Calls and negotiations

Laura got Dan to his car and saw him drive off to work. An irrational worry for his safety gnawed at her belly but that always happened when her boy was away from her. She couldn't help but worry about any number of things that might happen to him. Pushing down her anxiety, she got into the car and headed back to the hotel to finish packing their meager belongings.

She used the free internet access in the lobby of the hotel to look at apartments and options available to them. The results were... less than hopeful. At a minimum, they'd need to wait a week or more for the apartments even slightly within their budget. Add in processing fees and utilities. Laura sighed and looked at the card in her hand.

"Mack? Hi, it's Laura," she greeted. "We spoke yesterday about the apartment."

"I remember," the possibly shady apartment manager said. "The room is open. Swing by and I'll show you the place."

Laura mulled over her options. She felt like she didn't have very many. "I'll be over in an hour," she agreed and thanked him for his time.

She sat in her car for a while, just staring at the steering wheel, her mind jumping from thought to thought. Dan was good with his money and didn't spend frivolously, but she'd be burning through his savings faster than he could make it. She needed a job, fast. Her eyes fell to her phone and noticed the several text messages. A few were from her sister, the spoiled brat. One was from a coworker she'd gotten to know. Alyssa said she'd keep an eye out for openings if she heard anything. However, so far, she'd found nothing.

The most recent text was from a guy she'd met at a bar when she was feeling especially depressed and horny. He was probably married, but she made sure to not ask and he hadn't offered. While there had been no obvious sign, it was safe for her to assume he was. Fewer chances she'd develop feelings for the older man that helped scratch a particularly needy itch. He simply said he was in town and would love to take her out to dinner one evening. Laura closed her eyes and deleted the text from her recent list. She had too much going on to engage in casual sex. Maybe once things got better for her and Dan.

The drive over to the seedy apartments allowed her more time to think. Mostly about how she was going to pay the bills. As she crossed into the industrial side of town, she spotted streets and alleys she'd rather forget. It hadn't been the first time that things were hard for her. She did what was needed and lived with the consequences.

Mack sat behind the desk, typing out something on his laptop as she entered. The cool air felt wonderful from the muggy heat outside. "Good morning," she greeted.

The older man looked up with a crooked smile. It was friendly and his eyes didn't fall to her chest. "Good morning. Just getting the last of the agreement worked up. Did you have any questions first?" he asked as his eyes flicked back to the screen.

"No. You said the seven hundred will cover electricity and utilities?"

"Yes. I've got a decent-sized water heater piped into double units, so you'll have hot water. If things get crazy, there is a meter behind the door of the bathroom. I can see if you're wasting water or are using some crazy amount. If you are, we'll talk about why and what you owe. Generally, that isn't an issue. There are a few plugs in the units. I doubt you'll drain much of the power. Solar power with commercial-grade battery cells for the entire building."

Laura nodded. "I'll wait for whenever you're ready," she said and moved to take a seat.

"If you would, could you wheel me around the desk? It'll go faster if you help," Mack called a few minutes later.

Laura nodded and got up to help Mack. As she helped the proprietor negotiate the doorway, she noticed the holster attached to the side of his wheelchair. She didn't comment but wondered why the older man needed the protection. When she thought about the area she was in, who likely rented from Mack, and who might give him trouble, Laura realized it might be a wise decision to remain armed.

"What is it that you do?" Mack asked once they were in the elevator.

"Accounting. I got let go from my old job," she admitted.

"Because you were stealing?"

"No, because they hired a child barely out of college to do my job."

"Ah, the way of the world," Mack grunted. "I also spoke about reducing the rent if you clean and help around the office. I'm good with numbers, but an extra set of eyes is always welcome. I mean that by the way, only cleaning and helping," he added in a firm voice.

Laura winced and realized Mack must have seen her expression. She noticed her reflection in the stainless steel of the elevator doors. "I... might be able to help," she agreed.

"If this works out, come see me when you have time. We'll work something out if you want. I pay fairly, but it'll be less than what you would be paid at a firm or somewhere else. I just need a fresh set of eyes," Mack continued as the doors opened.

The apartment was less than what she'd hoped for. A single kitchenette, barely large enough for two people to stand, was directly to the right of the door. Maybe the size of her old living room made up the rest of the space. A single door stood against the right wall.

"In there is the head," Mack said with a gesture with his chin. "Updated the sink, john, and shower a few months ago." He looked her over. "It isn't much, but it might last you and your son a month or two. Oh, the walls are thin, just a warning. You have a noisy neighbor, but she's a long-term, so I'm not throwing her out. Any questions so far?"

Laura looked the apartment over. One month? She could do that. "I'll talk to Dan. I think we'll take it, as long as we can afford it," she sighed.

"I can take gift cards, with attached receipt of the exact balance, as a barter trade. Dollar for dollar. I know the Red Cross hands those out for people in your situation. I'll ask around for at least a mattress and box springs on the cheap."

"Thank you," Laura said.

As they went back to the elevators. A young raven-haired woman, barely wearing anything at all, hobbled to a door at the far end of the hall. She didn't seem to have seen them. Laura knew the look and the walk. She shivered.

"You've had some... experiences before then?" Mack guessed before his face scrunched up. "Sorry. You know what type of place this is. I didn't mean to pry. Please don't cause trouble. I kind of like you and would hate to throw you out. They are hard-working people and have decisions and lives of their own," he gently stated as he wheeled himself toward the elevator.

Laura watched the woman disappear into her apartment. Yes, she'd had experiences, and no, she didn't think any less of the woman for it. She didn't say anything aloud as she helped Mack back to his desk.