They trekked up the stairs to a suite that was no larger than any ordinary bedroom. White walls, neutral beige carpeting, a cheap light fixture hanging from the center of the ceiling. The tiny bathroom attached to the suite had a shower stall, a sink with a mirror, and toilet. Marilyn had to step out of the bathroom so Kerry could step in.
“I don’t think this will suit me.”
Kerry wrinkled her cute little nose, and Damian’s insides shifted. God, was there nothing the woman could do that wouldn’t affect him?
“Oh. Well, that’s fine. We have others to look at.” Her smile a bit strained, Marilyn moved toward the door.
They all climbed back into the car and headed south.
The next complex she took them to was an older one, with mature trees lining the streets and plenty of cars parked in slightly larger driveways.
“This one is a re-sale. The owner is getting married and moving into her new husband’s house on the outskirts of town. It’s been perfect for her, living alone, so I think this may fit you very well.” Marilyn beamed as she looked at Kerry and even threw a glance in the back at Damian. “Ready?”
Despite medical evidence to the contrary, the new bride who owned the condo must have been color blind—or legally blind. The walls in the hallway were lime green, which led into a bright blue living room, the woodwork painted a pale yellow.
“Don’t take off your sunglasses,” Damian mumbled to Kerry as he walked by.
Against his advice, she slid her sunglasses down her nose and stared. “Oh my.”
Wide-eyed, she moved through the living room, into the orange kitchen. Well, not exactly orange, more a melon color. Complete with more pale yellow on the ceiling, and dark red trim. Walmart must’ve had a sale on circus paint.
Marilyn seemed taken aback, no doubt not having seen the unit before. “If these colors are not to your liking, then imagine how charming it would look with your own color choices and lovely possessions in here.” Kerry continued to stare slack-jawed, and the realtor nudged her. “Let’s take a look upstairs.” She glanced quickly at the paperwork in her hands. “This one has three bedrooms on the second level.”
Not sure he was brave enough to traipse upstairs with the women, Damian elected to stand by the door for a quick retreat.
Within minutes, they were out the door.
Marilyn shook her head as she started the car. “I’ll have to make a note to suggest to the owner that she paint those rooms before we bring anyone else out here.”
The third condo sat in a neighborhood that could only be called ‘up and coming’—or ‘down and leaving.’ A couple of the buildings they passed had been decorated with graffiti.
They didn’t even get out of the car for that one.
The next stop produced a condo that reeked of animals and cigarette smoke.
As soon as Damian had convinced himself Kerry would be leaving Albuquerque with no intention of returning, Marilyn presented them with the perfect condo. No matter how hard he tried, there wasn’t anything even he could find wrong with it.
The unit was large enough, well laid out, muted colors on the walls, and freshly laid carpeting. The neighborhood was a short drive to the hospital and priced in her range.
Damian watched with a heavy heart as Kerry signed her name on the dotted line.
She would rent the place for six months to allow time to sell her home in Tulsa before taking title. The owner was willing to do it, and by seven o’clock in the evening, they were back in the hotel lobby.
“I guess I should say congratulations.”
Kerry nodded, her smile missing.
He pulled her close. “If that’s what you really want.”
“Of course it is.” She chewed her lower lip, not meeting his eyes. “That’s what this whole trip was about.”
His index finger raised her chin, and he tilted his head, his eyes boring into hers. “I thought maybe you might have changed your mind since you left home in Tulsa.”
She shook her head vigorously. “No. No changing my mind.” She took a deep breath, and attempted a smile. “Let’s get something to eat. I’m starved.”
****
After spending the night tossing and turning, not sure she was doing the right thing, Kerry had arisen tired and cranky, but ready to continue with her plan. An embarrassing moment occurred, however, when the waiter who served them breakfast in the hotel dining room referred to them as ‘newlyweds.’ Quick to correct him, Kerry then had to listen to a speech about how surprised the waiter was because he rarely made that mistake. Damian simply sat back in his chair, arms crossed over his chest, and smirked at her.