Page 19 of You'll Love it Here

“Information on the building, the tenants, everything you’ll need.”

I blink at her before setting the box down on my hall bench. “Oh. This seems like a lot.”

“It’s really not! I just read your tenant profile. You’re in marketing at Westmore Communications, right? It’s totally the same. Marketing is all about identifying needs, solving problems, managing expectations—right?”

“I mean... yes, but—”

Lana steps closer to the doorway, and shame bubbles as her eyes rove over my vision board behind me. I’m going to need a new place for that thing if people are going to keep showing up like this.

I stand taller to block as much as I can and clear my throat. “I’d invite you in but...” My eyes land on Ernest, who has settled into a spot on the hall floor. Of course! “It’s just with your allergies—”

“That’s okay, I’m not staying here long.” She says it a littletooquickly, before a polite grin softens her expression. “But I’m sure you’ve noticed my aunt has been having trouble keeping up withthis place for a while. Even the tenants are expressing concerns in varying... creative ways.” That’s about the classiest way someone could’ve put the lobby fiasco. “Well, I’m sure you’ve considered moving to another building. One that’s more... suitable for a young professional.”

There’s no use pretending I haven’t. Especially as her stares behind my shoulders keep focusing in on that board. “Yeah, I... of course Irene’s been really great, but I’ve had those thoughts.”

“That makes a lot of sense. You don’t seem like the other tenants here.” I try (and fail) not to take that as a compliment. Her voice has brightened all the way up before taking a solemn, almost practiced, dip. “But I have quite a few colleagues who work the rental market, and from what I hear, it’s even worse than last year. We all hate those stories about hundreds of applicants just for a glorified closet.”

I think about my own earlier rental website browsing. “Yeah, it’s pretty bad out there.”

“Worst I’ve seen in a long time.” Lana shakes her head. “Not many privately owned buildings like this one left.”

Her focus lands on Ernest. He’s licking his anus rather pointedly in our direction.

She continues, “And I know my aunt does her best, but it’s getting tough. She won’t admit it, though. The building means a lot to her, and to watch it go this south like this, along with her health...”

Another flash of guilt. “Yeah, I’m really sorry to hear this—”

Then it hits me. But of course: Lana’s a realtor. And because I’m a genius, I only now realize what this means.

“Wait, are you going to sell Valleyview Apartments?”

It would make sense. Ireneisgetting too old to keep running the building herself, and the way the neighborhood has been changing, now is the perfect time. Still, I’m surprised. Irene didn’t even seem to want a management company in here when we spoke at the hospital.

Surprise flickers across her face. She laughs again, and this time its concerningly forced. Might I know how to speak realtor?

“Not right now.” She lowers her voice. “But to let you in on a bit of a secret, it’s something we’ve been discussing.”

“Oh... that’s...” I don’t say more.

Her eyes widen with sincerity. “I’m sure it’s clear she doesn’t want to sell to just... anyone. We’re hopeful we can find the right buyer with a vision to preserve the structure and do their best to keep the current tenants. A private owner like my aunt. But you can imagine, most developers take one look at this place in its current state and just want to tear it down and build new.”

I nod. This place would probably have been worthmoreif it really had burned down—save the developer some time.

Lana chuckles for no reason. “But my aunt is adamant. She believes in this building staying put, so in order to get it sold the way my aunt would like, there are quite a few things that will need to be updated, and issues to resolve.” Her tone brightens. “Hey! I had a thought. Something that could help solve both our problems.”

Her words make me instantly wary. It’s not just that I want her to like me for some reason, but because she’s a realtor and that makes her sales-y, and sales-y people are a weakness of mine. If I shop any type of retail where I’m alone with the worker who greets me, instead of shopping, I will become what can only be described as a performer of shopping: making interested facial expressions as I respectfully walk through what’s become a wonderland of intrigue. If I don’t purchase anything, it’ll feel like I’m committing a crime as I walk out of the store and thank them.

Most importantly: I’m not financially or mentally stable to make such a purchase at this juncture.

“To save you some time,” I cut in finally. “I’m not in a position to buy right now.”

Lana’s fake and forced laugh is a touch offensive. “Of course,I understand that. I was actually thinking I could help you rent a place. Not immediately, but once my aunt is back on her feet, of course.” She angles her head thoughtfully. “You know that new building that’s opening up early next year just off Sixteenth, they’re calling it One Lofts. Great suites, close to the river, a walk to the core, incredible views, and an exclusive gym with a hot tub. Anyway, one of my clients is the builder there, and I’m investing in a few suites. I’ll be looking for responsible tenants to rent there. To get straight to it, I could likely set you up in one if that seems like a match?” I can feel the hope pooling inside me as much as I try not to let it. But she continues, “It doesn’t look like it would cost much more than Irene is charging you here.”

“Really?” My voice is a squeak, too afraid that something has maybe worked out for me.

Somehow.

I clear my throat. “That would be amazing.”