“Not in person. But I’ve scrolled through some of the rental sites a few times.”
“Well, I’m honored this is your first in-person visit.” After photocopying Miguel’s ID, she led the way over to the door. “Follow me.”
They went to the one bedroom first. It was a nice apartment, recently refurbished. There was plenty of closet space and there was both a small dining area and a breakfast bar. Unfortunately, it was on the backside of the building, so it had a view of the feeder road instead of that adorable courtyard. And it was on the third floor. Miguel wasn’t keen on making that trek every day. Still, he did like it.
“This is really nice. I could see myself living here,” he said.
Cheryl smiled. “That’s great. Let’s go take a look at the studio so you can decide which one you like best.”
They went back outside and crossed over to the building on the back right. Cheryl led them up to the second floor. She opened the door to apartment 24W then stepped aside for Miguel to enter first.
Miguel walked inside and looked around the studio. It wasn’t as big as the one bedroom, but he felt more at home here. The two courtyard-facing windows already had the studio ahead of the one bedroom in his estimation. The walls were a soft cream and the floors a dark, polished wood. There was a nice separated area for the kitchen with a surprisingly large amount of counter space, and the bedroom nook was cozy. He’d probably only be able to fit a full-size bed in there, which meant, on nights Hector slept over, they’d have to snuggle close. Miguel grinned to himself. He didn’t have a problem with that.
“Well, Miguel, what do you think?”
Miguel stopped contemplating bed sizes and looked back at Cheryl. “I’ll take it. Is it that easy?” He clasped his hands together in dramatic supplication. “Please say it’s that easy.”
The apartment manager laughed. “Not quite. There’s paperwork to fill out and rental history to check. Do you want to go back to the office to get started?”
“I definitely do. But Amy is my ride, and I don’t want to take up too much of her time.”
“Understandable. Why don’t you apply online? Since you’re recommended by a current resident and you’ve already come by in person, I’ll waive the online application fee.”
“That’s great. Thank you! I’ll fill out the application as soon as I get home.” He shook Cheryl’s hand then gave Amy a big squeeze. “Thank you so much.”
“You’re welcome. Keeping my fingers crossed that you get it.”
Miguel walked with Amy back to her car, thrilled he might have found the place to call home.
***
On his way home from work, Hector impulsively decided to make a little detour. He drove to a small neighborhood, tucked away from the congestion of Houston proper. When he reached his destination, he got out of the car and walked up to a modest two-story home. The yard was as immaculate as always and the front door and stoop were decorated for the fall with a wreath of autumn leaves and baskets of dried corn husks.
This was his parents’ house. When Lupita had married Jorge and they’d decided to purchase a new home together for a fresh start, Hector had decided it was time to let go of his position as head of household and moved out on his own. Even though Hector hadn’t ever lived here, he always felt welcome. Lupita of course made him feel as though this was his home, and his stepfather was an amazing man who’d embraced his wife’s children with open arms.
Hector knocked on the door and waited. After a few moments, Lupita opened the door, looking surprised to see him.
“Hey, Mamá.”
“Hector. What are you doing here?”
Hector walked inside before answering. He hadn’t stopped by after work since Miguel had moved in with him. He shrugged in answer to his mother’s question. “Just wanted to come by.”
Lupita, who wasn’t a fool, knew that wasn’t the case. But she didn’t call him on it. She just led him to the kitchen and started fixing him a plate of leftovers. Hector sat down, watching as she moved around the kitchen. The house was quiet, Jorge wasn’t home from work yet, and his little brother Alex had already moved out and started a family. The youngest, his little sister, Constance, was the only one who still lived with their parents. But that was only because she was in med school. She saved money by staying home, but she was so busy she was rarely there.
“How is Miguel?” Lupita asked as she brought him a warmed-up plate.
“He’s doing all right. He really likes that job.”
“Good, good.” She sat down to join him. “You really like Miguel.”
Hector sighed. “Yeah.” He put his fork aside for the moment. “I think he’s it for me.”
Lupita reached across the table and took hold of his hand. “It’s scary, isn’t it? Realizing you’ve found the person you want to build a life with.”
“Yeah. I just… I never thought that person would be a man.” He looked at his mother and said what he’d really come to say. “I think Dad knew I was different.”
Lupita frowned slightly. “He never said anything to me.”