THE PAST TWO MONTHS IN this apartment with Mack had made me even more determined to find a new place. Anywhere had to be better than this. Without Brian throwing parties the complex was quieter. However, that didn’t fix the location or the amenities—which were sucky and zero.
I had made the mistake of going on a date with a girl on the first floor. She appeared sweet and intelligent. She had been both of those things. We went out twice. The first time because I thought we might enjoy it. The second time because I wanted to make sure I was as bored as I remembered. There was nothing there. No spark. I was sure she felt the awkwardness too. However, the sad smile she gave me whenever I passed her or spoke made me think she hadn’t thought our dates were bad. She was going to settle one day. Her bar wasn’t very high if she had been happy after going out with me. I wanted to stop running into her and wished I hadn’t tried dating again. She was another reason to get out of this place.
Without talking to Mack about it I began searching for apartments. I knew my brother well enough to know that if I found somewhere I could sell him on before talking to him about the move that it would be easier. He wouldn’t want the hassle of looking. I could eliminate that.
Over two weeks, I had checked out four different places. The most expensive out of the four had been my favorite but the smallest. The complex gym and pool had sold me. The bedrooms in the apartment could have been closets though. I knew Mack wasn’t going to give up space for a gym and a pool. He’d tell me he was fine with the gym he currently went to.
Yesterday I’d heard about a historical building that some guy had bought and turned into apartments. Harry, one of the guys at our firehouse said he’d been sent for the fire code inspection and that the place was amazing. It was restored to look like it had in the 1920’s when it was built. The owner was living there already and intended to rent out the other two floors. From his description of the building I already guessed the price for the available apartments wasn’t going to be doable for us, but I was curious. Harry had made the place sound like something out of The Great Gatsby.
I found nothing online about the place being rented and there wasn’t a sign in front of the building saying there was apartments available. Parked in front of the place I stared, taking in the architecture and the street. I already liking the secluded area it was tucked away in. Still in the city but it felt as if there was privacy. With no other car parked outside, I doubted ringing the doorbell to the front door would get a response.
Just before I gave up and drove off, a black Range Rover pulled up beside me. The windows were tinted so dark that I couldn’t see the driver. I waited and saw a guy about my age step out of the vehicle. It could be the owner’s son. With a car like that one it could also be a renter or someone else interested in this place. My old Ford F150 that was costing me more in repairs than it was worth didn’t belong here. Needing a new vehicle was something I’d focus on after I got us moved out of that hellhole.
The guy frowned as he studied me and stood there in front of my truck as if he was waiting on an explanation for why I was here. I didn’t like his stance. He looked annoyed. I could drive off but then this may be the only chance I got to find out how to contact the owner Sucking up my dislike for the guy, I opened my door and stepped out.
I was expecting, “Can I help you?” or some other question from him, but he said nothing. After a few seconds, I figured he was waiting on me to speak. I didn’t care to explain myself to this guy. I was going to have to do it anyway.
“Hello, I’m Marty Oliver.” I stepped closer to him, holding out my hand in greeting.
The guy glanced down at it and for a moment I wasn’t sure he was going to shake it. But after an awkward moment he uncrossed his arms from his chest and clasped my hand firmly with a single shake. But he didn’t offer his name or anything at all. He still studied me.
“One of the guys at the station told me about this place. He inspected and gave the fire code approval. I’m looking for the owner.” I didn’t explain that I wanted to rent it. It wasn’t this guy’s business. Maybe if he thought there was a safety issue I could get the owner’s number from him. I could elude to that.
His frown deepened. “The inspection cleared with no issues,” he finally said as if he himself had dealt with Harry.
I cleared my throat. “Uh, yes, but I was hoping I could speak to the owner. Do you know how I might contact him?”
The guy gave a single nod. “Yeah. How can I help you?” he replied.
It was my turn to frown. Confused, it took me a moment before his words slowly began to make sense. He was the owner? “You own the place?” I tried not to let my surprise ring out in my voice but it slipped in some. I couldn’t help it.
“Yes.” But he said no more.
“Okay, great, uh, I was curious about the apartments. My brother and I are looking for a new place.” I hadn’t made a great impression so far. If this guy was annoyed that I was surprised he owned the place then I doubted I would even get to see the inside. Much less get to the part where we discussed the cost.
“You’re a fireman?” he asked instead
“Yes,” I replied with a quick nod.
“Your brother, what does he do?”
This was an interview. That was good. He wasn’t turning me away. “He’s still finishing up his degree in business but he manages a club downtown. Handles the special events and employees. The Skyline,” I explained trying not to sound too anxious.
“Younger than you?” he asked
“Twin. Identical,” I replied.
He chuckled and shook his head as if what I’d said was a joke. “I have the bottom floor ready to lease. I’ll require you both sign a one-year lease and provide at least three references.”
He said nothing about the cost and that made me nervous. I nodded. “Reasonable.”
“This way,” he said and turned to walk toward the front doors. He took out a key and unlocked the door. I followed him inside silently and took in the staircase and chandelier. This was beyond swanky. No way were we ever going to afford this.
He motioned toward the door to our right. “That’s the first-floor apartment. There is one on the second floor I will be renting soon enough. Still needs a few more finishing touches. The third floor is mine.”
I stared at the door wondering if I was supposed to open it and check out the apartment or continue our conversation here. This guy wasn’t really helpful.
“Go look around,” he finally said.
“Thanks,” I said quickly making my way toward the door. Before I opened the door, I turned to look at him. “You didn’t mention a price.” I needed to know if I had a chance of affording this place before I walked in the door. I already knew I was going to want it.
“You’re a firefighter for the City of Savannah.” It sounded like a question, but maybe it was a statement.
I nodded.
“Pending a meeting with your brother and of course references for both of you, I believe we can agree on a price that is in affordable for you.”
I frowned because I wasn’t sure what the hell that all meant. I stared at him not moving.
“I appreciate your service,” he said.
“Thank you,” was all I could think to say.