A One Night Stand With My Boss

"I think it's safer to look for a house with a guy around," Erica said, setting down her fork and leaning forward earnestly. "Remember your first time renting? That shady broker still gives me the creeps."

Camila thought back to her first rental experience. She was inexperienced and scanned the ads posted on the local community board.

She called the number listed and met a burly man. He showed her two apartments, neither of which was suitable. Just as she was about to leave, he blocked her, demanding a $30 broker's fee.

"No pay, no leave," he said.

She couldn't overpower him or outpace him. After some haggling, she begrudgingly handed over $15 to get away.

"I wanted to bring Dave, but he had to work," Erica explained, glancing at Camila.

"Thank you," Camila nodded, grasping Erica's hand, feeling deeply touched. Erica felt almost like family.

"We're too close to be polite!" Erica laughed.

They continued their meal, enjoying a fondue that filled the room with its inviting aroma, mingling with their laughter and momentarily making Camila forget about that intimidating man.

Erica stayed over.

The next day.

After freshening up, it was already 9:15 AM. They had planned to meet John at 9:30 AM in front of the real estate agency. They rushed out the door without breakfast.

Camila still opted to rent a place nearby despite the higher rent. The convenience for work and reduced commuting time made it worthwhile.

From a distance, they saw John waiting at the real estate agency entrance, waving at them with a smile.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," Camila apologized.

"I just got here as well, and the area looks really nice," John observed, looking around.

"Of course, it's a high-end neighborhood," Erica chimed in.

"I'll go grab some water," said Camila.

House-hunting was tiring work, especially with Fairmount still hot in October. They would definitely get thirsty.

"Let’s go together," John suggested, pointing to a convenience store across the street.

Camila nodded.

The three of them entered the store and grabbed a few bottles of water. As John was about to pay, Camila stopped him. "No way, you're here to help. It doesn’t make sense for you to pay," Camila insisted with a smile.

"I don’t have the habit of letting ladies pay," John persisted.

Erica, unable to stand the back-and-forth any longer, laughed and said, "It’s just a few dollars. Let's pay and go. We’re blocking the way."

John nodded apologetically to the people in line behind them. Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

Camila scanned the payment code, and John carried the bags.

"Aunt Martha told me that your company provides accommodation, and it's quite nice. Why would you want to rent your own place?" John asked curiously.

Camila was taken aback for a moment, then managed a smile. "It's still company housing and not as comfortable as having my own place."

John nodded in agreement. "True, sometimes living in company housing isn’t very convenient."

They reached the front of the real estate agency, where an agent greeted them promptly.

"Looking for a place to live?" the agent asked with a smile. "We have many properties available. Are you interested in renting or buying?"

"Renting," Camila replied.

"Our properties are very competitively priced. Choosing us is the right decision. Come on in, take your time, and have a look," the agent urged them warmly into the office.

Inside, the agent led them to a seating area and poured them some water. "What are your requirements for the apartment?"

"A clean one-bedroom within a mile radius," Camila specified.