Page 1 of Crave Thy Neighbor

1

Maya

I am completely screwed.

Well, notcompletely, because I can’t getscrewedscrewed to save my life.

Okay, fine. Not to save mylife, just to save my vagina from developing cobwebs.

I’m getting way off track here…

I nibble on my thumbnail, a disgusting habit I really should give up, and stare at the email pulled up on my laptop screen.

TO: [email protected]

FROM: [email protected]

SUBJECT: APPLICATION STATUS

Dear Ms. West,

We regret to inform you your application for the two-bedroom apartment at WHITE OAK APARTMENTS has been denied for:

NO AVAILABLE UNITS

We thank you for your interest in being part of the WHITE OAK APARTMENTS community. We wish you the best in your apartment search.

Lauren Stein

Leasing Manager

It’s not the first email like this I’ve received, and I’m sure it won’t be the last.

In the last six weeks since I received notice from my landlord that the building is being sold and demolished, I’ve put applications in on anything I can find.

Unfortunately, since everyone else in my building is doing the same, and due to the fact that we live in a small Colorado town where the supply of affordable living is already scant, well…the pickings are slim.

It’s been one big game of hurry up and wait, and I’m almost out of time to wait.

My lease will officially be terminated at the end of the month. If I can’t find something soon, I don’t know what the hell I’m going to do with myself and my almost-thirteen-year-old son when we’re scraping by as it is.

I navigate back to my inbox and click on the email from my landlord.

TO: [email protected]

FROM: [email protected]

SUBJECT: EXTENSION

Ms. West,

I wish I had a better reply for you, but my hands are tied. The deal has been finalized and there’s no possible way to extend it. The buyer was clear: all occupants must vacate the premises by the end of the month.

Please know this decision was not made lightly. Trust me, if I could have told him to screw off, I would have. The last thing this town needs is another outdoor sports equipment shop.

I’ve not made this public knowledge, but being a single mom yourself, I’m sure you’ll understand…Katlyn is sick, and unfortunately, the medical and medication bills are stacking up. Selling wasn’t what I wanted, but it’s the best solution I can come up with for my daughter.

You’ve been a great tenant over the years, and I’d be happy to write you a letter of recommendation should you need one.

---