A Nice Apartment and an Apartment that Got Nicer

(Rita PoV)

I expected to walk to Cotton’s house. Instead the 18-year-old had her driver pick us up. She pulled up in a black vehicle I can’t even name. The driver opened the back door for us to get in the vehicle. The seats are covered in the softest leather I've ever felt.

Cotton sighed contentedly and opened the refrigerator to pull out a sparkling water.

"I have some affairs to handle. Feel free to enjoy the snacks." She gestured to the selection, which included champagne and charcuterie. I knew she was rich, but this must be what wealthy is like.

"Thanks, I could use a snack!" I enjoyed a glass of bubbly along with some cheese to ease my nerves. I'm in student housing because I can't afford my own place, let alone a car and driver. What have I gotten myself into?

Cotton busies herself on her phone. She makes some serious faces I’m not used to seeing from her. I guess there’s more to her brains than just boobs.

The ride isn’t long. We pull into the garage of a high rise apartment, near campus, in a trendy part of town. Cotton perks up again as we arrive, it was weird seeing her quiet and thoughtful.

I'm barely able to pay attention to her excited chatter. Looking at the cars in the garage, all of them easily cost more than the house I grew up in. When we get in the elevator, Cotton swipes her keycard and presses PH. She bounces happily as we ride the elevator. I meet her silly grin.

Then it hits me. This girl hasn't had a friend before. I guess I haven't really had many friends either. I wonder why she chose me to be her first. We're so different. I grin back, let's see where this goes.

I realize it's my turn to speak. “I’m surprised you live in an apartment. I was expecting to pull up to an estate.”

“Daddy usually stays at the estate. This penthouse was my birthday present. I told Daddy I couldn’t stay in the dorms, so he found me this little place.”

She’s so nonchalant about it, like the details are beneath her. Looking at the elevator buttons, we’re headed to the twenty-fifth floor. The doors open into a what looked like a shrine to Cotton's athletic career.

The room was filled with trophies, medals and awards. I expected cheer, but there’s also soccer, field hockey, volleyball, softball, and gymnastics. Every sport offered at a middle class high-school. Behind each a large photo of Cotton, either receiving the trophy or a poster worthy moment from the game.

“Is there any sport you didn’t play?”

“There’s no sport I didn’t win.” Cotton scoffed. “Playing is for losers.”

She walked through the double doors at the end of the shrine. We entered a large great room with floor to ceiling windows which had an amazing view of the city.

I look at the magazine perfect seating by the window, and the perfect couch by the TV, and the perfect architectural chairs in a conversation area. The room is beautiful, but unlived in. This is the apartment of a woman who's very lonely. "You said your dad stays at the estate. Who lives here with you?"

I see something flicker behind Cotton's bubbly expression. "I'm a grown woman. I can live on my own. That's what Daddy says. I have to learn to manage my own life."

More than the answer, her whole manner feels sad. Since we arrived at the apartment, I could feel the difference in her mood. Like here she's on display. Cotton leads me to a dining room. Waiting for us is a middle-aged maid. Who has a maid? She’s in a full maid outfit and everything. She greets Cotton with a bow.

“Welcome home, Young Miss. Dinner is prepared for you and your friend, Miss…” The maid trailed off, expecting my name.

“Thank you, Annabelle.” Cotton replied. “My friend is Rita.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Rita. The Young Miss rarely brings friends. I hope she enjoys your company.“ Another clue, is Cotton lonely?

"I do Annabelle. We like Rita very much."

Annabelle pulled out a seat which Cotton immediately sat in. I guess that’s normal for her. There were two places set at the table which could easily seat eight. I take my seat at the prepared place to Cotton’s right.

“Just water for now, Annabelle. We’re heading out soon.” Our glasses are filled and then Annabelle disappears into a doorway and quickly re-emerges with a serving tray stacked with empanadas. Not two or three, around a dozen.

“The chef has prepared a selection of empanadas for your dining pleasure.” Annabelle proceeds to list the half dozen different options.

“I’ll take one with beans and rice.” Cotton orders. An empanada was placed on her plate.

Annabelle looks at me. Am I supposed to order? “Umm, the uh, one with pork and one with chicken, please.” I mumble my order.

Cotton raises her eyebrow but says nothing. I can’t help that I get hungry when I’m nervous. Cotton looked at me and smiled, then she seemed to relax. "Go ahead, take what you want. I think I'll have one of the chicken ones as well."

