The Year I Stopped Being His novel Chapter 400

Kevin's professional smile froze for half a second before quickly snapping back into place.

Right, friends. Since the woman was the one looking for an apartment, he would prioritize her needs. He pulled out two chairs for them, then turned to the printer and grabbed a stack of housing listings, spreading them out on the desk.

"Ms. Taylor, take a look at these first. This one, Sunnyvale Gardens. One bedroom, one living room, south-facing, incredible natural light. Rent is $1,200 a month, perfect for a single woman. There's a supermarket and a bus stop right outside the complex. Great amenities—"

Garrison glanced down at the photos on the listing and spoke up. His voice wasn't loud, nor was it aggressive, but every word dropped like a gavel.

"The building is too old. There's no security gate, and there aren't even cameras in the stairwell. It's not safe."

Kevin's smile stiffened again. He swiftly pulled the first listing away.

"No problem, no problem! Then check out this one—Majestic Heights. Brand new development, elevator access, 24-hour security patrols. One bedroom, fully furnished, $1,500 a month—"

Garrison glanced at the map.

"It's too far. The nearest subway station is a fifteen-minute walk. It's too dangerous for a woman walking home alone at night."

Kevin's smile strained even further.

He looked down at his stack of papers. An apartment that was $1,200 a month, in a prime location, brand new, with top-tier security? That was a mythological creature that simply did not exist on this planet.

He flipped through the pages, a thin layer of sweat breaking out on his forehead by the time he reached the bottom of the pile.

"Ms. Taylor, well—Mr. Foster—to be completely honest, if you want a prime downtown location, a new building, 24-hour security, and perfect amenities... you're simply not going to find anything in the $1,200 price range..."

"Money is not an issue," Garrison stated.

He bit his tongue, leaned back in his chair, crossed his hands over his lap, and offered a single, quiet word.

"Okay."

Kevin sharply caught the shift in power dynamics. He rapidly dug out a listing from the very bottom of his pile and slid it in front of Sloane.

"Ms. Taylor, take a look at this one. Emerald Grove. It's an older building, but it was just renovated and they installed electronic gates and security cameras. South-facing, one bedroom. It's not massive, but the layout is great. Second floor, excellent natural light. And best of all, it's exactly in the neighborhood you wanted. A five-minute walk to the subway, grocery store right outside. $900 a month. The landlord is desperate to rent, first month and deposit up front."

Sloane picked up the paper and studied it.

The rooms in the photos were small. The windows were old but meticulously clean. The kitchen had white tiled walls and just enough space to fit a small dining table next to the stove. It wasn't perfect, but the rent was exactly what she could afford.