The apartment came fully furnished, and the decor is all modern and chic. The galley kitchen on my left is separated from a small dining room by a granite bar, and I spot a rack of copper pots and pans hanging above it. I’ll need to learn to cook more than pasta witha kitchen like this. A grey sectional sits in front of a flatscreen TV, flanked on both sides by tall black bookcases. I didn’t bring many books from home, but I’m sure that those shelves will fill up over time. I’m kind of dumbfounded that this place is going to be mine.
I kick off my shoes and pull my bags down the hallway, passing the laundry room and a half bath as I go. The bedroom is light and airy, with big windows facing the same gorgeous view. A sprawling king-sized bed with white linens and way too many pillows contrasting against a black bed frame commands most of the space. It looks like a cloud that I’d like to sink into and never get up from. There’s a leather armchair in the corner next to a small table, and a dresser opposite the bed.
I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror above it and flinch. I really need a shower—this bedhead situation I have going on is out of control. I drop my bags at the foot of the bed and sit down, leaning back against the mountain of pillows. I know I should stay awake, maybe go out and find something to do so I don’t mess up my transition to this time zone, but my eyes are heavy. The weight of everything I’m carrying falls away and I’m pulled under in seconds.
A chiming sound from the nightstand pulls me from sleep. I blink my eyes open, trying to register where I am. It’s a slow dawning. Right, I’m in Sydney. This is my new apartment.
I rub the sleep from my eyes and pick up my phone.
Breck
Hey mate, you make it ok?
Me
Hey, yeah, sorry. I meant to text you when I got to the apartment, but I totally passed out. Dude, this place is incredible!
Breck
No worries, and yeah I’d kind of kill to live in that building, aside from the fact that I love my house. Getting settled?
Me
If getting settled means falling asleep for three hours. Thanks again for setting this place up. Still good for tomorrow?
Breck
Definitely. Talia and I can pick you up and we’ll go grab lunch.
Me
Sounds good. Will my favorite girl be joining us?
Breck
Willow has school, but she’s excited to see you too.
Me
Tell her I brought her a present. It will begreat to see you guys.
Pulling a change of clothes out of my bag, I head for the bathroom. The groan that escapes me when I see the spacious walk-in shower is indecent. There’s also a separate garden tub large enough for even my long legs, which I look forward to using sometime soon. I can almost hear the shower calling my name as I strip down, wincing slightly at the pull of denim over my swollen, red knee. I make a mental note to ice it tonight even though I know I probably won’t.
The hot water hits my shoulders and some of the stress and exhaustion is immediately rinsed away. I go through the motions on autopilot before gliding the most luxurious towel across my skin. This is something I could get used to. I fasten it around my hips and run my fingers through my damp hair. It’s longer than I’ve had it in twelve years, and part of me wants to just let it keep growing. My small rebellion against the military’s rigid grooming standards.
I venture out to the empty kitchen, aimlessly opening cabinets. Why didn’t I think to order in groceries or something? Now I’m starving and have nothing to eat and no energy to go out. The stainless-steel fridge taunts me, and despite knowing it will be empty, I pull it open.
“No way!”
I’m talking to myself, but there’s beer in the fridge, so it feels warranted. Another pull of a handle reveals a pizza in the freezer with a note.
I imagine this was Talia’s doing. Regardless, dinner is served. Or I guess it’s lunch? This time change is really messing with me. I pull the pizza out and start prepping it to go in the oven, popping open a beer as I go. It’s cold and slides down my throat smoothly, taking a little bit of the weariness with it. The sound that escapes my lips is embarrassing. I’m sure I’m quite the sight, standing here half-naked, moaning over my beer.
With the pizza cooking, I walk over to the windows. Two of them are actually doors leading out onto a small patio, and I waste no time opening them wide. I let the sunlight and chilly wind reinvigorate my tired body, unconcerned that I’m in nothing but a towel slung low on my hips. There are a couple of patio chairs and a small table out here, and I already know I’ll be using them a lot over the next year. I lean on the railing, taking a large swig of my beer, and soak in the fact that I’m actually here.
A few quiet minutes pass, my body releasing built-up tension with each breath of fresh air. I should go check on the pizza, and I need another beer. Turning, my eyes snag on the balcony of the neighboring apartment. The vibrant coral surfboard propped against the wall is what first catches my eye. There’s also a very skimpy bikini hanging off the back of a chair. Could it be that I have a surfer chick living next door?Be still my heart.
You’re not looking to date, remember?I chide myself. Settling down here, or anywhere really, isn’t something I’m interested in. But does that mean I can’t enjoy the fun of being single in a city far away from my past and all the mess that comes with it? Would it be so bad befriending the adventurous woman next door? Maybe she’s someone who would jump at the chance to do something fun and go along with all my hairbrained schemes. This living situation is looking better and better every minute.