Annabelle placed the requested empanadas.

"Let's eat!" Cotton raised her fork and seemed closer to normal.

(John's PoV)

My home is unrecognizable. Yesterday, when I left I had a standard apartment. How did the app move us to the penthouse? Did this building even have a penthouse before?

I check out the kitchen and downstairs bedrooms. It doesn't look like Mat's had a chance to decorate. She's probably had a busy couple of days. The downstairs guest room is where Sandra would move in. She should have some privacy down there with Mat's studio.

Now to head upstairs. Another guest bedroom, then the big shocker. The picture of us on our wedding day greets me from above the poster bed. I realize the weight of my action.

By changing Mat's status I skipped our engagement and wedding. I remember the events happening, but I feel a bit cheated. I lost out on the excitement and expectation and planning. The deed is just done, no ceremony, no big night. Just zip-zop-zoup done. Like the change in the apartment, reality shifted as easy as the sun sets.

Again Maria's words sound in my head 'this could ruin a girl.' I've never had other people's lives in my hands before. I could be careless because I was powerless.

I'm not powerless anymore. Power used carelessly is cruelty. I must use my power for good. Or better yet, for awesome.

I'm not sure how long I'm standing there having an existential crisis. I'm standing there when one of the doors opens. It's to the master bathroom. Before I can take in the fact that we have an en suite my attention is grabbed by the girl walking out of the bathroom in a towel.

It's Mat.

And she's gorgeous.

(Mat's PoV)

I'm so excited for tonight! Between the bath bomb and the candles this bath has been amazing. I'm beginning to feel that life will be more pampered for me.

All that's left is to take a shower and get dressed up. I hope he thinks I'm pretty.

I just levelled up. I should buy that Perk. Tonight has to be perfect.

You bought the Beauty II perk for 1 points.

Okay, I've done all I can. Time to get clean.

My shower is a mess, showering with a cap to keep my hair dry is a pain. Am I supposed to shower before I get my hair done? I hope I didn't ruin my hair.

Okay, now to get dressed. I have a walk-in closet now! Needs more clothes, but I have something for today. I open the door for my bedroom.

John's there. "Hi, John." He's standing there gobsmacked. I head into the closet to get changed. Did I mention it has a vanity? I hope John cleans up a bit before our date.

(John's PoV)

"Hi, Mat." She's already gone. I don't think she heard me. I guess she's seen me before. I'm the one acting weird. Like I've never seen a girl before.

Just never in a towel. Never in my bedroom.

I should take a shower.

***

Date time. I'm dressed and waiting on the couch in the loft area. I still don't believe my apartment has a loft area. I'm curious how we're going to pay for all of this. The app works in mysterious ways.

Tonight is the first part of a busy weekend. Dinner with Mat today. The game with Rita tomorrow. Dinner with Rita, Maria, and Mat after the game. Cotton on Sunday. I'm not used to being this popular. Will I ever have a quiet evening alone?

While on the couch I get a text message. It's from Cotton.

[Dummy, you messed up. I know you'll be at the game with Rita tomorrow. I'll find you and let you what you did and how I'll fix it for you. You owe me, dick-for-brains.]

What is she talking about? I respond to confirm.

[I'm only doing this for you once. I will collect my favor later.]

I’m relieved that it will be fixed, whatever it is. The favor part could either be very fun, or very scary. I can’t worry about that mystery right now.

I heard a door down the hallway, Mat should be ready. I stand up, so we can head out.

She is ready. I see her for the first time. Before with the towel doesn’t count. It takes me a moment to soak in the changes. Shoulder-length wavy blonde hair, with a hint of pink. Curls framed a heart-shaped face with powder blue eyes and perfectly kissable cheeks. Plump pink lips with a hint of gloss.

Rita was cute. Cotton was hot. Maria was sexy. Mat was gorgeous. Girl next door turned up to 11.

She wore a cream colored silk shirt with a low, square neckline, exposing the upper swells of small breasts. The top met a high-waisted skirt that flowed to Mat’s mid thigh, leaving smooth legs that ended in a pair of low heels. The model of a beautiful girl on a date.

“Don’t stare, you’re making me nervous.” I’m not sure how much time I lost.

“Wow! You look great!”

“Thank you.” Mat blushed. I think that’s the first compliment I’ve given her. “We should get going.”

“Yes. Going.” I lead the way down the stairs. “We have a reservation at Bon Ami.”

We head out.