Language of Love

Chapter 43 - Apartment Hunting

Troy had arranged a day off to coincide with Abi's and had been working with Bisho to find apartments in the Bondi and Bronte area. When he woke beside her that morning he felt excited but nervous. He really didn't want to mess this up. She'd been quiet all yesterday evening after revealing the outcome of her residency request. But he'd seen it as a reprieve, an additional 2 years that he hadn't dared hope they'd have until recently. Her visa had been like a ticking time bomb that he'd been trying to ignore but kept resurfacing in his mind. He was determined to spend every moment that he could with this amazing, loving woman before she was ripped away from him. The fear he'd felt when she was injured had only confirmed how hard he had fallen for her. He was pretty sure she was it for him.

Abi stirred in her sleep and burrowed further into his chest. He ran his fingers gently through her hair, feeling its softness and admiring its golden sheen. His gentle caress woke her, a small groan escaping her as she buried her head impossibly further into his chest, hiding from the early morning light.
"Hey beautiful. " He murmured. "You wanted to go for a run this morning before we meet Bish."
"I take it back. Just want to stay in bed." She slipped her arm round his waist, pressing her whole body closer to his.
"I'm all for a different form of exercise." He replied.

They were almost late to meet Bisho! He was sat at the cafe they'd agreed to meet at, hugging a coffee.
"Get distracted?" He asked, raising one eyebrow, having watched them hurry along Campbell Parade.
Troy watched Abi blush and couldn't hide his grin. Bisho rolled his eyes.
"We're due to see 4 apartments today. 3 in Bondi, 1 in Bronte."

Bisho showed them the first apartment, only a street from the beach. It was a compact 1 bed apartment. The living area consisted of a tiny kitchen and a space big enough for a sofa and TV. It looked like it needed a good paint and clean. The location was the selling point. Troy and Abi both shook their heads.

The next apartment was a few streets further back and on the 4th floor. It had a small entrance way, which opened into a fair sized open planned kitchen living space. The bedroom had enough room for a double and a large wardrobe.
"I like this one. Not too far from work for either of us." Abi said.
"The stairs will be a workout for you." Said Bisho. "And there's a board store in the basement for tenants."

The third apartment was in Bondi junction. Bigger than the previous 2 and decorated to a better standard but a bit further out.
"If you up your monthly rental budget I can get you something like this closer to the beach." Bisho said, looking pointedly at Troy. "You could afford it."
Troy glared back at Bisho.
"Okay, something is clearly going unsaid here." Abi huffed, giving the two men her best teacher look.
Bisho was the one to spill.
"Troy and I looked at your incomes like we discussed doing. Together you can afford a better place, but Troy messaged me last night to reduce the budget. He's going to put the rest of what he could spend on rent into savings, for you, to help you get the finances you need to improve your chance at residency....and I'm going to step outside whilst you two talk about this. Let me know when yous sweet."

Abi waited for the door to shut behind Bisho before turning towards Troy. He looked a little sheepish, but his jaw was set stubbornly.
"It's really sweet, but I can't ask you to do that for me."
"You're not asking." He replied mullishly. "We can set up a joint savings account for the money. If it keeps you here it'll be the best investment ever."
He crossed his arms defensively. Abi could see he wasn't going to budge on this.
"Okay." She said. "Next time talk it through with me rather than Bish though, yeah?"
He nodded and visibly relaxed before drawing her in for a hug.
"We're sweet Bish. You can come back in." Abi called out.

The Bronte apartment was close to Chappos. A one bedroom apartment over a shop, decorated to a good standard. Abi liked it but Troy stayed quiet.
"What are you thinking?" She turned to look at him where he leant against the bedroom door.
"It's nice but it's a long way from your work. I'd worry about you getting home safe after your evenings at the school."
"Are you chanelling my mother?" She asked. "I'd be fine."
"It's got an allocated parking space." Bisho contributed from the kitchen area. "Abi could get a car and then she'd be safe. Yah truck can stay at your parents?"
"I was thinking about getting a run about anyway, so I don't have to keep stealing a lift from Brad or Quiggers to go climbing."

It didn't take much convincing to get Troy to agree and soon they were in the office signing a lease for a one bed apartment in Bronte.

They went to Troys parents to share the news. Mary was delighted that they would be so close. Abi followed her into the kitchen to help grab drinks. Mary drew her close in a motherly hug.
"He's been so nervous about asking you and finding a place you'll like." She whispered. "He's been talking about it since you went back to your flat after staying with him during your recovery."
"We pretty much live together anyway." Abi chuckled
"That's what I told him." Mary replied with a smile. "It's nice to have your own space though. Let us know when you have the keys and we'll help move you in, find you furniture and home bits."
"Thanks Mary."
"And ask Mouse or Beardy to go with you to look for a car. They've got mechanic backgrounds."
Abi smiled her thanks as she headed back outside laden with drinks.