Some Distance
Serena mused over the nice penthouse apartment the agent was showing her. No, it wasn’t like her New York one, but she had to give that beautiful one in New York up.
Really, this wasn’t bad. It had a great view of the nation’s capitol, and it took her breath away just imagining the view from the penthouse at night.
The penthouse was larger than the one she had in New York, by far.
There was even a second floor, where her room was, which was also had a balcony, which gave the stunning view of Washington’s skyline. The bedroom was spacious and was connected to a large bathroom and a walk in closet.
The downstairs was also great. There was a living room, dining space and kitchen, and a nice large den down the hall, as well as a bathroom across the hall from it. Both the living room and den had views of the Washington DC. The living room was spacious, and one entire wall was lined with windows, which started two feet of the floor to two feet below the ceiling.
The kitchen was simple. There was an island that would be suitable for eating once she placed a stool by there. The stove looked easy enough to operate, and the refrigerator space was adequate. There also many cabinets, with glass doors, and plenty of space for mugs.
She liked this place. She liked it a lot.
It took three days of looking of various apartments to find this one. Today was December 29th and Serena was relieved. The search was over. The cost would undoubtedly be high, but she didn’t really care now. She wanted this place.
“How much is it for the place again?”
“Fifteen hundred a month.”
“REALLY?” Serena asked. Her apartment in New York had cost a good two thousand a month, and here was an apartment that was larger and less expensive, by a whole five hundred a month. *Location, location, location.* she smiled to herself.
“I’ll take it. I’ll move in by the fourth of January.”
“All right. Let’s talk papers now.”
Darien sighed, frustrated, into the phone. “I’m busy getting ready for going into the White House. I don’t have time for silly balls.”
“Darien! This is a family event. Show up, and if you don’t, I will tan your hide the next time I see you.”
Darien looked at the calendar. The 30th of December. Maybe he could leave noon tomorrow. He’d arrive at around 6:00, and that gave an hour before the ball. Good enough. “All right. I’ll be there.”
“Good.” >Click.<
Darien leaned back in his chair. He was tired of arranging things. On the screen of his laptop, his resignation letter to Harvard was staring right back at him.
*At least Serena won’t be there.* he thought, with something akin to disappointment in his manner.
On the 30th of December, Serena rushed to New York after checking out of her Washington hotel room and getting her things.
She went to her apartment, and put her things back. She then rushed down to the main floor and talked to the leasing office. She signed her papers and went back to her apartment. She called a moving company, and arranged the numerous small details she almost forgot. The truck would come on the third of January, and she’d be hopefully ready. She was going to attend the ball at the Castle, after hearing a very annoyed Ilene Larynce reprimand her daughter. She’d go home later on the first and pack away her things then. That gave her an afternoon and a day.
At least her apartment was already clean.
Serena went into the closet, grabbed a garment bag, hoping that what was inside it was what she wore to the gala in October. If it wasn’t, it was hopefully what she wore to the wedding in August, or the one she wore on September 7, or 14.
She then rushed out of her apartment. It was New Year’s Eve, and noon. She had no idea the business would take her that long. She had wanted to stop by the law office to get her very last case outlined for the next lawyer to take. But she was determined to get to Larynce Manor in time to make a queenly appearance at the New Year’s Eve ball. She was determined to put on a smiling face and deny the Christmas fiasco. And she’d avoid Melvin. But at least Darien wasn’t going to be there.
She rushed out, determined to catch the 12:30 to Boston.
