Dreams Can Come True

40. Apartments

The moment we stepped into the apartment, we immediately sensed the atmosphere of recent renovation. The smell of freshly painted walls and the glossy surface of the laminate floor hinted at recent work being done. But despite these efforts, it was clear that the owner hadn't put too much effort into perfecting every detail.
As Julie gave her explanation about the various aspects of the apartment, I quickly noticed that her attention was mainly drawn to Bill. Her words seemed directed only at him, as if he were the only one that mattered. It was almost comical to see how Bill focused entirely on inspecting the apartment while Julie kept addressing him as if he were her sole conversational partner.
Bill, on the other hand, seemed unaware of being the center of Julie's attention. His facial expression was a mix of disapproval and critical observation as he scrutinized every detail of the apartment. I could almost hear the gears turning in his head as he noted the flaws in the apartment.
When Julie finally broke the silence and asked Bill what he thought of the apartment, he shook his head resolutely. His voice sounded determined as he listed the various defects and shortcomings he had noticed. I saw Julie pale slightly at his criticism, struggling to maintain a smile on her face.
Then Julie turned to me, her gaze searching. "And you, Elise? What do you think?"
I let my gaze wander around the room, gathering my thoughts as I formulated my response. "It certainly has its charm," I began, carefully choosing my words. "But I agree with Bill about the flaws we've noticed."
Julie nodded understandingly, barely concealing her disappointment. She tried to emphasize some positive points, but it was clear that this apartment didn't quite meet our expectations.

The next apartment turned out to be surprisingly close by, which was a positive turn, especially considering its proximity to Bill's current residence. We decided to continue on foot, exploring the streets of Berlin as we approached the next potential living space. As we walked, I felt Bill's hand instinctively reach for mine, a gesture that made me shiver briefly due to the implications of our arrangement. With a subtle movement, however, I managed to deflect his hand, a reflex prompted by the formal boundaries established between us. Bill seemed to understand my rejection immediately, but I could catch a flash of disappointment in his gaze, however fleeting.
During our walk, Julie seemed to have something on her mind. She hesitated, as if considering whether her question was appropriate. Eventually, she decided to go for it. "May I ask you something?" Her voice was soft, tinged with a hint of uncertainty.
I nodded, my curiosity piqued by her unexpected question. I could almost feel Bill standing tense beside me, aware of the sensitivity of the topic.
Julie hesitated again, her eyes searching for the right words. Eventually, she brought forth her question. "Are you still a couple?"
A lump formed in my throat upon hearing her question. Bill took the initiative to respond, his voice calm but tinged with a certain reservation. "No," he replied, his gaze briefly drifting to me. "We used to be a couple, but it wasn't meant to be, right, Elise?"
I swallowed hard and nodded slowly, trying to keep my emotions in check. "But he's still my best friend," I added quickly, glancing at Bill. "And he's the right person to search for an apartment together."
A look of relief passed over Julie's face, as if our explanation reassured her. However, I couldn't ignore how she subtly seemed to gravitate closer to Bill, her eyes gleaming with admiration.
It felt like she was trying to forge a connection that once belonged to me, and although I wasn't usually the jealous type, I felt an uncomfortable knot in my stomach now.
I tried to suppress my feelings as we continued walking, but the thought of Julie's attempts to get closer to Bill lingered in my mind. It was as if a slight tension hung between us, an unspoken rivalry for Bill's attention. I knew it was irrational, but I couldn't ignore the pang of jealousy deep inside.

The next apartment we visited exuded a warm and cozy atmosphere. It was a charming duplex with wooden accents that gave it a rustic and rural feel. The walls were painted in soft earth tones, while large windows let in abundant daylight and offered beautiful views of the green surroundings.
As we walked through the rooms, I immediately felt at home. The space was cleverly designed, with an open living room and kitchen that were perfect for cozy evenings with friends. The bedrooms upstairs offered ample privacy and comfort, each with its own unique charm.
Bill and I looked at each other with excitement and wonder. This apartment felt like a place where I could truly settle down, where we could make memories together and create my own home. I could already imagine us living here, surrounded by beloved possessions and enveloped in warmth and coziness.
Julie shared some details about the owner, who apparently had found the love of her life and bought a house together with him. Her story added an extra touch of romance to the apartment, and I could imagine how much love and care had been put into it. When Julie mentioned that the owner was also open to selling the apartment, I felt a pang of doubt.
I looked at Bill and whispered softly that I wasn't sure if I wanted to buy. Renting seemed like a safer first step, a way to slowly get used to the idea of living alone without immediately committing to big obligations. Fortunately, Julie understood our viewpoints and assured us that the owner was also open to rental agreements.

After we had viewed the apartment, Bill turned to Julie with a friendly request. "Could you give us a moment alone, Julie?" he asked with a soft smile. "We'd like to have a little discussion."
Julie nodded understandingly. "Of course, I'll wait for you outside," she replied kindly as she left the room, leaving us alone.
As Julie left, I felt a wave of excitement wash over me. Three more apartments were scheduled for today, but I could hardly imagine there being a better option than this. This felt like home, like the place I had always wanted to be.
As soon as we were alone, Bill immediately swept me up, and I felt a rush of excitement coursing through me as he spun me around. My laughter filled the room as I felt safe and loved in his strong arms. When he set me back down, he embraced me tightly and pressed a soft kiss to my lips.
"This is it, isn't it?" he whispered, his voice filled with emotion as he held me close. His eyes met mine, shining with love and determination.