Chapter 12
Sally couldn’t help but wonder what he was so worried about coming out to the public. Was he into some sort of weird fetish? Did he like to beat a woman when he made love to her? Was this what Jackie was talking about? She couldn’t imagine Silas being anything but gentle, especially after the kiss they had shared in his office. But sometimes people turned into someone else when they had sex she thought to herself.
She had heard stories from friends before about the guys they were dating and the things they had done. Sally didn’t like rough or painful sex. She wanted sweetness and tenderness when she made love. She didn’t want her first experience to be painful and often worried about this.
Silas drove to the apartment, and remained quiet. She knew he was wondering about the damage this would cause to his company and to his reputation. Why was he so scared? Slapping Jackie and chocking her during sex wasn’t domestic violence if it was consensual she thought to herself.
She realized how very little she knew about the man beside her and chastised herself for letting her emotions take over and fall in love with him. How would she deal the fact that he wasn’t the man she had thought he was? Could she stop loving him? Sally thought she might already be too far gone. Her crush had turned into a full-blown love in a matter of days. Sally feared what she might learn about him as the days went on.
Her nerves were on high alert when they got to the apartment. The apartment was very close to her work, which was a huge plus. But she could tell by the building that it would be very expensive and definitely out of her budget.
“So what do you think?” Silas asked her after they toured the apartment.
“It’s lovely, and you said this area is nicer. But honestly, how much is it?” Sally asked.
“Don’t worry about the cost. Do you like it?”
“Silas I have to be able to afford rent and still have money left to eat.” Sally commented.
“I can help you if you need it.” He offered.
“I told you before Silas that I don’t want your money. I need to be able to afford this place on my own.” Sally stated firmly.
“Well this place is offering a special price to move in. These are brand new apartments and they are trying to fill up the building as quickly as possible.” Silas said.
“I guess it wouldn’t hurt to find out about that deal.” Sally said.
“Great, let’s go back to the rental office and see if we can get you in here.” Silas said, placing his hand on her back and guiding her to the office.
“So you say the rent is only 1,200 a month for the first year?” Sally said shocked. “How can that be, I’m paying $2,000 right now for a place that is much smaller and in a worse neighborhood.” Sally asked the rental agent.
“These apartments were just finished and the owner wants to fill them up. After a year the rent will increase though, and that may be quite a jump, depending on the owner and what he feels he can get for them.” The agent explained.
“How much of a jump?” Sally asked.
“Like I said it will depend on the owner. But maybe after you’ve paid for a year, he might be willing to work with you so that you can still afford it.”
Silas turned to her, “So what do you think?”
Sally knew she could easily afford the rent for the first year, it was less than she was paying now. “Well I guess if it is too expensive after a year I can always find another place. But I don’t have the money to move right now.” Sally said looking at Silas.
“Yes you do, I told you I would reimburse you for the money you’ve paid for the old place. Get the paperwork ready.” He told the agent.
“But what about the lease, I’ll be breaking it and they will surely make me pay a penalty. I signed a lease for a year, and they can make me pay that money for the rest of the year. I read the lease.” She whispered to Silas.
“Don’t worry, I’ll handle it.”
“I don’t want your money though.” Sally said again.
“I’ll talk to them and perhaps we can find someone who is willing to take over your lease. As long as they make their money back, they won’t care who is living there.” Silas commented, “I won’t be spending any money, don’t worry I get that you don’t want me to pay your way.”
His words came out and he sounded a bit hurt, “You know it’s nothing personal Silas. I just don’t think you should have to pay for your employee to be safe.”
“I know Sally, it is just I haven’t come across another person like you in a long time. Someone who isn’t looking to use me as their own bank account.” Silas smiled.
He leaned over and kissed her cheek, “Thank you for being you!”
Sally was confused by him. He was so caring, and worried about her safety. Did he have more feelings for her than she had thought?
“Here are the papers, you just need to sign here and here. Did you like the unit you saw, or would you like a larger apartment?” The agent asked.
“Larger? No, the one I saw was plenty big for me.” Sally muttered.
“Great do you have a preference for the floor you are on?” He asked.
“I have a choice?”
“Like I said these units are new, you’re actually our first renter.”
“In that case I think I’ll take the top floor.” Sally stated. She knew the view from the 12th floor would be almost as nice as the office view.
“Alright, let me get your keys for you.” The agent stood up and walked out of the room.
“If you want I can help you move later.” Silas offered.
Sally laughed, “I only have a suitcase and a backpack. Most of what I brought with me were clothes. I didn’t have a lot of other personal belongings.”
“Even so, I don’t mind helping you unpack. Then we can have dinner at your new place as a celebration.”
Sally could think of other ways she would like to celebrate with him. Then it popped into her mind that he might be into something she didn’t like and her excitement was tempered down.
“Okay, that sounds good. But shouldn’t we finish looking at those resumes first?” She asked.
Silas looked at his watch, “We can wait for that tomorrow. Let’s get this all fixed up first. We’ll go back to your place and I’ll talk to your landlord as you pack.”
“Alright.” Sally said.
On the ride to her apartment Sally tried to ask him why he was worried about Jackie saying he beat her. “Silas why are you scared about this charge Jackie is bringing up against you?” She asked.
“I’ll explain more later tonight.” He commented.
Sally had to accept the answer as she could tell Silas was not about to talk about it now. “Okay.” She responded, and hoped with all her heart that Silas wasn’t who she thought he was.