Let’s Have Dinner || Stabby
Just over a year ago, Stephen Jones wouldn’t have predicted his life would change so dramatically. But it had.
Virginia Beach had already changed him. His life in New York had been dull by comparison. Which is odd to say but it made sense to him. In New York, everyone had always been moving but doing nothing. But in VA Beach, Stephen had a chance to slow down. And actually live his life.
Or he would. Eventually. He hoped.
Even though he’d already begun to make friends, or at least connections, at work, he still hadn’t really made those deep connections yet. He knew he would, in time. But living alone in a new place where you know no one can be lonely.
And even though he’d already met some of the other tenants in his building, he didn’t yet feel comfortable enough to see them socially. But, yet, he wanted to do something. He needed to do something. He needed to get out and stretch his legs and see his new world.
And that’s where his nutty new landlord came in. Stephen had moved here from New York. NEW YORK. Notoriously the craziest city in America. And living there, he’d never met anyone like Gabby Grant.
Moving in, he’d accidentally tripped her and she’d added $50 to his rent. And in the week he’d lived in her building, she had somehow decided that he was the absolute scum of the earth. His rent had already gone $300 over the initial price. And counting, if he continued to meet her on the stairs.
Stephen had a nice job but even he couldn’t afford to pay over $1000 for his tiny apartment. Not in this neighborhood.
So he made a decision. And with a sigh he pulled himself off the couch and left his apartment. Checking the stairs before he descended them, he found the place deserted. But when he made it to the front office, he found Gabby sitting outside.
And before she could even open her mouth (and undoubtedly add to his rent yet again), he asked, “Look, I’m sorry I tripped your earlier. And knocked a potted plant off the railing. And put a hole in your door. I’m not usually this much of a mess. Maybe it’s just the stress of moving.
“But I would like a chance to lower my rent. So if I do something nice for you, will you shave a few dollars off? I really don’t want to have to move again. Especially after I just finished unpacking. And this place is a good deal. Or, you know, was.”
He gave a little laugh, glancing down at his feet before finally meeting her gaze again. “So. Will you have dinner with me? Consider it a nice thing to correct all my wrongs.”
