Dreams Can Come True

52. My Home

I picked up the phone and heard Charlotte's voice on the other end of the line. Her greeting sounded enthusiastic, but I could detect a hint of hesitation in her voice. It made my heart beat faster, anticipating her words.
"Good news, Elise," Charlotte began, her voice sounding somewhat tense. "The apartment you viewed has indeed been sold already." My heart sank momentarily. This wasn't the news I had hoped for. But before I had a chance to feel disappointed, Charlotte added, "But the new owner sees it primarily as an investment. He would like to rent the apartment to you."
A wave of relief washed over me, and a smile spread across my face. I could hardly contain my excitement. Finally, everything seemed to fall into place. "Really? That's fantastic news!" I replied, my voice trembling with excitement as I repeatedly thanked Charlotte.
Charlotte continued her story: "Would it be possible for you to come by my office next week? That way, we can discuss the practical matters, sign the contracts, and I can hand over the keys to you."
My heart skipped a beat at the thought of soon having the keys to my own place. "Of course, that would be perfect," I replied eagerly, my mind already envisioning the interior of my new home.
Then she hesitantly asked if Bas was still with me. A slight awkwardness swept over me. I wasn't sure how to answer her question. "No, he's not here anymore," I finally answered, my voice a bit uncertain.
Charlotte asked if it was possible for me to ask him to call her back. This put me in a difficult position. Should I ask Bas to call Charlotte back? Or would it be better for Charlotte to approach him directly?
"I'll let him know that you called and that you'd like to have a conversation with him," I suggested, hoping to ease the situation a bit.
There was a small sigh on the other end of the line before Charlotte switched back to her professional self. "Alright, then I'll see you at my office next week. Have a nice day," she finally said, and then the call ended.

I sighed with relief as I hung up the phone. It felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders.
But at the same time, I couldn't ignore a tinge of bitterness. The idea that Julie might be pulling the strings behind the scenes to thwart my chances lingered in my mind. She knew I was interested in that apartment, and yet it seemed she had already sold it before I had a chance.
I shook off these troubling thoughts as Simone came to stand beside me, her curiosity clearly evident on her face. "Did you receive good news?" she asked, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I couldn't suppress a wide smile as I told her about my dream apartment and how I would be getting the keys next week. Simone's face lit up, and she shared my excitement. "That's fantastic news, Elise! I'm so happy for you," she exclaimed, her voice filled with genuine joy.
Her reaction warmed my heart, and I appreciated her sincere congratulations. "Thank you, Simone," I replied, my own excitement still palpable in my voice. "It really feels like a dream come true."
Simone suggested we go shopping together for items to furnish my new home, and I could only enthusiastically accept her offer. The prospect of shaping my new home with the help of my mother-in-law brought a warm feeling of coziness and togetherness.
Gordon, who had also heard the news, entered the room with a bottle of cava in his hands. "This calls for a celebration," he declared with a wide grin. His enthusiasm was contagious, and I couldn't help but nod in agreement. "Absolutely," I agreed, my heart still overflowing with joy.
"I'm going to call Bill first with this news," I announced, realizing that I wanted to share the amazing news with my love.

With excitement pulsing through my heart, I dialed Bill's number, my fingers trembling slightly as I waited for him to pick up. After a few short rings, I heard his voice on the other end of the line, warm and familiar as always. "Hey Elise, how's it going?" his voice sounded, infused with curiosity.
My breathing quickened, and I felt the excitement bubbling as I told him the news. "Bill, I have fantastic news," I began, my voice trembling with excitement. "I got a call about my dream apartment, and I'm getting the keys next week!"
A brief silence followed, and I could almost feel Bill's thoughts racing on the other end of the line. Then he burst into a wave of genuine joy, his voice filled with excitement and happiness. "That's fantastic, Elise! I'm so happy for you!" His words filled my heart with warmth, and a smile spread across my face.
"Thank you, Bill," I replied, my voice filled with gratitude. "It means a lot to me."
As I heard the genuine joy in Bill's voice, I felt a wave of admiration for him. I knew it hadn't been easy for him when I decided to look for my own place, but his enthusiasm and support were a true testament to his genuine friendship and love.
"Do you want me to come with you to pick up the keys?" he continued.
I nodded, even though he couldn't see it on the other end of the line. "I'd love that, Bill. It would be great to celebrate together," I replied, my voice trembling with emotion.
He enthusiastically agreed, his voice a melodious symphony of excitement. "Absolutely, I'm really looking forward to it!" His words filled me with a warm feeling of friendship and support.
Then there was a brief silence before Bill spoke with a thoughtful tone. "Oh, and by the way, I wanted to ask if you could come with me to the studio tomorrow."
"Tomorrow?" I repeated, surprised, my thoughts racing as I tried to imagine what he had in mind.
"Yes, our new CD is being released, and I would love for you to be there for the release," he explained, his voice full of anticipation.
A wave of excitement washed over me, and I could hardly believe I had the chance to be part of such a special moment. "Of course, Bill! I'll be there," I replied, my voice trembling with excitement and gratitude.