Hearts On The Highrise

Chapter 34 : exploring boundaries

The morning after our departure, I was in the car next to Engfa, who was at the wheel, and we embarked on a two-hour journey. Thinking back on this whirlwind escapade full of twists and turns, I couldn't help but feel a surge of happiness at the way everything had unfolded.

Engfa seemed focused, as usual, already absorbed in phone calls via her earpiece, preparing for upcoming meetings. Watching her, I couldn't help but marvel at her beauty and grace, admiring the way she effortlessly juggled her professional responsibilities while exuding an air of confidence and self-assurance.

She finally ended her call, and as the silence settled between us, I couldn't help but voice the question that had been nagging at the back of my mind. "Do you ever stop working?" I asked.

"There's always something to do, someone to talk to, a problem to solve and I've already lost enough time," she admitted. "There's so much to catch up on, so many meetings to plan."

I couldn't help but feel a pang of concern for Engfa's well-being as she mentioned her packed schedule. "You already work seven days a week," I remarked, my voice tinged with worry. "You should at least take some time to relax on the weekends."

Engfa's response came with a touch of amusement, as if she found the notion of taking time off somewhat foreign. "Well, I did just spend three days practically doing nothing," she pointed out, her tone light but tinged with a hint of self-awareness.

"Fair point," I replied, a note of fondness coloring my words. "But those three days were worth it, weren't they?"

Engfa turned to me, an amused smile at the corners of her lips. "Mmm, I don't know," she said in a light, teasing tone, clearly enjoying the opportunity to poke fun at me.

I rolled my eyes, a smile forming on my lips. "Oh, come on," I retorted, feigning indignation. "You know you've had fun."

"Okay," she told me, her teasing tone softening. "I admit it wasn't so bad."

As the miles flew by, the landscape outside the car window gradually changing, Engfa turned to me with a curious expression. "Are you still staying with Tina?" she began, her voice breaking the comfortable silence between us.

I paused for a moment to consider my answer. "Actually," I replied, in a thoughtful tone, "I was thinking of finding my own place soon. It's been great staying with Tina, but I think it's time for a change."

Engfa nodded in understanding, her gaze thoughtful. "I can imagine," she replied. "Have you found anything?"

I shook my head slightly, an ironic smile forming on my lips. "Not yet," I admitted, a hint of frustration creeping into my tone, "I've been looking, but it's not easy.

"I understand, the rental market in New York can be brutal." she replied, her voice tinged with empathy.

I sighed softly, feeling a sense of resignation settle over me. "Tell me about it," I mumbled.

As Engfa's words hung in the air, I couldn't shake off the growing unease I felt about my living situation. Staying with Tina had been a temporary solution, which I had initially welcomed. However, as the days and weeks passed, I began to crave a space of my own.

Although Tina assured me that she didn't mind if I stayed with her, I couldn't shake the feeling that I was encroaching on her space. The truth is, I needed my own space, my own privacy. Besides, as comfortable as Tina's sofa had been at first, its appeal had faded over time, leaving me longing for a real bed to rest my weary bones.

Tina had already done so much for me, and I was immensely grateful for her generosity. But deep down, I knew I had to find my own place, carve out a niche for myself in this chaotic city. The only problem is, finding an apartment in New York is easier said than done. The rental market is notoriously competitive and affordable options are few and far between.