From Bully To Beloved

I ponder her request, and the wheels in my head start to turn.

An idea pops into my head. At the same time, it’s incredibly stupid, something Sera will have my ass for. I can already see her angry eyes shooting daggers at me for deciding over her head without consulting with her.

Well, too bad.

If my words aren’t enough for Sera, then I have to let actions speak for themselves. She won’t like me presenting her with a fait accompli, but I also don’t like her running away from herself and her potential.Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

“Actually, Jane,” I say after a few moments of consideration, “I’ve got a few other things I’d like the new place to include.”

There’s a shift. “I see.” I hear the sudden annoyance in Jane’s voice. “We do already have a ratherextensivelist of non-negotiable features you were adamant about, if you don’t mind me saying. Have any of these changed, Mr. Ashton?”

There is the bitchiness Justin talked about earlier. “No, they haven’t,” I respond calmly. “I just have more that I’m looking for.”

She sighs. “More? Such as?”

“Big windows and a large, open room. Something that would work as an art studio.” If sharing an apartment with a studio doesn’t relieve Sera’s anxiety, then what will?

Bingo. That’s it. That’s what might convince her to stay.

It’s more perfect than perfect.

A pause. “Hmm. Okay, I think we can work with that,” Jane says after a few moments. “Actually, hang on. I think I have the loveliest place for you. And I don’t say that lightly, you know. It istheloveliest place. If you can afford it, that is.”

“Well, we’ll see about that. Text me the address. I’ll meet you there in one hour.”

“One hour? Gosh. I do have other clients and appointments, you know. I’m a very, very busy woman, Mr. Ashton. You’re not the only client who requires my services. I’ll make an exception this time though. Just this once, mind you. Don’t let this become a habit. You hear? And don’t be late, Mr. Ashton. OK, ta-ta for now!”

Jesus Christ.

Jane is younger than I expected her to be, an elegant woman in her thirties and-despite her questionable attitude-a damn good realtor. The apartments she shows me check most of my boxes. Unfortunately, she doesn’t show me anything that wows me. I’m starting to think my list of expectations is too specific for what’s on the market.

“I’m terribly disappointed we couldn’t find something that you like-miffed, to say the least.” Jane sighs after we leave the last place on her list and tightens her already perfectly tight topknot. “Oh, well, let’s not get our knickers in a twist just yet. Did you want me to keep looking? Or have you changed your mind, Mr. Ashton?” She adjusts her glasses. “I’mmorethan happy to keep looking.”

I’m unsure if she means what she says or if she’s giving me attitude. “I have a thought, actually,” I say, unperturbed by how high she raises her eyebrows at the mention of me having a thought. “Are there any apartments under construction or others that require renovations on sale? I know it’ll take longer, but I’m not opposed to working with a team to design and build a place. In fact, given what I have in mind is non-negotiable, it’ll be a better way to go.”

Jane’s eyes light up. “Hmm. That’s a marvelous idea if you ask me. But are you sure this time? I’m a busy woman, you know. But all right, if that’s the direction you want to go, I’d bemorethan happy to see what’s on the market.”

“Good. Let’s do it.”

“I’ll give you a bell as soon as something pops up. Ta-ta!”

Jane and I part ways with her promising to get back to me as soon as possible.

Feeling a little better about the apartment situation, I drive to The Diner to pick Sera up after her shift. At least it’s stopped raining. She’s already waiting at the curb when I pull up.

“Did you have a good shift?” I ask politely as I hand her the helmet.

“It was fine. Thanks for picking me up.”

She puts the helmet on, and doesn’t say anything else. Shit. There’s that tension in the air that comes around when two people are purposefully not speaking. When there’s too much left unsaid.

Our talk might be trickier than I thought.

She’s built up a wall I can’t seem to breach.

Once we get home, I want to tell her about my plans, tell her where I stand, and I want her to tell me why she’s running away from me so I can understand. I know I can fix the problem. If she refuses again, that’s it. If Sera evades me again, she’ll be the one who has to come to me.

This is my last attempt to convince her that we belong together.