“So, what do you think?” Dean asks after we’ve toured an apartment on Royale Hill, two blocks from Whitlock. Since all the rents were the same, I chose the one closer to the school.
“It smells expensive. It looks expensive.” It’s fully furnished and brand new. Despite the citrus air freshener, the interior still smells like leather and has glass windows.
“Anya.” Dean crosses his arms, probably expecting me to say something serious.
“Fine, I love it. It’s wonderful but still extravagant,” I admit bluntly. I suppose Mr. Pitch has nowhere else to put his money. What exactly is he thinking? The listing price alone scared me. Looking at it now completely overwhelms me.
“You are welcome to move in whenever you want. I’ve already spoken with the lessor.”
“I’d like to get settled in this afternoon.” I had already discussed this with Julian as soon as Dean responded to my email. “But, hey—” I look up at Dean, “—can I invite people here? Some friends?”
Lora persuaded me to invite a few of our closest classmates for dinner tonight. It’s for something like housewarming. She can be obstinate and obviously has more friends than me, even though she promises I am her only best friend.
“You certainly can.” He beams. “But please keep the noise to a minimum.”
“I’m not a fan of wild house parties. We usually just eat.” I giggle. “I also appreciate you making time for me this morning. I know it came out of nowhere.”
“No worries.” He checks his watch. “I have some free time until noon. “Do you need help here?”
“Oh no, It’s fine. I don’t have much stuff.”
“Alright. Here’s the key.” He hands me a black keycard bearing the building’s logo. “In case of loss, just tell me.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there anything else you need here, Anya? Is there anything you’d like to change? You have an option of redecorating this space. After all, this will be your home until you graduate,” he kindly suggests.
Wow. I still can’t believe how easy this is for them. I used to struggle to find a place to sleep at night or a place to shower, but with one phone call to my benefactor’s assistant, he could provide anything I needed.
“I don’t want to make any changes. It’s stunning. Please pass my gratitude to Mr. Pitch. I hope I can tell him this in person.”
“Oh, I’m sure he knows.”
***
Kristoff and Lora help me settle into my new apartment in the afternoon. I’ve just picked up the items I left at Julian’s penthouse yesterday.
However, Kristoff remains almost silent the entire time he assists me in bringing in my belongings. It’s the total opposite of Lora, who can’t stop obsessing about how amazing the place is.
Lora is in the kitchen preparing food for the guests arriving later. Kristoff then brings the last suitcase into my room. I now have a nice walk-in closet. I might as well put my clothes in there now.
I send Julian a text message while working on it.
“I wish you could be here, but some friends are arriving. Don’t worry; they’re completely harmless. I already miss you.”I put my phone back in my pocket and look at Kristoff again.
“Thank you very much, Kris.”
He keeps his hands on his waist, and his expression is tense.
“How are you?” I ask.
“I don’t understand,” he whispers.
“What don’t you understand?”
“What is your... benefactor doing?”
I’m confused by his statement because he’s never questioned it before. “What do you mean?”
“Do you know how much a studio in this building costs?”
“Yes. Dean told me.”
“And?”
“They insisted I stay here. I don’t have a choice, and I can’t afford to be picky right now.” But see? Even Kristoff is confused about why my benefactor would reward me with such an expensive apartment.
Kristoff rakes his scalp. Something bothers him. I’m sure of it.
“What’s the matter?”
“Do you really don’t know?”
“About what? Please stop asking me riddles and get straight to the point.”
He takes a step forward, closing the gap between us. I jerk. My body naturally moves back. “Anya, open your eyes. Have you made any assumptions about who your benefactor is? Think.”
“I…” I look him in the eyes. I take another step back, but he only matches my pace. “I have, and there were times when I thought I was getting close, but I couldn’t figure it out.”
“Because you’re looking far ahead!”
My back collides with the cold wall of my new bedroom. I gasp. What is he up to?
“I am still very concerned about you,” he admits. “I’ve been thinking about this for a long time, Anya, ever since we found out who Dean Melnard is.”
“Then stop worrying so much about me.”
“I can’t because I suddenly have so many unanswered questions about why this is happening to us. Why have you forgiven me but don’t accept me?” He smacks his fist against the wall.
Oh, God. I close my eyes tightly. My limbs have suddenly become paralyzed. I’ve never seen him so enraged before. “I can’t accept you because you’re undecided. Did you forget?”
“Anya, I’m not sure if you’re just stupid or hiding something else from me,” he says harshly, almost in pain. “Or perhaps both.” He takes a deep breath and presses his forehead against mine. “You’re right. I should be less concerned about you now that we’ve broken up, but this is different.”
“You’re not making any sense anymore.” I try to nuzzle his chest away, but he grabs my hand.
“Hey, Anya. They’re—” Lora’s voice cuts in—“Whoa!”
When I look out the door, my best friend stands there with her mouth wide open. My eyes stop at the other people looking at us. Hector, Brittney, and Ben. They’re already here.
Kristoff and I swiftly separate from each other.
Ben blows a whistle. “Wow. Isn’t this nice?”
“Did you guys get back together?” Brittney asks. A smile spread across her face.
“Excuse me.” Kristoff flees the room. Ben and Hector follow him.
“It’s not what you think,” I clarify.
“It’s okay, girl. It happens all the time,” Brittney says, and Anne appears out of nowhere. Who else is here?
“What? What is it that happens all the time?” Anne peers into my room.
“No, it’s just Kristoff and Anya about to kiss,” Brit says.
My mouth drops open. “What? That is not—”
“Oh, don’t be shy, come on. You two are still cute together. God, I’m already starving. Come on!” Brit grabs Anne and drags her outside.
Lora remains silent, her arms folded across her chest.
“As I said, it’s not what you think,” I say when everyone has left.
She sighs. “It doesn’t seem like nothing. Did he say anything to you?”
“Believe me. He’s just behaving strangely—talking about my benefactor, questioning my expensive apartment, and then barking up with me.” I shake my head. “I’m not sure, Lors.”
She nods. “He’s been unusually quiet lately. He hasn’t even told Candice what he wants from her. Is he still after you?”
“I don’t think so. I think he’s hiding something.”
“Well, if you say so. Just be careful, okay?” Lora holds my arm. “You’re now with the professor. He’s been patient the entire time you’ve been around Kristoff. He’s still your ex, so don’t say I didn’t warn you if this turns out to be a problem. Some friendships must have a limit.”
“I know. Thank you.” But I’m curious about what Kristoff meant by everything he said.
Lora examines my room, including my queen-sized bed and other furnishings. “Beautiful room, and much larger than your previous one. Everything good here?”
“It has everything I need, which is a pleasant surprise. It’s quite large. I don’t think I need much space, but I love it.”
“Your benefactor likes you. But what does it matter to Kristoff? It’s none of his business.”
I sigh and let my shoulders drop. “Yeah, I’d like to stop thinking about it. Let’s go outside.”
“Oh, yes!” She clasps her hands together. “With those big guys, our food won’t suffice. Let’s get some pizza delivered.” Lora rushes out of the room, leaving me to ponder.