invoices just so he could have a two in the bill. As I said, he’s a weird one.”
Margaret led me to the elevator bank, and she tapped a number into a keypad. While the intercom activated, the door buzzed and unlocked. “If you forget your card key to get in here, they’ll let you in with a code or escort you themselves. I have a code since I’m here so often doing tours with prospective buyers.”
Beyond the door, a luxurious lounge filled with couches, a fireplace, a full bar and a bartender, and two pool tables filled a sleek white-painted room with dark hardwood floors and stone accents. “I could just move in here, right?”
She laughed. “That’s what most say when they see this. Jacob set up an entire pool hall upstairs because these tables got used so much. The bar in here is pretty cheap, too; Jacob only charges at cost for the drinks, but the bartenders keep a close eye on intoxication levels. If you feel a need to get drunk, tell the bartender why. They’ll make sure you make it back to your unit safely. Jacob is all about making sure his residents are secure.”
“Okay. What’s wrong with this place? I mean beyond having rent that will cost me more than six thousand a month.”
“That’s the downside. The rent is lethal.”
“How much extra will it be for my dog?”
“Good question. I did mention you were interested in pets, so it may have included the pet rent. We’ll find out when we talk to the representative. Can I tempt you into a drink?”
“If I’m going to be signing a lease with rent that much, I’ll need one,” I muttered.
She laughed. “We’ll be here for more than an hour, so let’s get something to calm your nerves. Hell, I need one after that last unit. Is your ankle doing all right?”
“It’s doing okay. I’ll be limping for a while, but it feels like a sprain. I’ve gotten those enough times to recognize what they feel like. I’ll take it easy tonight and the rest of the week, and it should be fine.”
“How does a Cosmo sound to you?”
That would work. If a Cosmo couldn’t turn my day around, little would. “I’m game.”
“Excellent. You play pool?”
I eyed the table. “I do now, apparently.”
“I’ll get us some sticks and we’ll do a round. The representative will likely come get us from here, as the bartender will tell them we’re having a drink and playing a game.”
“Is the bartender also security?”
“Basically.” Margaret went to get our drinks, and I hit the nearest table, racking the balls and setting them up for our game. I’d played enough times with my brother and his friends to hold my own, and I’d even won a few of the more competitive games. I liked math, I liked geometry, and I enjoyed the satisfying thunk of the balls hitting each other. By the time Margaret returned with our drinks, I had everything ready.
The bartender brought over the cues, a bridge, and chalk. “Have a good game, ladies,” he said, lining them up against the wall. “Should you move here, there’s a good pool shop a few blocks down the way, and you can get your own cues.”
“Thanks. I’ll keep that in mind.” I lifted my glass to him in a toast.
“I see you’ve played before. Or you’ve been put to work setting up games for people in the past.” Margaret set her drink on the nearby table and pulled a quarter out of her purse. “Flip for break. Call it.”
I nodded, and when she gave the coin a toss, I picked heads.
Tails won, and rubbing her hands together, my real estate agent grabbed a cue and went to work.
The last time I’d been run around the table, my brother had gotten it into his head I had no business getting a single shot in, and Margaret must have taken lessons from him. With systematic ruthlessness, she sank every last ball, and she took her time with the eight to make it clear she knew what she was about.
Damn. I wanted to be like Margaret if I ever grew up.
I eyed the table, chalked my cue, and gave a nod to the rack. “I see how this is, Margaret. If you’re half as ruthless on price negotiations, I’m hiring you when I buy a house. Running the table is just mean on the opening round.”
“I prefer allowing the competition to know exactly what she’s in for. To be