging high on the wall. The bathroom was a bit compact and there was no bathtub to soak in at the end of a hard day, but Miranda thought she could probably survive on candlelit showers instead, for a while.
The main bedroom had plenty of room for all her things, and the sliding wardrobe doors had full length mirrors, which she wasn’t sure were a pro or a con.
‘Miranda ... I just saw how much the rent is for this place. You can’t afford it!’ Sue whispered.
‘It’s a bit much, but I can cut back on my spending. And I have my study support payment.’
‘I know you, Miranda. Your idea of cutting back is buying new clothes twice per week instead of three. C’mon, let’s make a dignified exit before you fall too much in love with the place.’ Sue hooked her arm around Miranda’s elbow, leading her to the door.
‘But...’
‘No buts, let’s go.’
Rebecca appeared from out of nowhere. ‘Leaving so soon?’
‘Um, yes. I have another appointment. But I love this place, I’ll be in touch!’ Miranda’s mother gently yanked her outside.
Rebecca followed them. ‘Oh, Miranda, I can’t make it to the twelve-thirty appointment on Hunter Street, so I’ve arranged for my colleague, Sam, to meet you there.’
‘Oh, okay then, thanks.’ Miranda got in the car. ‘See you at the next club meeting!’
Fifteen minutes later, they had quickly gone through the second house and were on their way to the unit complex on Hunter Street. ‘Did you see the mould in that bathroom!’ Sue screwed up her face. ‘And I’m sure there was something growing out of the carpet.’
‘Not to mention the fact that you couldn’t even open the front door the whole way before it banged into the wall. No wonder it was so cheap,’ Miranda added. ‘I hope the next one is better, although I still like the first one, if I could just – ’
‘Miranda, no.’ Sue cut in.
‘I wonder if this Sam woman will be as in-your-face as Rebecca. Rebecca runs the real estate agency, I met her at the Life Makeover Club, and when I was – ’
‘Uh, Miranda?’
‘What?’ Miranda pulled over to the side of the road.
‘I don’t think Sam is ashe.’ Sue pointed across the road where a well-built man in a suit stepped out of a car.
‘Oh, my.’ They both sat frozen, gazes fixed on the gorgeous creature crossing the road. Snapping out of her trance, Miranda turned off the engine and manoeuvred out of the car in the sexiest way she could manage, except she’d chosen to wear ballet flats today instead ofheels, which didn’t look as fancy stepping out of the car, especially with the car being a 1998 Toyota Corolla with peeling paint and a dent in the side.
‘You must be Miranda.’ His warm hand shook hers. ‘Sam Maxwell, nice to meet you.’
She smiled, looking into the most beautiful blue ...Wait! I’ve seen those eyes before!It was the Good Samaritan from the bookstore. The man who helped pick up the books she dropped when the bag broke.Oh God, please don’t let him recognise me!
‘Have we met before?’ A quizzical look appeared on his face.
‘Um, no, I don’t think so.’ Miranda swept a wave of hair over the side of her face in a pathetic attempt to conceal herself.
‘You do look familiar ... anyway, shall we go inside?’ Sam held out his arm and waited for them to pass. Sue grinned, and Miranda mentally ticked off her list:devastatingly handsome – check, respectful and courteous – check...
Inside unit four, the northern sun bathed the open plan kitchen and living room with natural light. The house, devoid of furniture, was an inviting blank canvas, waiting for new experiences to fill its void.
‘These units are only a year old, all occupied except this one. The landlord is keen to rent it immediately, hence the reduced price.’ Sam motioned for them to enter the hallway, and they walked into the main bedroom. ‘One of the best features is the walk-in-wardrobe.’ He slid open the door, revealing a generous storage space. Miranda and Sue exchanged knowing glances, and Miranda looked around in awe at the three-walled wardrobe with a built-in shoe organiser.Despite the small size of the unit, it was well designed, modern, affordable, and, well – heck – it had ashoe organiser!
The theme song for Mission Impossible interrupted Miranda’s moment of ecstasy. It was Sam’s phone. ‘Well, I’ll let you ladies get a feel for the place, and I’ll wait near the front door if you have any questions. Excuse me.’ He lifted his phone to his ear.
‘Two birds, Miranda, two birds.’ Sue nudged her gently in the ribs, smiling cheekily.
‘What? What are you going on about?’
