Page 6 of Zimyra

“Yep.”

“Alright,” I say, bringing my hands to a clap. “Come this way and I’ll show you the rest.”

I follow him down the hallway because I never let anyone trail me when I’m on a tour for safety reasons. I’m alone with a stranger. Anything could happen. I didn’t think about that when I took this job. I was more focused on running the leasing office, but tours also fall under my job responsibilities. I never told my brothers about this part of the job because I didn’t want them freaking out. I’m a big girl. I can handle myself, and what I can’t handle, this mace and knife on my keychain can, right?

Axel stops in front of the bathroom and peers inside. He says, “I’m sure there’s a bathroom in the primary bedroom, correct?”

“There is, but keep in mind, if you’re looking for a studio—”

“Yep, I understand,” he interrupts before I can finish my thought.

Axel continues to the first bedroom and steps inside. “It’s pretty small,” he comments. “I could see this as a kid’s room or an office space.”

“Yes, exactly. It would be perfect for those people who work from home. That’s a big thing these days. And you’re also right about a kid’s room. It can work for that as well.”

He ducks when he exits as if his head is going to hit the top of the doorframe. I wasn’t paying enough attention to notice if he did that on the way in, but it’s not necessary. He has clearance. I guess it’s just a force of habit. He’s a tall man – well over six feet like my brothers.

“Very nice,” he says as he enters the primary bedroom. “I didn’t expect it to be this spacious.”

“Yes, and if you think that’s something, check out the bathroom. There’s a soaker tub and a double sink vanity.”

He grins, then takes a drink of coffee.

This guy is on a roll.

“What are you laughing at now?” I ask because I just have to. He doesn’t strike me as a man who’d have a vibrant sense of humor. In fact, he looks like a businessman – a guy who may work in tech or a similar field where attention to detail is paramount. Accounting, perhaps? He doesn’t miss a thing.

“I just think it’s a little presumptuous to have two sinks.”

“It’s not.”

“In my opinion, it is,” he asserts.

“Why?”

“What if I want to lease a two-bedroom as a single man? Then I’m stuck with two sinks in my bathroom.”

“Yeah, for the short term, but surely you won’t be single for long, especially if you’re talking about yourself and not speaking in general.”

He gives me an incredulous look and squints his eyes slightly as if what I’m saying is not feasible. As if these women in Columbia are going to let him pass without throwing themselves at him. How could henotthink he won’t be single for long – unless there’s something about him that doesn’t meet the eye?

Maybe there is.

People have all kinds of issues hidden behind charming good looks and personalities. This could be the case with him.

Couldbe…

“Why do you think that?” he inquires.

“That you won’t be single for long? Oh, come on. You know why. Anyway, we’re getting off the matter at hand, and that’s this gorgeous apartment.”

“Right.”

I walk toward the door so he’ll take my lead. There’s nothing else to show. Now’s the time that we talk about the tour – what he liked and what he didn’t like. I never try to convince or sell anyone who comes through here on why they should get a unit with Atlantic. My job is to present the unit, tell them about the amenities, and let them make their own decision. There’s absolutely no pressure. I wouldn’t want to be pressured into anything, so I treat them the way I would want to be treated.

As I’m following him down the hallway, I ask, “What do you think about the place overall?”

“I think the apartment is on the nicer end of the places I’ve seen so far.”

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