CHAPTER FORTY–FOUR–When the Clock Strikes Milnight
The air mattress creaked as Laura shifted, trying to dual a comfortable position in the barren expanse of her now–empty apartment. Moonlight streamed through the bare windows, casting long, shadows across the floor. The space felt larger without her furniture, eerily hollow, like the physical manifestation of the blank slate her life had become.
She stated up at the ceiling, tracing the familiar cracks with her eyes. How many nights had she lain here, in this very spot, dreaming. of a future with Leon? How many mornings had she woken up, filled with hope for the life they were building together? Now, those dreams felt like relics from another life, belonging to a different Laura entirely.
The enormity of what she was about to do crashed over her in waves, New York City. A new job, a new apartment, a new life. It was everything she’d wanted since her divorce, and yet, lying here in the dark, doubt crept in. Was she really ready for this? Could she make it on her own in a city that big, that unforgiving?
Laura closed her eyes, taking a deep breath. She thought of Jen’s unwavering support, of Molly’s parting gift, of little Timmy’s adventure in the park. She thought of the woman she’d been when she first moved into this apartment with Leon, young and in love and certain of her place in the world. So much had changed since then. She had changed.
Maybe that was the point. Maybe it wasn’t about being ready. Maybe it was about being willing to take the leap, to embrace the unknown
As sleep began to claim her, Laura’s thoughts drifted to the city that awaited her. The bustling streets, the soaring skyscrapers, the endless possibilities. Tomorrow, she would wake up and drive towards that new horizon.
Laura McKenna gazed out the train window, watching the landscape blur into a smear of green and gray. The rhythmic clacking of wheels on tracks had lulled her into a trance–like state, her mind drifting between excitement and anxiety about her impending arrival in New York City.
A burst of cheering beside her jolted Laura back to reality. She turned to see the man next to her pumping his fist, eyes glued to hist phone
“Everything okay?” Laura asked, raising an eyebrow.
The man looked up, grinning sheepishly. “Oh, sorry about that. Lakers just made a killer three–pointer. You a basketball fan?”
Laura shook her head. “Not really. More of a baseball girl myself.”
“Ah, to each their own,” he chuckled. “I’m Dave, by the way.”
“Laura,” she replied, offering a small smile. “So, the Lakers are doing well?”
Dave’s eyes lit up. “They’re on fire tonight! LeBron’s showing these young guys he’s still got it. You heading to New York to catch a Knicks game?”
Laura laughed. “No, actually. I’m moving there.”
“No kidding? Big change, huh?”
“You have no idea,” Laura sighed, her smile faltering slightly.
Dave seemed to pick up on her mood shift. “First time in the Big Apple?”
s it that obvious?” Laura asked, feeling a blush creep up her cheeks.
“Hey, nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone’s a first–timer at some point,” Dave reassured her. “You got a place lined up?”
Laura shook her head. “That’s first on my to–do list. Any tips?”
Dave whistled “Apartment hunting in New York? Buckle up, it’s gonna be a wild ride. My advice? Don’t fall for the first place you see, no matter how desperate you get. And always, always check the water pressure.”
Laura chucked, feeling some of her tension case “Water pressure Got it. Any other pearls of wisdom?”
“Yeah, get ready for the best pizza of your life,” Dave grinned, then turned his attention back to his phone as the game resumed
Laura smiled to hersell, turning back to the window. The cityscape was starting to take shape in the distance, a forest of skyscrapers teaching for the sky. Her heart rate picked up. This was it. Her new beginning
As the train pulled into Grand Central Station, Laura gathered her belongings, said goodbye to Dave, and stepped onto the platform – Thar station was a beelive of activity, people rushing in all directions. Laura took a deep breath, shouldered her bag, and made her way
Emerging onto 42nd Street, Laura was immediately overwhelmed by the sensory assault of Midtown Manhattan. The cacophony of honking horns, the press of bodies on the sidewalk, the towering buildings that seemed to touch the clouds – it was all so much more intense than she had imagined.
Laura hailed a cab, giving the driver the address of her hotel. As they weaved through the gridlocked streets, she couldn’t help but press her face against the window, trying to take in every detail of her new home.
After checking into her modest Midtown hotel and dropping off her luggage, Laura hit the streets, armed with a list of apartment viewings she’d scheduled. Her first stop was a fifth–floor walk–up in the East Village.
“And here we are!” chirped the realtor, a perky blonde named Tiffany, as they reached the top of the stairs. Laura tried to hide how winded she was as Tiffany unlocked the door.
The apartment was… tiny. Laura could practically touch both walls of the main room with her arms outstretched.
“As you can see, it’s a cozy studio with lots of… character,” Tiffany said, her smile never wavering
Laura raised an eyebrow. “Character?”
“Oh yes! Look at these exposed pipes. Very industrial chic,” Tiffany gestured enthusiastically.
Laura squinted at the rusted pipes running across the ceiling “Uh–huh. And the bathroom?”
“Right through here,” Tiffany led her to a door that looked like it belonged on a dollhouse. “It’s a bit compact, but…”
Laura peeked inside and immediately pulled back. The “bathroom” was essentially a closet with a toilet wedged next to a shower stall
that looked like it could double as a coffin.
“I think I’ll pass on this one,” Laura said, already backing towards the exit.
rittany protested.
“But we haven’t even discussed the neighborhood amenities!” Tiffany
“Thanks, but no thanks,” Laura replied firmly, making her escape down the stairs.
The next apartment was in a sleek high–rise on the Upper East Side. The realtor, a distinguished -looking man named Reginald, led Laura into a pristine lobby.
as they r
“This building offers top–of–the–line amenities,” Reginald explained as rode the elevator. “24–hour doorman, fitness c center. rooftop garden..”
Laura nodded, impressed despite herself. The elevator opened directly into the apartment, revealing a spacious living room with floor -to–ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the city.
“Wow,” Laura breathed, moving to the window.
Reginald smiled smugly. “The apartment features state–of–the–art appliances, marble countertops, and a custom–designed closet system in the bedroom.”
Laura wandered through the apartment, trying not to fall in love with the place. It was perfect. Too perfect.
“And what’s the rent?” she asked, bracing herself.
Reginald named a figure that made Laura’s eyes bulge. “That’s… per month?”
“Of course,” Reginald replied, looking slightly offended. “This is the Upper East Side, after all.
Laura sighed. “I’m afraid this is way out of my budget. Thanks for your time.”
The next few apartments blurred together. A basement unit in Hell’s Kitchen that smelled vaguely of mold. A third floor apartment in Chelsea with a bathtub in the kitchen (“It’s very European,” the realtor insisted). A loft in Sollo that looked great until Laura realized it was directly above a 24 hour nightclubs.
By the time she reached Brooklyn, Laura was feeling discouraged. She trudged up the steps of a brownstone, preparing herself for another disappointment
The realtor, a friendly middle aged woman named Diane, greeted her warmly. “You must be Laura. Come on up, the apartment’s on
ura proated internally. the thought of another walk up but followed Dane up the stairs.
