Page 37 of Zimyra

“That’s right. Now tell me, what’s up with these flyers I’m seeing all around here?”

“Oh.” I finish chewing, and then clear my throat. “That’s for the paint and sip next Friday.”

“Did you organize that?”

“I did. I plan something once a month for the tenants.”

“Really?”

“Yes. Last month, we had bingo night. This month, we’re painting and sipping. I’ll have food, wine, soda, water…pretty much whatever they need.”

“Does the company cover the cost of that?”

I furrow my brows. “Why do you ask?”

“Because I’m curious.”

“I’ve noticed, but you’re curious about things youshouldn’tbe curious about—just like when you asked me about the maintenance request I made.”

“I can’t be curious about the company I work for?”

“Yes, but certain things are none of your business.”

“I don’t think so,” he says, closing the food container after he finished eating.

“I’m going to answer youthistime, but don’t get in the habit of thinking you need to know certain things to be successful at your job. No, the company does not cover the cost of the activities that I plan. The company isn’t even aware that I do them.”

“Why do you do them? The last complex I worked for didn’t do anything like this. What gave you this idea?”

I check my watch to see that I only have about ten minutes before getting back to work. I need to wash my hands, brush my teeth and step outside for a breath of fresh air before planting my butt in my chair for the rest of the day, so I close my tray and respond, “When I got this job, I was elated. I had been trying to get a position like this for a while, and then I landed this one. For the first two weeks, I sat back and watched the tenants come and go, and I realized something. These people didn’t even speak to each other. Shoot—they didn’t speak to me either. They all looked sad, overworked, and downright miserable. When you have to work to pay bills, you’re too tired to go for a swim, or exercise, so I asked myself what I could do to lighten the mood around here and make people more neighborly. The first thing I did was learn everyone’s names and apartment numbers. Then I noticed when I would call them by their name, they were a lot friendlier. So, I learned more things about them – their occupations, who they work for, when they leave for work, when they return, and what kind of car they drive. After getting to know them individually and realizing how awesome they were, I wanted them to get to know each other, so I started with having coffee in the lobby. Some days, I even have muffins and crackers. Then from there, I got the idea to have slightly larger gatherings in the clubhouse. They love it. Now, they speak to each other and they look out for one another. It makes where you live feel more like home when you create that sense of community. Home shouldn’t feel like a prison. It should feel welcoming, especially after a long workday.”

“That’s very nice of you to do something like that for these people. I’m sure they appreciate it.”

“Oh, they do. I hear it all the time. Anyway, it’s time for me to prepare for the rest of the day. I’ll see you later, and thanks again for lunch.”

“You’re welcome, Zimyra. I hope our talk makes you feel better about hiring me and being in my presence.”

“Ummm…maybe just a teeny bit.”

“You drive a hard bargain, woman.”

I chuckle as I exit the clubhouse.

CHAPTER 13

MauricIo texted and said hecouldn’t make it today. It’s Saturday. I didn’t want to get out of my bed and come here either, but maintenance works for four hours on Saturday mornings and I’m sitting here with the list and no key to the maintenance shed. Yeah, Mauricio has that, too, and he’s not answering the phone. I text him and still don’t get a response.

I look over the list. I need to fix a small hole in the wall at unit 435-A. The lock on the maintenance shed needs to be repaired, and I have to replace the hinge on the front door for 107-A.

I need some tools. The tools are locked up.

I glance at the clock. It’s 9:16 a.m. I don’t know if Zimyra sleeps in on the weekends since she doesn’t work on Saturdays. I imagine she does after working hard all week, so I opt to send her a text message instead of calling.

Sorry to disturb you so early, but I need the key to the maintenance shed.

She almost calls me back immediately.

“Good morning,” I answered.

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