Page 5 of Negotiating Tactics

Because something about this room felt right.

Decision made, I started to smile and made a beeline for the shower.

My exploding ceiling had not only deposited water into my home, but it had also left a not insignificant amount of dust and drywall in my hair.

So, I showered with that woodsy bath gel, washed my hair with the shampoo, and made a mental note to buy some conditioner and other toiletries tomorrow.

When I was clean, I dried off with towels that felt like clouds and finger-combed my hair. The thick, coiled strands didn’t want to cooperate, but I managed a messy French braid, then wrapped myself in one of the towels, ignoring the leg, hip, and boob that it couldn’t cover.

As I stepped back into the bedroom, I considered what to do next and then headed toward the armoire.

My dust-covered pajamas were out, and there was nothing in my spirit that would allow me to sleep naked in an unfamiliar house.

I opened the armoire but wasn’t surprised when I found it empty. Then, I moved to the six-drawer dresser underneath the television and pulled open the top drawer.

Jackpot.

Two neat rows, one with black boxer-briefs, the other with black tank tops.

I grabbed one of each and nodded my approval when I pulled the tank top over my head. It hadn’t been built to accommodate triple Ds, but it was longer than I would have expected.

The boxer-briefs had a harder time with my extra helping of thighs, hips, and ass, but at least I was covered. Satisfied at that small victory, I climbed into the ginormous bed and sank into the comfort of the mattress.

You’ll be okay, Alex.

I told myself that, whispered it over and over in my head like a mantra.

Even still, I couldn’t ignore the challenge that lay in front of me.

I had renter’s insurance, but I doubted it would fully cover all that I’d lost. And depending on how long the repairs took, I might have to find someone else to live. Birdie would let me stay here permanently if I asked, but I wouldn’t take advantage of her kindness.

It was my job to take care of myself, and I intended to do just that.

Which meant my savings would probably be gone soon.

My stomach rolled, but I didn’t let the thought take root.

This was only a temporary setback, but I’d still get my building, even if it took a little longer than I’d planned.

“It’s just a test. Nothing we can’t handle,” I said out loud, repeating the words my mother had said to me so often.

The words I knew she’d say if I could call her now.

I could practically hear her voice and her certainty as she told me it was just a test and that she knew I could do anything I put my mind to.

And I’d do just that, master this test, and keep moving toward my dream.

I let a lazy smile cross my face and gave myself to sleep…

… and bolted upright when I heard a muffled thump downstairs.

Two

Alex

What the fuck?

My hand flew to my chest, perhaps my attempt to calm my racing heart.