Page 56 of The Deadbeat DILF
“Hello?” A gruff male voice answered. “This is Clark and Co Building.”
“Hello,” I said, putting on my friendly yet professional voice. “My name is Brooke Collins, and I’m a lawyer at Ashcroft. I’m looking for a Mr. Robert James. Would you please be able to give me his residential address?”
I expected him to say something about not being able to give out confidential information, but to my surprise, the man replied immediately. Unfortunately, he listed my address.
“He’s no longer living there—I already checked,” I said. “I believe he moved to a new place a week or so ago?”
“Oh, that’s right. He moved out after breaking up with his girlfriend. Now, where did he say he was going?” There were a few rustling background noises. “Here we go. He’s staying at Unit 1207 at the Star Heights apartment complex. What’s this about?”
“Just some personal legal matters,” I replied. “Nothing to worry about; he’s not in trouble. Thank you for your help, sir, and have a good day.” I hung up, and five minutes later, I was out the door.
The name “Star Heights” made the apartment building sound magical, like a shiny skyscraper reaching up into the sky. In reality, the apartment complex was located in a dodgy area of the city. It was a wide, squat building, painted an ugly shade of yellow, with bars over the windows. The bars were likely there to prevent break-ins, but they made the place look like a prison.
As I approached the front entrance, my stomach twisted at the thought of seeing Robert again. What if he pushed me away? Refused to talk to me?
No. Despite everything, I still believed he cared about me. In any case, the least I could do was try.
A couple walked out of the building. They looked middle-aged, tired, and their arms were covered in tattoos. Before the door shut behind them, I slipped inside, then walked into the elevator with my head held high as if I belonged there.
The elevator had mirrored walls, but they were completely covered in scratches and graffiti. I hit the button for 12 and took deep breaths as the elevator rose, composing myself. It was the same routine I did before meeting with an important client.
Once I arrived on the 12th floor, I stepped out into a hallway with a low ceiling and carpet that might’ve been gray once upon a time but was so dirty it was almost black. Each of the apartment doors was dented and discolored. When I found the door for Unit 1207, I knocked on it.
A minute later, the door swung open, revealing a man in his mid-twenties with long hair, baggy clothes, and smelling of weed. He ran his gaze over me, obviously checking me out, then smirked. “Who are you?”
“I’m here to see Robert. Is he here?”
“Yo, Robert! Some chick is here for you,” he called over his shoulder.
The young man left the door open, and I stepped inside. There was a combined lounge and kitchen area, though calling it a kitchen was generous. There was a tiny fridge, a gas stove, and a small sink. Sitting on the couch, playing a video game, were two more guys.
Did four people live in this tiny apartment?
Robert entered the room, and as soon as he saw me, his eyes went wide. “What are you doing here?”
He still looked as good as I remembered. He did look tired, with circles under his eyes, but the sight of his stubble, thick brown hair, and strong figure almost took my breath away. I still found him so handsome.
“I need to talk to you.” I glanced at the other guys, who were all staring at me. “Alone.”
He hesitated, then nodded. “There’s a café down the street. I’ll get my things.” He disappeared into another room, which I assumed was the bedroom. I caught a glance of two bunk beds, cramped together.
The guy who opened the door walked over to me. “What did you say your name was again, princess?”
“I didn’t say it,” I replied evenly.
He tipped his head back and laughed. “You’ve got an attitude, haven’t you? What are you doing here? Picking up your dad?”
I recoiled. “He’s my boyfriend,” I snapped.
“That old man?” said one of the guys on the couch.
“Ran away from home, did he?” the other guy said.
Thankfully, Robert appeared, relief washing over me. He led me out of the apartment, ignoring the jeers of his roommates. The touch of his hand on my back sent sparks flying up and down my spine, and I stuck close to his side as we rode down the elevator.
The café was only a few minutes away, and it was pretty nice despite the area. There was lots of natural sunlight, and colorful flowers decorated the space. Robert and I ordered a coffee each, then sat in a corner, away from other patrons, so we had some privacy.
My back felt as stiff as a board, and my muscles were tense with anticipation. I took a deep breath, then met Robert’s eyes. “I know you didn’t take the watch. I’m sorry I asked you if you did.”
