#103

I knock on the door of #103: Michael and Erin Starr, and their twin sons James and David. A rather dispirited-looking blonde answers. “Hello?” she asks quietly.

“I’m Iain Roberts—I’m the new building manager,” I say. “I’m going around introducing myself to the tenants.” I hand her my card. “My cell number is on there—it’s the best way to get a hold of me if you need me. You’re Erin Starr, right?”

Erin nods, looking down at my card. I continue, “One of the things I’m doing is taking pictures of the tenants to help me keep everyone straight. Do you mind if I take yours?”

She flashes me a horrified look. “No—no—not first thing in the morning—my hair’s a disaster,” she scrambles, waving her hands. “I have a picture on my phone—I’ll text it to you.”

My eyes widen in surprise. Before I can censor myself, I say, “I wasn’t expecting an erotic photo.” I can feel myself blushing at my words.

“I did a boudoir photo session not too long ago—for my husband,” Erin says hastily. “They’re the only pictures of me I have on my phone. Looking at them makes me feel better. If you’re bothered or offended—”

“No, no, Erin, not at all,” I say, hurriedly cutting her off. “It’s just—not what I was expecting. That’s all. Why would I object to a beautiful woman sending me a sexy photo of herself?”

“You really think that?” she asks, giving me a shy smile. “My husband says I’m trying too hard. I’m 30 now, I’m getting older, I should just accept it.”

I look at Erin wide-eyed. “Seriously, you’re gorgeous,” I insist. “Trying too hard? You don’t have to try at all.”

She waves her hand at herself. “Look at me—I’m a mess,” she replies in a low voice.

“Erin, I had more than one girlfriend in college who should have been such a mess. Stop beating on yourself. As your building manager, I’m telling you you’re beautiful, and I get to write the tenant descriptions.”

Erin giggles, then gives me a real smile. “I don’t really believe you,” she says, “but thank you. I’d invite you in, but unfortunately, my husband’s asleep, and he’s a fairly light sleeper. He works second shift, and he always works overtime, so he gets home after 3 am. I really don’t want to disturb him. It was nice meeting you, Mr. Roberts.”

“Please, Erin, call me Iain.” I hold out my hand. She takes it. I give hers a gentle squeeze. “It was a pleasure meeting you, too.”

“I’ll look forward to our next meeting,” she says with a smile. She closes the door. I think there might be a chance of something there.