Chapter 5: The Apartment Across the Hall

The next morning, feeling refreshed, I ran into Mrs. Franklin, my neighbor across the hall. We greeted each other, and she stopped me. Turns out her daughter, who married far away, had just had a baby. Mrs. Franklin was going to help with the baby, so she’d be gone for a while and needed to rent the place out. She asked if I knew anyone looking for a place. Since she was in a hurry, she’d even consider lowering the rent.

She pressed a flyer into my hand, explaining that she wanted someone trustworthy—preferably a woman, quiet, no parties. I promised I’d ask around at work, but Savannah’s name was already at the tip of my tongue.

Savannah popped into my mind, but I just told Mrs. Franklin I’d keep an eye out.

At the office, I glanced at Savannah’s office—she wasn’t there. Zoe flopped her head onto my shoulder. “Thank God it’s finally Friday.”

She groaned dramatically, clutching her coffee like a lifeline. “If I have to sit through one more budget meeting, I’m gonna explode.”

I laughed, but before I could reply, that familiar scent of perfume drifted over. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Savannah standing by my desk.

She said to Zoe, "That catfish you had Delaney bring last night was delicious. Thanks."

Her tone was light, almost playful. It threw me for a loop.

Zoe looked confused. “Huh? Catfish? I asked her to bring it?” Then she turned to me. “Didn’t you say you went straight home because you were tired? You went back to the office?”

My face burned. I didn’t dare look at Savannah, just made frantic faces at Zoe. Please, zip it!

I mouthed a silent plea, but Zoe just raised an eyebrow, clearly amused.

Zoe caught on, and though she was puzzled, she covered for me. “Oh, right, I asked her to bring it. That place is great. Next time, Director Langley, you should join us.”

To my surprise, Savannah agreed, then went back to her office.

She gave a little nod, almost a smile. “I’d like that.” Then she disappeared behind her door, leaving me reeling.

As soon as she was gone, Zoe leaned over and whispered, “Spill it—what’s really going on?”

She poked my arm, grinning like she’d just won the lottery.

I pretended not to understand, typing random gibberish. “What do you mean? Get to work.”

She wouldn’t let it go. “Girl, you’re acting weird.”

I flicked her forehead. “During work hours, I’m your team leader. Get to work.”

She pouted and went back to her desk. “Hmph, abusing your authority.”

She stuck her tongue out, but the teasing took the edge off my nerves. I managed a real smile for the first time all day.

I hesitated all day but still didn’t tell Savannah about Mrs. Franklin’s apartment.

Every time I walked past her office, I thought about knocking, about offering her a place just across the hall. But the words stuck, and the moment slipped away.