Close to you

Chapter 12

My phone rings next to my ear. Startling me awake. 

“Hello.” I say, answering the phone.

“Good Afternoon, My name is Trish with Shore Resorts and Apartments. Is Callie Upton available?” The woman asks into the phone.

“This is Callie.” I responded back.

“Callie, I received your application for one of our apartments. I was wondering if you would be available today to come down and complete your leasing of a unit. I will have you sign some additional paperwork and tour the available apartments for you to select from.” She explains.

I hold the phone away from my cheek to check the time. 2:15 pm it reads. “Yes, I should be able to get there in about 20 minutes. Would that work?” I questioned.

“Yes, that sounds great. Just come down to the office when you get here. I will see you soon.” Trish hangs up the phone.

I jump up, get ready for work and grab my purse to make sure I have plenty of time to go look at the apartments. I am so ready to have a place to call my own. Plus, this apartment complex rarely has openings because it is in such a great area. Only a few blocks to the beach and it will only be a 5 minute walk to work for me.

I walk into the office door and see a lady dressed in a pencil red skirt and black silk top and black high heels. 

“Welcome. How can I help you?” She says as I walk in.

“My name is Callie. I have been speaking to Trish.” I am unsure if the lady before me is Trish or not. “I’m supposed to come in and finalize my move in.” I continued.

“Well, I’m Trish.” She shakes my hand from across the table. “It’s good to finally meet you Callie. I just have a few pages that need to be signed. Then we can go look at the available units.”

“That sounds perfect. Thank you.” I try to contain my excitement as I respond.

After signing what seems like a whole novel worth of papers we are finally finished and head to go look at the units. The first unit is on the ground floor near the playground. I love kids but my schedule is the complete opposite of theirs so I can't imagine I will get much sleep in this apartment. The second unit is nice, not the best view from the balcony but the floor plan is spacious and newly remodelled. We go ahead and look at the last one available so I can know for sure which unit I would like.

As soon as I walk in I fall in love with it. The grey wood floors are marvelous. The arch separating the kitchen and living area is so detailed and elegant. The bedroom is twice as big as the other units we have seen and it has a beautiful bay window facing the beach with cubbies underneath. I can just imagine spending my time here reading, writing, escaping into stories. The balcony reaches across most of the apartment and is wide enough for even a bistro table and chair set. The open floor plan makes this unit a perfect gem for having friends over. The corner by the balcony door has just the right amount of sunlight and shade for me to set up some plants.

"This is the one." I confidently tell Trish.

"This one?" She questions. "It does have a pretty amazing view."

"Yes, it is perfect." I responded.

"Ok, well this one has already been cleaned and looks like it will be ready to move in on Saturday." She tells me.

"Saturday? This Saturday?" I ask for confirmation.

"This Saturday. The office is open from eight to noon. Just swing by the office Saturday and grab your key. Then it's all yours." She continues.

"Perfect, I can't wait! I will see you first thing Saturday morning. Thank you!" I say as we close up the apartment and walk our separate ways.

As soon as I walk into The Brig, I can tell it’s slammed. Jordan has the windows and doors open letting the breeze of summer fill the venue. Glass clink together as groups join in cheers, people are laughing and the music is bumping. Tonight is going to be a hectic night but these are my favorite nights. 

“And where have you been for the past few days?” Rose asks from behind the bard.

“Hey, Rose. I just got done finalizing my paperwork for the apartment. I can move in on Saturday.” I purposely don’t expand on the details of my past few days. I’m not sure how Rose would feel about me hanging around Cody. She didn’t seem so thrilled about the idea the first time. 

“Really? That is great news! Party at Callie’s new place!” She exclaims.

“Maybe, after I get moved in.” I laugh at her wildness.

“Definitely.” She states. “Oh, by the way the group over by the pool table has been requesting drinks non-stop. One of them even asked for you at one point but it wasn’t anyone I recognized.”

“Oh.” I turn to look at the group. I don’t see anyone that looks familiar but there is a guy with a red baseball cap on that hides his face. As I look trying to see if I can sneak a glimpse my phone buzzes in my back pocket.

A text shows up from an unknown number. “It’s been too long.” It reads.

I sent a text back, “Who is this?”

I watch as the text is read but no reply is sent.

“Callie.” Rose yells. “I need some help.” 

I race to the bar feeling a little uneasy about the text but get to work helping Rose. I can’t even count how many drinks I’ve made tonight or how many food orders I took. There have been over 400 people in and out of this bar tonight. After six hours at the bar my feet are starting to ache, just like the rest of my body. Three days in a hotel room just Cody definitely calls for some rejuvenation. I don’t know how Cody has so much stamina, he would have kept me active non stop for the whole week if he could have. I can not wait to get back to the hotel room, take a hot bath and drink some wine. 

“Hey, Rose..” I start to say before noticing she is on the phone.

“Sorry, it was just Cody.” She says, when she hangs up the phone.

“Oh. Well, I was just wanting to tell you that I’ve got the bar closed up and I’m heading out.” I say grabbing my purse and wonder why Cody was calling her so late.

“Thank you for closing it up. I’m out of here too. I’m headed to crash at the guy's place tonight. Call me in the morning and we can head down to the beach.” She waves goodbye as she walks off towards their apartment. 

I grab my phone out of my back pocket. No text or call from Cody.