Page 4 of Throw Away the Key
Emma’s eyes widened.No!!“Oh, I would be happy to pay an initial deposit to hold the place, just so that we can come back and see it. I could bring her by tomorrow at the very latest–possibly today!”
“Yeah, fine, whatever.” She looked at her watch testily.
Emma bit her lip. “I'm sorry, I didn't catch your name before.”
“It's Sadie,” the woman said quickly.
“Right, it’s nice to meet you,” Emma ventured cautiously. “Well, I completed the application online already and paid the application fee. Um, I have my checkbook if you want a deposit. Or would you prefer that I go get a certified check?”
Sadie shook her head, her tiny hoops swaying. “You can pay the deposit online. I'll send you an invoice so that you can do that today, preferably as soon as possible, otherwise I won’t hold the space for you. If you delay, then by the time you come tomorrow, this place could be rented.”
Her mouth was drawn into a tight line, but something in her eyes made Emma curious to know more. She wasn’t about to ask though. “No, I will definitely pay it immediately–I'll be watching my email for the invoice. I just want to bring her by and get her opinion. We can be quick.”
“Yeah, that's fine.” Sadie showed Emma other features of the building–the mail boxes, the package room, a small garden in the back of the building with one parking spot for each tenant and a couple of first-come, first-serve guest spots.
“Oh, I didn’t realize I could have parked back here,” Emma observed, fighting not to give Sadie a side-eye.
“I guess you’ll know for when you come back.” Sadie walked Emma back to the front of the building before silently retreating into an apartment without a goodbye or any closing communications. The door clicked with finality.
Emma looked around the lobby to see if anyone else witnessed what just happened, but no one was there. She shrugged and ambled back to her car, assuring herself that whatever was affecting Sadie’s vibe was surely temporary.
Hours later, she brought Zora back with Granny.
Sadie stood in the lobby, confused when she opened the front door to see Emma. “I didn't really expect you to come back until tomorrow.”
“I'm sorry, but I was just so eager to get back to you. I paid the deposit like you asked and I brought my friends today because, barring any major issue, I really would love to go ahead and rent the place.
Sadie pointed at Zora, her lips a straight line. “So are you going to be living here with her?” She asked, her tone almost hostile.
“No, I'm her best friend. She just likes to run some things by me,” Zora looked from Emma to Granny, her face frozen in that smile as if to ask “What’s this chick’s problem?”
“I'm her other best friend,” Granny Marion piped up as she stepped forward, her eyes twinkling. “And how are you, young lady?”
“I'm well, ma'am.” Sadie softened slightly as she greeted the elder.
Emma watched quietly, unmoving, as if she was seeing a fawn come into a clearing and any sudden change might scare it away.So is it me?Her mind ran through all of the possibilitiesof ways she could have offended Sadie–from her tardiness to wondering if she’d forgotten deodorant or needed a breath mint.
“You may call me Marion, dear.”
“It's nice to meet you, Miss Marion.” Sadie reached out a hand, which Granny shook and then cradled with both of hers.
“Well, let's go on and see this place. I'm sure you have other things that you need to do.”
“Yes, ma'am, I do.”
“Thank you so much for taking the time,” Emma said warmly. “I really appreciate it.”
Sadie nodded once before directing them up the stairs. Granny held the banister and looped her arm in Emma's as she climbed the stairs, Zora stepping behind them, and Sadie following. They all stood aside as Sadie opened the door and held it for everyone to enter.
Emma stood with Sadie once inside, though she found herself holding her breath to avoid disturbing her future landlady. Zora and Granny admired the place.
“This is beautiful,” Zora murmured. “I love all of the light. And having a washer and dryer in your unit–that's perfect!”
“Yeah, and the kitchen's a good size. You know I don't know how to cook, but there are plenty of drawers for takeout menus,” Emma laughed. “Maybe I'll take a cooking class at some point.”
She caught Sadie rolling her eyes before she made eye contact with Zora, who mouthed, “The fuck is her problem?” She was clearly irked by Sadie’s demeanor, and the last thing anyone needed was for Zora to go all mama bear in protecting her bestie. Emma shrugged, toying with the handles on the cabinets.
“I really like your style.” Granny turned to Sadie, gesturing toward her outfit.
