Claire

Glancing at the panting realtor in front of me, I barely managed to stifle a laugh. We still hadn't even reached the second floor. Why was she breathing like she was pulling a wagon behind her back?

"Just a few more steps and we'll be there." Mrs. Waldberg turned to me and pretended to explain, just so she could take a break. This was so not necessary. All she had to do was ask, and we would have stopped. But she had this tough persona look she didn't want to compromise, so I also didn't say anything.

"As this house is at the end of the complex, you can find the parking lot at the other side of it. It's for visitors or for the houses that don't have their own garages or parking spots."

I nodded. I didn't have a car yet, but if everything went right, I wanted to get one. "Cool."

"I told you about the HOA, didn't I?" She took a deep inhale of air and continued up.

I chuckled behind her and sent her a pitiful glance.

"Yes, you did. It's pretty good for a closed complex like this one," I commented and examined the walls between the floors. They were painted in something between gray and beige and had beautiful paintings of Italian masks and feathers around them. The first floor of this house was unfinished and nobody was living in it. The second floor had been turned into a one—bedroom condo that we were going to check now.

Looking at Mrs. Waldberg again, I pursed my lips. She knew I was in a hurry to get a condo, so she did everything in her power to find me a good place as soon as possible. And thus, we had spent the whole day, checking out apartments in Seattle. This one here was fresh on the market, and the rent was fairly good for the amenities it came with. There was a SPA, a gym, a tennis court, and a pool.

I had never dreamed of living in 'Seattle Park Residence' even in my wildest dreams. It was a fairly new complex but still surprisingly half—empty. Maybe that's why the price of this condo was something I could afford.

Starting my new job in the marketing department of 'Cruise Dream', one of the biggest cruise companies in the world, was a big deal for me. That's why I had to change everything about myself—from my wardrobe to my uncensored way of speaking. I also had to get rid of my visible piercings. It was a good thing I still didn't have any tattoos, and I had put off making one for after I graduated. Which already happened, but my future workplace required strict office attire. Oh well, it was worth all the things I had to let go of. No more sneakers, no more piercings or crazy colors of my otherwise black hair.

I swallowed, absentmindedly playing with the piercing on my tongue. It was the only one I was not letting go, even if my boss reprimanded me for it. If I did well at my tasks, he wouldn't have the right to care. And I was going to bust my ass off to make sure I did well.

Reaching the second floor, my realtor unlocked the door and we entered a small entry room. It had a wardrobe on one of the sides and a mirror next to it. There were also a few shoe racks that were enough for a single person. The walls were white and although that wasn't my thing, I knew I could live with it.

The next room I entered by opening the door was the living room. At the further left corner stood a kitchenette with a small island that suited me and my lack of cooking urges. The windows next to it were beautiful, panoramic, and... staring right at another set of windows.

I approached them, unable to keep the small frown from my face, and studied the other house's panoramic windows. I had seen the two buildings were way too close to each other, but it was disappointing the neighbors would be my only view. Not to mention their room was so close that I felt like if I just jumped, I'd turn out to be inside.

Mrs. Waldberg approached me. "I don't want to frighten you, but I have to tell you. Most of the buildings here are empty, just as this house across from you. I heard there were some issues with the contractor, and there's an ongoing legal fight. People are scared to rent or buy properties here."

I pulled a face. "Okay, it's not that big of a deal anyway. I can't be pretentious, and I don't really care if I can see my neighbors."

I turned around and faced the living room again. I really liked it so far. I could already imagine my furniture here. With a trot in my march, I headed to the open room and entered it. It was the bedroom. The living room was double its size, but it oversaw the end of the building across and a small part of the lawn. It could work and fit my queen sized bed pretty well.

The decision was made even before I checked the bathroom.

"Claire, let me show you the bathroom! It has a tub!" Mrs. Waldberg called out, and I grinned.

"No need!" I said, exiting the bedroom. "I'm taking it!"