With a sigh, a stretch, and a groan, Gianna turned her computer off and put her stuff back in her bag. Half a year ago she found the perfect articling position. It wasn't happy work, but a law firm that handled family law allowed her to occasionally help children and that was very important to her.
She hadn't really made any friends since she moved to the big city, but she figured it was sort of part of establishing one's self. She wanted to put her career first. She was young and had plenty of time for men later.
Besides, a social life would be awkward.
She said goodnight to the lawyers and receptionist and walked in the waning sunlight hours of a winter afternoon to her used, but much loved, VW. She knew that eventually she would have a car more befitting a lawyer, but right now her student loans were not inconsiderable.
Which was why she was so thankful for her apartment.
After she had been accepted at the firm the search began for a place to live. She didn't want to live too too far from the office, but most of what was in her price range in that area were basement apartments and condos. She looked at a lot of places, including apartment buildings, and when she first saw the apartment that she would choose, she was disheartened because it was quite lovely and at the very upper limit of her price range.
Parking her car in her space, she quickly made her way to the elevators. An elderly lady carting her laundry up made small talk with her about weather and her career. She was pleased that she had planted the idea in another person's head that she was a lawyer.
After she dropped her purse and took off her shoes she looked at the box on the wall. Secured to the wall and about the size and shape of a first aid kit. Beside it was a small metal panel with a red light, a small speaker, a button and a keyhole. She found the key on her key ring and, fitting it into the keyhole, turned it to the 'active' position. Whether it would activate tonight was entirely up to her landlord.
She took her long, curly black hair down and went to change. She turned her TV on, but not too loud - she wouldn't want to miss the alarm.
As she cooked herself a simple dinner she thought back to when she first saw the place.
It was her last day of apartment hunting and she had ranked all of the places she saw and eliminated a few. This one was unlikely, given the price, but she still wanted to see it. She understood that she would be meeting with the current tenant, soon to move out.
The knock on the door was answered by a young blonde woman with an infectious smile. She showed Gianna around the place. It was impressive with a very nice view. Gianna was also impressed with Alison's figure. Broad hips, narrow waist, generous bust, only a slight belly. Like herself, she supposed. Though Gianna would have paid good money to have those rounded little hips rather than the more square-ish hips she had.
"So the rent is due on the 2nd of every month. I just gave him twelve pre-paid cheques. Any problems, you just drop him a note and he'll send a contractor. The furniture's included, as you know, as is water and heat but electricity and cable are extra. Do you want to see the garbage chute and the laundry room?"
"Honestly, Alison, no, that's okay. I've seen a lot of places and this place is really nice, but I think I'm going to pass."
"Too pricey?"
"Well, yeah, frankly. I mean, not outrageous, but I've found cheaper. So thanks very much, but, again, I'm going to pass."
"Okay, before you go, I want to make you a different offer."
"Sure?"
"The landlord lives in the unit directly above. He likes helping out girls like us. Just out of school, finding their footing. I finished my doctorate and I've just gotten a job at the museum downtown so I'll be moving on. You're definitely his type. Just out of school and you have a generously proportioned body. If you agree to his conditions, he'll rent you the place at half the going rate."
Gianna's heart started thumping.
"What conditions?"
