Love Thy Neighbor

Chapter 3

My first day at my internship went well. I could walk there, which was a plus. I have a car, but driving in the city stresses me out. I had to rush out the door, so I was thrilled to see that the office had a fantastic coffee bar in the break room. Caffeine is life. My first day was essentially an orientation. I met the three other interns and we went to several seminars to familiarize us with the company and our duties. Our office was in the hotel, but was in the basement. It sounds worse than it actually is. The interns are set up in an open office area in the middle. The hotel managers, purchasers, and higher level staff have actual offices.

I get to the condo around 5:45 pm after stopping at an Indian carry-out restaurant for some chana masala and naan. I enter my code into the front door key pad and enter it again at the elevator, which was kind of a pain but was definitely a nice security measure.

As I unlock my door, I hear the door behind me open. I freeze momentarily, but turn the key in the lock, focused on getting in my cozy home.

"Ahem," I hear someone clear his throat.

I sigh and turn around, sticking my foot in the partly open door so that I don't have to unlock it again. I look at my neighbor and force a smile.

"What's up?" I ask. I look at him and notice that he is way more handsome in real life than on my phone or TV. I know I saw him just two days ago, but that scenario was so nuts that I didn't really take him in. This time I do.

"About the other night," he begins, nervously running his hand through his dark curls, "I need to apologize."

I give him a more genuine smile. "It's no big deal as long as it doesn't become a habit," I say.

He steps towards me and hands me an envelope. "For the trouble I caused you."

I open it. Inside is a $250 gift certificate for Jacobs & Co. Steakhouse. I'd never been, but I knew it from its reputation. It was fancy. And expensive.

"I can't take this," I say, handing the envelope back to him. He takes it with a look of surprise on his face. I turn and enter my condo.