Chapter 6 Madison #2
He runs through his idea. It’s kind of brilliant, and Kenji is going to find it hilarious. I let him know that I’ll check in with Kenji and get back to him, but I’m certain he’ll agree.
Tonight is my late night, so I’m at the studio until well after eight. I’ve finally gotten enough staff that I only have to work this late once a week. It’s a vast improvement over the fourteen hours days I was putting in when I first opened my studio.
Kenji’s already eaten by the time I get back to his place, but he’s such a caretaker that he’s left me a plate in the oven.
He always does. It’s so considerate. I love living here and all the ways he takes care of me, but it’s time for me to find a place of my own.
Now that we’ve “broken up,” I hate being a leech, even though he says he doesn’t mind.
The problem is, I mind. I’m just a little unsure about how to accomplish that yet.
I grab the pile of mail that Kenji left on the table.
I can eat and sort mail, two birds, one stone, as they say.
Halfway through the stack, I come upon a formal-looking envelope from a local property management firm.
I tear it open, my anxiety spiking at the thought of another rent increase, or worse.
With trembling hands, I skim the cover letter attached to a bundle of legal papers. I reread it several times, not sure that I’m understanding it correctly.
“This can’t be right?” I say to myself.
“What can’t be right?” Kenji’s deep voice by my ear makes me jump. I smack his shoulder.
“Can you not? You scared the crap out of me.”
He gives me a wicked smile and grabs a drink from the fridge.
“So, what’s up?” he gestures toward the paperwork in my hand.
“It’s so strange. This says that my landlord sold the building, and the owner sent out a new lease.
It’s for half of what I was paying in rent, and it includes the apartment above the studio as part of the lease.
They’re going to clean it out and upgrade it with a kitchen, and a bathroom.
They say it will be ready in two or three weeks. ”
I’m at a loss for words. I never have this kind of luck.
“Wow. That’s crazy. Are you sure that’s right? Want me to double-check it?” He offers.
“Please.” I hand him the paperwork, needing a second pair of eyes. He takes a few minutes to read through the letter, then double-checks it against the legal paperwork, which turns out to be a copy of the new lease.
“Damn. Yeah, this all looks legit. This is huge, Maddie Bear.”
I hug the paperwork to my chest. This is a big deal.
Part of me is still wary because when something is too good to be true, it usually is.
Deep down, however, I’m letting myself feel just a bit of anticipation.
My own space! Sure, I’ll miss my bestie, but, damn, I haven’t lived on my own in so long.
I have so many wonderful ideas for setting up my new place.
I can’t wait to get started. I love Kenji, but this has never been our place.
All it takes in one look around to see that this place is all Kenji.
Which is as it should be, but I’m looking forward to having something that’s mine.
Plus, I’ll have a bit of extra money from the class I’ll be doing for the Wolves, so I’ll be able to decorate at least a little.
This could not have worked out better if I’d planned it myself.
“I can see that brain working a mile a minute from over here,” Kenji says, cutting through my decor plans. His mischievous grin is slightly hidden behind the rim of his water glass. I love how supportive we are of each other.
“You know me. I’m already planning.” My smile gets wider. It’s all coming together for me.
“I’m glad this is working out for you. You deserve it, girl, but I am going to miss the hell out of you!”
“I’ll only be a phone call away. Besides, and don’t take this the wrong way, but I absolutely will not miss the drive into town every day. I love it up here, but it’s one heck of a commute.”
He nods in agreement.
“Oh, I know. I love this place more than I hate the drive, I guess.” He says with a smile.
“Says the man with his own gym in the basement. Like you even need to leave.” I tease. Honestly, between grocery delivery and , he doesn’t need to go out, and sometimes he doesn’t. For someone who is such a celebrity, he’s quite an introvert.
“Fair,” is his teasing reply.
“Oh, hey, I almost forgot to tell you with all the excitement.”
“Tell me what?”
“I’m almost positive the GM for the Wolves has a man crush on you.”
He laughs.
“Damon Hawk? What makes you say that?”
“Well, he asked me if you would attend a few of my classes at the arena.” I give him a sly smile. “He thinks that will help them get better player attendance. Cause you’re such a big celebrity and all.”
“Ugh, yeah, he’s probably right about that. Toxic masculinity being what it is. You know I’m all about fighting that stereotype, so, of course, I’ll come. It’s in the morning, right?”
“Yeah, nine am for throughout preseason training. They have me set up for weekdays and Saturday, with Sunday off for two weeks.” I check my calendar app. “Starting on September 8th.”
He pulls out his phone to check his schedule, and we review the dates, deciding that his attendance at the first class would be the perfect way to draw people in. We pick a couple more dates to give us some flexibility. I can’t believe how things have turned around.