She believed it was important for him to form his own opinion of the place without her input. After all, if he decided to sign a lease, he would be the one living here. Landlady and potential tenant slipped in and out of her view as they moved though the living room, dining area, and kitchen, asking each other questions and making comments. The pair returned to the living room where Tia watched them from her spot in the hallway.
“What are the move-in costs?” Chris folded his arms across his broad chest.
“First and last months’ rent, plus a security deposit that equals the first month’s rent,” Mrs. DiAngelo answered promptly. “A letter from your employer confirming your position will also be needed. Where do you work?”
“At the Renaissance Center.”
“Oh, this location is perfect for you.” She pointed toward the front of the building. “Shoot straight down Jefferson Avenue to downtown.”
“I see.”
The landlady perked up. “Are you French?”
“Oui.”
Mrs. DiAngelo pursed her lips. “Who is your employer?”
Chris paused as if debating whether to answer her question, and then he shrugged. “Gautier International Motors.”
“Mmm.” She nodded slowly. “I think I spoke with you. You’re here for an indeterminate length of time, right?”
He nodded.
“I’ve heard of them. They’re from France, right?”
“Correct.” Chris turned away, searching for Tia. He found her at the door and waved her to him. “Tia. What are you doing there? Come see.”
She sauntered down the hall and stood next to Chris. He touched her arm lightly and smiled down at her. “What do you think?”
“I like it. But the real question is, do you?”
Shrugging, he muttered, “Maybe.”
Tia moved across the living room to the fireplace. “This is beautiful.” She turned to the older woman. “Does it work?”
Frowning, Mrs. DiAngelo focused an unfriendly gaze on Tia. “And you are?”
Chris took a step closer to Tia, wrapped a protective arm around her shoulders, and grinned down at her. “We’re friends.”
“Oh. Well, you do know that we only accept married couples. No living together or shacking up.”
Chris’s pale gaze narrowed and he said, “That’s not a concern of ours or yours.”
“Well, you do know that we don’t tolerate a lot of loud noise. I don’t want that loud, vulgar rap music seeping into the halls.”
“I don’t listen to rap.”
Alarmed by the verbal attack, Tia took a step away, but Chris pulled her closer to his side.
The landlady’s eyes narrowed and a sneer of disgust appeared on her face. “This is a quiet building. No fooling around or loud noise. The tenants who rent from me live here, but they take their partying elsewhere.” Mrs. DiAngelo stared directly at Tia as she spoke.
“Well, Mrs. DiAngelo, I think Tia and I will talk about this; then we’ll be in touch.” Chris took Tia’s hand and started for the door. “Thank you for showing us the apartment.”
The woman followed them out. “Why don’t you take an application with you? That way when you come back, you’ll be all set.”
He shook his head. “No. I’m fine. Thank you.”
They headed down the stairs and made their way out of the building. At her car, Tia turned to Chris and touched his arm. “What do you think?”
“Not for me.”
“Why? It looks pretty nice and clean.”
“I don’t like the way that woman treated you,” Chris stated.
Tia shrugged, wanting to give Chris the impression that it didn’t bother her. “It’s not my business. I won’t be living here. You will.”
“It matters to me.” Chris touched her hand and squeezed it. “We’re together a lot with work and you’re helping me get used to Detroit. I won’t have anyone treat you that way.” He cupped her elbow and steered her away. “Let’s go.”
Surprised, Tia followed him out of the building. That was interesting, she thought. Chris had taken her feelings into consideration. She hadn’t expected him to care. Tia hit the car remote and smiled. It gave her a warm feeling to think that he cared about her feelings.
4
Tia glanced at her watch and picked up her pace. I’m late! I’m late! Man, this has been one crazy day. She hurried into her town house and dropped her portfolio and purse on the sofa before continuing to her bedroom. Tia stripped off her clothes and then ran into the bathroom, turning on the shower. If her luck held out, she’d be able to let the water hit her for a few minutes before Darnell arrived.
When Tia had left home that morning, she had fully intended to be home by four so that she’d be dressed and waiting for Darnell to arrive for Eminem’s concert tonight. A rap concert after a day of work didn’t appeal to Tia’s sense of fun. But since she had been so involved with school and work for the past year, she wanted a few nights with Darnell that focused exclusively on them.
However, apartment hunting with Chris had proven to be a fun but time-consuming experience that ate up many hours instead of the two she had initially planned. After she and Chris had finished looking at apartments, he had insisted that she share a short meal with him. They had ended up at Panera’s for a sandwich and lemonade. It would have been rude to refuse his kind offer, so they sat and chatted about the pros and cons of each building they had visited.
As Tia showered, her thoughts turned to Chris. She laughed out loud at some of his outrageous remarks. He proved to be a fun companion as they joked together. Tia had to admit that she really had a great time.
After finishing her shower, she returned to her bedroom and searched for something sexy to wear that would please her boyfriend. Finally, she decided on a turquoise layered pantsuit. A shimmering silver sheer jacket covered the strapless top. A pair of silver sandals completed her outfit.
The doorbell echoed throughout the house, catching Tia off-guard. Oh, man! Darnell’s here! I thought I had a few more minutes.
“Just a minute,” Tia called, slipping her arms into a teal-colored robe as she hurried down the stairs in her bare feet. Tying the sash, Tia took a second to compose herself. A storm was brewing on the opposite side of her door. Darnell would raise hell when he saw her. She planted a smile on her face and opened the door.
“Hi.” His eyes narrowed into angry slits as he took in her attire. Lips set in a stiff line, he added in a dry tone, “You’re not dressed.”
Well, that’s pretty obvious, she thought. Immediately, she chastised herself. Darnell had a right to expect her to be dressed and ready to go out. After all, they had made tonight’s plans weeks ago.
“I know. I’m sorry.” Tia beckoned him into the room. “Give me a minute. I’ll be right back,” she promised, scurrying across the floor to the stairs.
Five minutes later, she emerged fully dressed and ready to leave. “I’m all set.”
Darnell sat on the couch as he channel-surfed with the remote. He glanced up and frowned. “You’re wearing that?”
She looked down. “Yeah.”
“Hmm,” he muttered. “Okay.”
“What’s wrong with it?”
“It looks like something you’d wear to work.”
“It