Page 4 of The Single Father Upstairs

My phone rang. I usually kept the notifications off, but with a new job, I wasn’t sure if they’d call me in, and this time it was good because the number was the real estate agent who had shown me quite a few of the places I’d looked at.

“Good news. We just got a listing for an apartment that seems to meet all your needs.”

“Including my cat?”

“Yeah, including your cat. No pet deposit or anything. And it’s below your budget. It’s a decent commute to your job. And it’s available immediately.”

“What’s wrong with it?” When something sounded too good to be true, it always was.

“Nothing. It just became available, and it’s a building that tends to have pretty steady residents. One of my coworkers who retired usually did their listing, but it got passed to me which is good for you. The owner wants it rented quickly.”

I peppered her with questions, including if they needed a 42-year lease.

She laughed. “Nope, standard one year with option to renew.”

“Am I gonna get killed in the neighborhood going home?” I was only half kidding.

“Do you plan on walking in front of moving cars?”

“And you’re absolutely sure that Marmalade can stay?”

“One hundred percent.”

My biggest expense since moving here so far was Marmalade staying at the kennel. She had a huge room to herself, and I went to visit her every day after work. But it wasn’t fair to her, and it was part of the reason why I nearly took the bucket-in-the-closet place.

“So when can I go see it?”

“I’ll send you pictures. But honestly, I wouldn’t wait to see it. I would sign now.”

“And you’ve been in this building before?”

“I haven’t, but I looked at the notes my coworker left, and I trust her. It’s gonna be gone.”

Every single warning signal should’ve been going off in my head, telling me not to sign it sight unseen. But knowing there was an affordable place that accepted Marmalade and and that at max was a one-year commitment? I had to do it.

She sent me the paperwork, and I pulled it up and read it. It was a very typical lease. The rent was exactly what she said. The utilities that were included were the stuff of rental dreams. The parking was included. They had no pet fee. It was the ideal place, at least on paper.

I signed it, sent it off, closed my laptop, and went to take a shower, my rain-drenched body needing it.

By the time I’d gotten out, my application was approved, and I had a link for my deposit. It was official. I’d rented an apartment that I’d never seen.

My alarm went off. It was time to visit Marmalade. The kennel opened from four to six for people who were picking up their pets on Sunday, and they allowed me to spend that time with her. They were the best.

When I first said I wanted to visit her, they gave me a look of disbelief. Most people used it for vacations. It wasn’t like they could swing on by to give pets. Now, as soon as I walked in, they waved and buzzed me back. It was more like home than the place I was sleeping.

They were packed when I arrived, and I went straight back to her little suite. I refused to give her a tiny little room, even though financially that was a foolish decision. Her stay was too long for that.

“Hey, Marmalade. Daddy’s got good news for you.” I squatted down, and she raced over. “We got a new apartment. It’s going to be great. There’s no bucket collecting water in the closet. The neighborhood’s safe, and Daddy will be able to afford your favorite cat treats. How would you like that?”

She climbed up on my shoulder and licked my ear, purring away.

“Daddy thinks so too.”

3

STELLAN

Before I opened my eyes, I was greeted with a sweet aroma, and my nose twitched.