As Alicia watched the apartment community come into view through the windshield of the cab, she realized immediately it would be too expensive for her. But she was there now, and she figured she might as well check it out, perhaps more out of curiosity than anything. The cab meter read $12.80, and she fumbled through her change purse to come up with the exact amount. She handed it to the cabby, climbed out of the vehicle, and stepped onto the brick sidewalk that led to the pool house and manager’s office.
For two months, Alicia had looked for a way to escape the confines of home. At 19, she had graduated high school and was working fairly steady through a temp agency at various administrative jobs. Her current job was slated to lead to a permanent position, and she was excited about the possibility after two successful weeks of working there. But everywhere she looked for housing was too expensive for her budget. There was one single-room efficiency she had considered, but it was roach infested, and far from her job. Even that hole in the wall had tempted her as she considered having to continue living under the roof of her mother and stepfather. She didn’t want to spend another night listening to them fight, or worse. And she certainly didn’t want them running her life when they couldn’t even run their own lives.
Transportation was another issue. She had use of a bike for two of the temp positions that were close enough to home, but she had to carpool with one of her parents for other jobs, and had to turn several jobs down because of her inability to meet various schedules. She considered against hope how nice it would have been for an apartment in this complex to work out. It was only a block from her current job, and she could walk until she could afford a car.
In addition, it looked like a slice of paradise. The lawns were well manicured; the buildings looked beautiful and inviting; and the air smelled of pool water that made her think of relaxing in the sun and watching attractive people enjoying themselves. As if to punctuate the reality of her dream, a nice-looking couple exited the pool house dressed in swimsuits and towels, and laughing at some unknown humor. They both smiled at Alicia as they brushed past her, and even seemed to give her body a quick glance as they meandered off, entangled in their own affairs.
Alicia knew she could fit in here. She was 5 feet 5 inches with thick strawberry blond hair that reached below her shoulder blades with naturally wavy curls. Her figure was medium to slender and she liked to show off her legs, her tummy and, sometimes, a little cleavage from her pert half melons. Today, her scrumptious mounds were form fitted by a white tube top that competed with her exposed tummy for attention. Her emerald eyes and full lips were enchanting within the framework of long hair that flowed below her delicate face and around the two white protrusions before ending at the pool of her tummy. Her light blue jeans did not reveal her beautiful legs, but her tush fit tightly below her hugged hips and swayed distinctly from side to side as she walked into the pool house and spotted the door marked “Management.”
~ * ~
Brad sat frustrated as he pored over reports at his desk in the apartment manager’s office. His frustration was not due to the strain of business. He was one of three assistant managers working at the complex, and a favorite subordinate to the manager, even his right hand man. Business was good—turnover was low, occupancy was at 97 percent and profits showed a fairly steady increase. Apartments were in high demand, and he did very little negotiating with prospective tenants. No, work was fine, his frustration stemmed from the recent departure of his girlfriend. She told him her career came first, and she moved to California with her job. In the end, she made it clear he was only a nice distraction in her life.
It was hard working near the pool after the kind of attention he was used to and suddenly being left high and dry. Admittedly, it had been a couple of weeks or more since his last sexual release by a partner. Some of his frustration at the moment was downright physical as he watched a sexy couple leave the pool house, undoubtedly to enjoy one another more fully in the privacy of his or her apartment. In addition, he missed his girlfriend’s presence in his own apartment. She helped with meals and small chores, took interest in his daily activities, and shared her life with him. He never guessed that she considered their lives to be a little mundane and needed a change, or rather, a complete overhaul. She even left some of her things, as she wanted a whole new start.
It was not an ugly separation. She gave him a deep, appreciative kiss just before she climbed into the cab and rode off. A departing cab outside his window brought that very moment to mind as someone entered the office. For a moment, he remained distracted as he watched this cab drive off, his fingers grazing his lips where the memory of her last kiss still lingered. Something ached within as the scene of her departure played again in his mind.
~ * ~
Alicia knocked lightly on the open door. The office was large and host to four desks and chairs, but it was deserted except for a good-looking man in the far right desk looking out the window, apparently deep in thought. He looked to be in his late twenties or early thirties. Dark brown hair lay neatly above his clean-cut, angular face with a wave of hair along his forehead that ended in a small curl on one side. Even as he leaned back in his chair, his chest seemed muscular. He was dressed in a white shirt and conservative tie that blended a number of earth tones into a pleasant vertical visage.
“Hello,” Alicia ventured, sorry she had to interrupt the man.
Brad was startled and jumped slightly in his chair. “Oh, Hi,” he said as he immediately found his gaze wondering over her body. He didn’t recall having met her as one of their tenants before. The ache in his groin grew as he continued, “How can I help you?”
“I’m looking for an apartment,” Alicia said doubtfully. “How much do yours rent for?”
“Well, that depends on the apartment,” Brad answered. “We only have a few available at the moment. How many would be living there?”
“Oh, just me,” she said.
Brad raised his eyebrows. “Just you?” he repeated. She shook her head yes. “We have single apartments, but I believe they would be out of the price range of most … young people.”
“Perhaps. But how much are they?” she asked with more determination.
Brad hesitated. She would undoubtedly leave with his answer, but he didn’t want to loose her that quickly. And somewhere in the back of his mind, an idea was forming. “Why don’t I show you an apartment and tell you how much it is as we discuss furnishings, services, amenities, and other options?”
“Hmm, okay,” Alicia considered and agreed. She knew even the bottom line base price would be too high, but the idea of seeing the inside of one of the apartments was appealing. Besides, the whole experience might give her something to shoot for at a later date when affordability was no longer such a concern.
Brad smiled at her and she saw his nice dark slacks for the first time as he stood up. She watched his form as he leaned over one side of his desk to retrieve a portfolio and clip board. When he looked back to her, she wore a pleased look on her face and felt a tingle flutter in her chest. He had a nice slim figure, and stood at an average height, probably 6 feet. She wondered if he worked out.
“Let’s go.” Brad led Alicia out the door. He stopped to close the door to the office, lock it, and indicate return by 2:45. Instead of leading Alicia out the front door, he took her past the pool, an obvious tactic to lure any prospective tenant, and the side entrance to a fine restaurant that catered exclusively to residents and their guests.
“Hi Brad,” a tall blond man in a bikini swimsuit called over. “Who’s the gorgeous chick you’ve got with you?”
Brad threw him a smirk, “Someone too good for the likes of you, Joe.” He led Alicia from the pool area and pointed out the laundry facilities, the game room, a mini-gym, a small computer room, an onsite mini-putt-putt, a running trail, tennis courts, and more. As they neared an apartment, he discussed cable television, phone, internet access, utilities, cleaning services, newspaper and mail delivery, trash pick-up, etc. In addition, he mentioned other, special services such as drop-off laundry, dry cleaning, message therapy, grocery services, and catering.
As Brad unlocked an apartment door and opened it for Alicia’s entrance, she was dumbfounded by the extravagance. While she eyed the apartment contents, his eyes were on her gorgeous figure.
