Chapter 191


    "I think it''s safer to look for a house with a guy around," Erica said, setting down her fork and


    leaning forward earnestly. "Remember your first time renting? That shady broker still gives me the


    creeps."


    Cam thought back to her first rental experience. She was inexperienced and scanned the ads


    posted on the localmunity board.


    She called the number listed and met a burly man. He showed her two apartments, neither of which


    was suitable. Just as she was about to leave, he blocked her, demanding a $30 broker''s fee.


    "No pay, no leave," he said.


    She couldn''t overpower him or outpace him. After some haggling, she begrudgingly handed over


    $15 to get away.


    "I wanted to bring Dave, but he had to work," Erica exined, ncing at Cam.


    "Thank you," Cam nodded, grasping Erica''s hand, feeling deeply touched. Erica felt almost like


    family.


    "We''re too close to be polite!" Ericaughed.


    They continued their meal, enjoying a fondue that filled the room with its inviting aroma, mingling


    with theirughter and momentarily making Cam forget about that intimidating man.


    Erica stayed over.


    The next day.


    After freshening up, it was already 9:15 AM. They had nned to meet John at 9:30 AM in front of


    the real estate agency. They rushed out the door without breakfast.


    Cam still opted to rent a ce nearby despite the higher rent. The convenience for work and


    reducedmuting time made it worthwhile.


    From a distance, they saw John waiting at the real estate agency entrance, waving at them with a


    smile.


    "Sorry to keep you waiting," Cam apologized.


    "I just got here as well, and the area looks really nice," John observed, looking around.


    "Of course, it''s a high-end neighborhood," Erica chimed in.


    "I''ll go grab some water," said Cam.


    House-hunting was tiring work, especially with Fairmount still hot in October. They would definitely


    get thirsty.


    "Let’s go together," John suggested, pointing to a convenience store across the street.


    Cam nodded.


    The three of them entered the store and grabbed a few bottles of water. As John was about to pay,


    Cam stopped him. "No way, you''re here to help. It doesn’t make sense for you to pay," Cam


    insisted with a smile.


    "I don’t have the habit of lettingdies pay," John persisted.


    Erica, unable to stand the back-and-forth any longer,ughed and said, "It’s just a few dors. Let''s


    pay and go. We’re blocking the way."


    John nodded apologetically to the people in line behind them.


    Cam scanned the payment code, and John carried the bags.


    "Aunt Martha told me that yourpany provides amodation, and it''s quite nice. Why would


    you want to rent your own ce?" John asked curiously.


    Cam was taken aback for a moment, then managed a smile. "It''s stillpany housing and not


    asfortable as having my own ce."


    John nodded in agreement. "True, sometimes living inpany housing isn’t very convenient."


    They reached the front of the real estate agency, where an agent greeted them promptly.


    "Looking for a ce to live?" the agent asked with a smile. "We have many properties avable. Are


    you interested in renting or buying?"


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    "Renting," Cam replied.


    "Our properties are verypetitively priced. Choosing us is the right decision. Come on in, take


    your time, and have a look," the agent urged them warmly into the office.


    Inside, the agent led them to a seating area and poured them some water. "What are your


    requirements for the apartment?"


    "A clean one-bedroom within a mile radius," Cam specified.