I sit in my car for a few moments, letting the last few weeks of my life swirl in my head like a video on replay. To say I left things with Matt on pleasant terms would be incorrect. I crushed him. I broke him into a million pieces and I left him in North Carolina while I chased a dream I wasn’t even sure I wanted anymore. His words echo in my head one thousand times a day. “I’d choose you because I love you and you mean more to me than any job or any opportunity. But, Lindsay, I will not stop you from chasing this dream.”
I sync my phone’s Bluetooth to the car and punch in the address of my condo into the navigation system, and then merge my car into traffic. Phoenix is a gorgeous city. In most large cities, the buildings are practically on top of each other. It’s not like that here. Every building sits on a perfectly coiffed lot. Cactus and boulders are part of most of the landscapes; so different from everything I’m used to. Driving downtown is easier than I anticipated and I find my condominium easily. Easing my small car into a spot on the street with a parking meter, I put the car in park and take in the downtown skyline.
My condominium must have been a recently converted office building. It takes up a full city block and sits above a bank. Across the street is a gorgeous stone building that is modern, yet not obnoxious, as it blends in well with the other downtown buildings, and a light rail train blows by on the tracks that run down the center of the street. I finally summon the courage to leave the safety of the cool air-conditioned car to check out my new home.
I pull open the large glass doors that lead into a gorgeous modern glass and marble atrium. A concierge desk sits just inside the main entrance and an older man stands behind the desk dressed in a full suit—I feel miserable for him, dressed like that in this heat. I must look lost because he quickly steps out from around the desk and moves toward me with a welcoming smile on his face.
“Good afternoon, miss. How may I be of assistance?” His voice has a heavy Spanish accent and his dark brown eyes dance when he speaks.
“I’m Lindsay Christianson. I’m moving into 2202.”
“Oh yes, Ms. Christianson. I’ve been waiting for you.” He holds up his index finger, gesturing for me to wait for him as he quickly walks back to the desk and pulls a large manila envelope from beneath it. “In here is your garage access card. Swipe the card across the pad and the gate will rise. Your spot is clearly marked by your unit number. I’ve included brochures and pamphlets to all the downtown restaurants, theaters, and the closest shopping areas.”
“Thank you,” I respond, grateful to have all of this information.
“Any packages that come, I will sign for and hold here at the desk. Mailboxes are over there.” He points to a wall that houses an entire section of gold mailboxes just next to the elevators. “Again, yours is marked by your unit number. The key for the mailbox is also in that envelope. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you, Ms. Christianson.” I turn slowly and take in the huge lobby atrium full of large, lush plants and small indoor trees.
“There is something,” I say as I turn back toward him. “What’s your name?”
“My apologies, Ms. Christianson. Please forgive me. I am Marco.”
“Marco, please call me Lindsay.”
“Very well. Welcome to your new home.” He nods at me and strides back to the tall desk, where he positions himself just as he was when I entered the lobby. I almost snorted when he said the word “home.” Phoenix will never be home to me. I make my way to the four sets of elevators that sit across the lobby opposite the mailboxes, making note of where my mailbox is located. I don’t have to wait for an elevator, as one is waiting with the doors open. I enter and press the button with the twenty-two on it. The elevator rises quickly and my stomach does a little flip as it quickly halts at the twenty-second floor. The doors open and I step into the hall, which smells of fresh paint. Even the corridors are exquisite, decorated with high-end mirrors and lush plants. I follow the ascending door numbers to the right, which lead me to the end of the hall, a corner unit.
Inserting the key into the lock, I turn the knob and push open the door. My eyes widen as I step into pure luxury. I’ve never seen a place like this—ever. The floor is covered in real dark wood, laid into a herringbone pattern. The kitchen is huge for a condo, with an oversized kitchen island. Every surface is covered in light-colored granite and every appliance is state of the art stainless steel.
The condo has been fully furnished with top-of-the-line décor and appliances—Jack did this, of course. Cream-colored leather couches and oversized chairs are positioned in the center of the living room. Plush cream throw rugs sit under the furniture, giving the room some warmth. Large throw pillows line the couches and chairs. The entire living area in the condo is floor-to-ceiling windows, with a south-facing view of a gorgeous mountain range. Long, sheer curtains line the walls, breaking up the floor-to-ceiling wall of windows.