Chapter 4- Safe heaven

              Remy

“Welcome.” a soft voice echoed through the spacious room, the moment we stepped inside.

A young brunette walked towards us. She looked about my age– polished, elegant, the kind of woman who carried confidence the same way others carried perfume. She spoke exactly as she looked. Her smile was bright and she extended a hand. I took it, matching her grip.

“Hey, Charlie. Sorry about the impromptu call.” Cory, who strolled behind me apologized while he offered her a brief side hug.

“Nonsense. It’s business, never apologize for that.” She dismissed him smoothly. “You must be Remy?” She inquired turning back to me with a raised eyebrow.

“Yeah I am.”

“Splendid.” She flashed a grin and tapped something on the large tablet in her hand. “I’m Charlie. Housing agent and interior decorator. If you see something you like, just let me know so it can be arranged for you.” 

I nodded, impressed already.

“ Alright,” she said, clapping the back of  her hands once, “ let’s get right to it shall we. Follow me.” Her heels clicked confidently across the polished floor as she led the way deeper inside. Cory and I walked behind her, the soft echo of our footsteps bouncing off the tall walls.

“Cory says you’d love a two bedroom condo,” she said over her shoulder, dimples peeking as she smiled. “Well, you’re in luck because I happen to have exactly what you’re looking for.”

She swept her arm dramatically. "Two bedrooms, each with private bathrooms, that have a bathtub and different sizes of shower heads. A large living room spacious enough for two cushions, a sofa, and a center table. A modern kitchen with an island and built-in refrigerator, a cozy balcony with a gorgeous view, a ventless fireplace, perfect for winter. A water heater, air humidifier, uninterrupted Wi-Fi and a few other perks you'll see in a moment.”

She stopped to catch her breath, then continued walking. I followed silently, taking everything in. 

She led us first to the master bedroom. For a moment I forgot how to speak. 

I was mesmerized by its lovely sight. The walls were painted a soothing shade of soft gray, not dull, just gentle enough to steady your heart beat. I imagined a  queen-sized bed right in the center of the room, flanked by warm bedside lamps. A spacious in-built wardrobe stretched across one wall, its sliding doors opening with a graceful whoosh. A long couch under the window caught streams of afternoon sunlight, making it a perfect spot to read, write, do some late night work or simply exist.

I could definitely see myself here. Not as who I had been, but who I could become.

Next, she took us to the second bedroom, which was just opposite. It was smaller but no less charming. I could practically see a small puppy bed tucked into a corner, soft toys scattered around, maybe a little pink collar hanging on a tiny hook by the door.

A sleek kitchen beckoned, crisp white cabinet which held a testament to modern functionality. A slim granite island which was divided from the cooking area to the living space. Everything was freshly polished. The kind of kitchen that made you want to cook, even though you didn’t know how to.

Finally, we circled back to the living room.

“This is it.” Charlie said proudly with a satisfied grin on her face.

“ I’ll take it.” I breathed almost before she finished speaking. This place had my heart the moment Cory pulled up in the driveway. It had everything I needed and more.

“Well alright then.” Charlie said looking delighted. “About the décor,  would you like to keep this aesthetic or add some additional touches?” 

I walked slowly, towards the center of the room, I took in the soft neutral tones, the commitment to simplicity.

“The base color is stunning,” I said. “Calm, clean, exactly how it should be, but it needs a little warmth. Something personal.”

Charlie nodded, like she knew exactly what I meant.

“Tell me what you have in mind”

“A touch of taupe.” I replied. “Warm lights instead of bright ones. Maybe gold or wooden accents. Something that feels…safe.”

Cory watched me silently, something unreadable flickered behind his eyes.

Charlie tapped on her tablet. “We can definitely make all of that happen. Would you like me to handle it all or should we collaborate on it together?”

I hesitated. “Handle it all, but I want to approve the final layout.”

“Certainly. I’ll prepare a mock-up for you.”

She strolled towards the balcony. “ Come take a look at this. The view is…breathtaking.”

We stepped outside, a gentle breeze brushed across my face. The city stretched beneath us. Rooftops, trees, streets. Distant enough to feel peaceful but close enough to feel alive.

“It’s beautiful.” I whispered.

“Another advantage about this place is that it’s really close to work. No more rush hours.” Cory said quietly behind me. 

“Really?” I asked bewildered. I was getting excited all over again.

“Yep.” He nodded, smiling down at me.

“Move-in could be as soon as next week, that’s if you’re ready.” Charlie noted.

“Next week,” I echoed. It felt rushed, and yet exactly right. “Yes, next week is perfect.”

“Great.” She handed me a sleek brochure and her card. “I’ll message you updates.”

After the arrangements were made, Cory and I headed back to the car. I paused at the doorway, I turned to see once more what would soon be mine.

A new space.

A new beginning.

A new life.

A quiet, steady breath of hope.

As we stepped outside, Cory nudged me lightly. “Are you sure you’re ready for this?”

“No,” I admitted honestly. “ Doesn’t matter though cause I’m doing it anyway.”

He smiled. “That’s more than enough.”

“I just realized I haven’t thanked you. You didn’t have to do any of this but you did anyway.” I gushed, giving a little pout.

“This was nothing. Anything you want, I’ve got you.” He responded with a wink.

And for the first time in weeks, I believed him.