[~Song Recomndation: Lean On by Glee version~]
As planned, Cammy drove Ellie’s car into the city, and they stopped by Dylan’s school first before checking out the apartnts the real estate agent had sent her via email.
Cammy and Ellie were both enthusiastic about visiting each place, unlike Felicity, who sulked and had sothing critical and negative to say about every apartnt they saw.
"Cammy, dear, this neighborhood feels unsafe. I really don’t think you should live here," Felicity remarked at the fifth apartnt.
"For once, I agree with Felicity. Should we keep looking?" Ellie chid in.
"You know what, you’re both right. This place isn’t for . That’s why I’m going with the third one!" Cammy declared excitedly, before turning to the real estate agent. "Can you secure that one for ?"
The agent’s face lit up, and she clasped her hands in delight. "I’ll take care of it right away. Give a mont—I’ll call the owner now."
Felicity wasn’t pleased with Cammy’s decision and rolled her eyes. "Even that one isn’t up to par. It needs tons of repairs, and the owner isn’t covering any of it."
Cammy smiled, fully aware of why Felicity disapproved of every apartnt they’d seen. "I know, but the owner is offering a rent reduction in exchange for doing the repairs. I’m actually excited about it! I’ve been wanting to try so DIY renovations but never had the chance. I think this is it," Cammy said excitedly, earning a scoff from Felicity, who crossed her arms in clear discontent.
Ellie bit her lip, trying not to laugh as Felicity pouted like a spoiled child on the verge of a tantrum.
"Why don’t you just take one of my apartnts? Don’t you want to live in a nice neighborhood with a great view? All of my places have top-tier security and are in pri city locations," Felicity offered.
Cammy linked her arm through Felicity’s and rested her head on her shoulder. "I know, and that’s exactly why I can’t accept it. I want to be independent, rember? I want to work for myself and for Dylan. If I take your offer, you’ll either give it to for free or at a steep discount.
I’m so lucky to have you in my life. You’re like the mother I never had, and as my second mother, you need to let your chick leave the nest, spread her wings, and learn to fly. Can you do that for ?" Cammy said sweetly.
Felicity sighed heavily, still showing her disappointnt. "I’m not trying to clip your wings; I’m just worried about your safety."
"I know that too. I’m planning to install a security system, so don’t worry. Besides, you saw the third apartnt—it’s on a rooftop with a great view!" Cammy giggled, rembering how the place looked. Despite its rundown state, she was excited by the possibilities.
The real estate agent returned after finishing the call. "The owners are happy to accept your offer. They actually live on the second floor of the building and run the small ran shop on the ground floor. Since they’re empty nesters, they decided to rent out the third floor and rooftop.
They’re also willing to et you today and hand over the keys so you can start moving in right away. They’re even inviting all of you to have lunch at their shop if you’re interested."
"Let’s do that. I’d like to et the owners," Felicity said decisively, catching Cammy and Ellie off guard.
The agent gave a slightly awkward smile, silently hoping that Felicity wouldn’t stir up any trouble, knowing how much she disliked every apartnt they’d seen within Cammy’s budget.
The group arrived at the ran shop and noticed a long line outside, but the real estate agent led them straight inside, so they followed her.
A young woman greeted the agent warmly after she introduced them.
"Welco! Please, have a seat," the woman said as she guided them to a table with a reserved sign and handed out nus.
"I’m Eve, and I live on the third floor. So, which one of you is going to be my new neighbor?" she asked with a bright smile.
Cammy extended her hand with a bright smile as well, feeling instantly at ease with Eve. "That would be . Hi, I’m Cammy," she said before gently nudging Dylan forward. "And this is my son, Dylan. He’ll be staying with whenever he’s on break from boarding school."
Eve bead and offered her hand to Dylan. "What a handso young man! Nice to et you, Dylan. I think you’ll like it here. I have a daughter around your age—I’m sure you two will get along."
"That’s great to hear! It sounds like we’ll fit in just fine," Cammy replied.
Eve nodded warmly. "Please, make yourselves comfortable. I’ll be back to take your orders. I’ll be looking after you while the owners are busy in the kitchen with the lunch rush."
"Oh, no rush! Don’t worry about us. We’ll eat quietly and wait for them to finish," Cammy assured her.
Once the rush had died down, a middle-aged couple ca over to introduce themselves. "It’s a pleasure to et you, Cammy. We’re so glad you’re the one who decided to move into the rooftop apartnt. When the agent shared your profile with us, we really hoped you’d take it. We’re quite selective about our tenants because trust and safety are important to us. So when we heard your budget and conditions, we were happy to accept."
"Thank you so much, Mr. Moore, for your kindness. I have to say, I didn’t expect the owners of such an authentic ran shop wouldn’t be Japanese. But I an that as a complint—the food was amazing! I might put on a few pounds living here," Cammy joked.
Everyone laughed, including Felicity, who was now in a much better mood after enjoying the delicious al.
"I actually grew up in Japan because of my parents’ work, but I moved back here when I t this lovely lady," Mr. Moore said, smiling fondly at his wife. "I couldn’t let her get away."
"Quit flirting with , you old man!" Mrs. Moore jested, making everyone laugh. "Here’s your key, Cammy. We apologize for handing over the apartnt as it is, but feel free to make any renovations you want."
Cammy accepted the key with a big smile. "Thank you! I promise to be a good tenant and won’t cause any trouble."
She then turned to Dylan and said, "Co on, let’s go make it our ho!"
After inspecting the apartnt, Cammye made a list of the things she needed. She and Ellie decided to go to the Ho Depot right away since there was still so ti left before they needed to travel back to the resort and also make the house livable as soon as possible.
On the other hand, Felicity decided to stay in Ric’s penthouse with the kids to rest and take a short nap after Ric gave her the code so they could get inside.
"Are you sure you don’t want to accept Felicity’s offer?" Ellie asked Cammy suddenly, catching her off guard.
"Ellie, you already know my answer to that. Plus, it’s too late for you to convince otherwise; I’ve already paid the deposit and half a year’s rent. What’s gotten into you all of a sudden?" Cammy asked, surprised by Ellie’s concern since she’d always supported Cammy’s decisions.
They had been friends for a long ti, having t through Ethan, who worked with Ellie’s husband before Ellie and Ark moved to Derby County when Ellie started working at Pearl Resort and Restaurant.
"It’s nothing, really. I’m just worried you’ll have a hard ti living alone and working for two people. This is your first ti living on your own and paying for everything. You’ve always been used to having others take care of things, with your parents and husband providing for you.
I’m not saying you can’t handle it, but it’s no easy task, and it’s tough. Your situation isn’t ideal either. I’m concerned not just about your financial needs but also about your ntal health. Many won who go through what you’ve experienced struggle with depression, and I don’t want that to happen to you."
Cammy smiled, feeling the warmth of Ellie’s concern in her heart. She moved closer and gave Ellie a comforting hug. "Thank you for being such a caring friend. Don’t worry too much about . I’ve saved up so money, and even though this is all new to , I’ve got it under control."
Ellie sighed as she returned the hug. Despite Cammy’s reassurances, she couldn’t shake her worry, especially knowing that Cammy would soon have to face Duncan in court. If Duncan decided to fight against whatever Cammy demanded, it could turn into a long, drawn-out battle.
"Just rember, I’m here for—"
"Shit!"
Ellie’s words were cut off as Cammy suddenly pulled her to the ground, forcing her to duck.
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