Page 23 of Entranced
As they walked through the front entrance into the bright, high-ceilinged lobby, she remarked, “Wow. I can’t believe this is low-income housing.”
“I know. All of the concepts used to generate dynamic living spaces have been used here. The key was using inexpensive materials—such as corrugated metal and polished concrete—in a way you’re normally not accustomed to seeing. It’s quite brilliant.”
They were met by the building agent and given the tour through the welcoming public areas including an outdoor patio, TV room, and clubhouse with exercise equipment, and the well-appointed apartments with tall windows and light wood flooring. It had all of the elements usually associated with high-income housing: bright, clean, and charming. The only concession was in the size of the studio apartments, but the design made them feel much larger than they really were. She wouldn’t mind living there.
Back in the car, Teigen couldn’t get over what she’d just seen. “It’s amazing what you can construct even when you’re on a tight budget.”
“You just have to think outside the box. I’m hoping to collaborate on a project like this one soon. I’m currently in negotiations.”
“This is the first you’ve mentioned it to me. It would certainly be an interesting aspect of my article.”
Ellison turned to her as he stopped at a light. “I didn’t tell you because it hasn’t been confirmed yet. I’d appreciate it if you would keep it off the record.”
Teigen nodded. “I promise. I’m just sorry it has to be kept quiet. After spending so much of your career building top-of-the-line projects, it’s noteworthy that you want to help people on the lower end of the economic ladder as well. People should know that.”
“I appreciate your intention, but I’m not looking for approval from others on this. I spent too much of my life seeking approval from my father, trying to live up to his expectations that I forgot to figure out my own. I’ve loved doing historical projects, but I’m at a point in my career where I think I’m ready to do something new. I don’t want to ruin the historic aspects of D.C., but I think buildings like the Conway can meld into the historic landscape.”
Teigen understood completely, as she’d spent so much of her life trying to follow someone else’s rules. She also knew how freeing it was to finally allow yourself to realize how you wanted to live your life. Up till now, she’d thought they were so different, but in reality they were fighting for independence in similar ways.
She reached out and placed her hand on his thigh, hoping to convey the fact that she understood what he was saying. He grasped her hand in his and squeezed. They rode in companionable silence for a while, cocooned in the warmth of their shared purpose, the sounds of the street totally ignored.
Not too far away but in a totally different world, they came to the Apartments at CityCenterDC.
“So now we go from modest to extravagant. Here we have no expense spared to create a total city enclave, almost self-sustaining. There are restaurants, office buildings, condos and rental apartments, and a hotel. You could work and live in this complex and barely have to leave.”
“But exploring the city is my favorite thing to do. It seems a waste.”
“It does have its perks.” Ellison led her to the private pedestrian street that traversed the property. “See how the buildings are lower here? It’s to give the people walking more of an open feel. Windows are again a major source of light and views, though of course the apartments are much bigger.”
“I get all the features that they put into the space, but I still wouldn’t want to live here. It seems a bit sterile to me.”
“It’s interesting that the $1,325-a-month apartment building is way more captivating than this one. It shows that money isn’t the only consideration when creating a space.”
Teigen looked around for a moment. “There aren’t even a lot of people here. I guess I’m not the only one who’s unimpressed.”
“I wouldn’t go that far. The use of light and materials is well-thought out. Residents get a lot of space and luxury for their money.”
“I guess. But I’ll still take my little Cape Cod house in the burbs over this. It has more character.”
“That’s because you put the character into it.” Ellison put his arm around her and walked her back to the car.
“You don’t know what kind of character I’ve put into my place. You haven’t seen more than the doorway.”
Ellison backed her up against his car. “I hope I get to see more of it after I take you to dinner.” He pressed against her and kissed her with a promise of more to come.
She was willing to accept that promise. Hopefully, she wouldn’t disappoint him this time. “I’d be glad to give you a tour.”
“Good. Let’s get something to eat. What are you in the mood for?”
She thought about it for a moment, then remembered a trattoria she’d eaten in not too long ago. “How about Italian. There’s a great place not too far from me that I think you’ll like.”
“Sure, let’s go.”
* * *
Ellison
The restaurant Teigen recommended was excellent. They had a wonderful meal, but Ellison only allowed them one glass of wine. After the wonderful time they’d had together, he’d decided that if she was up to it, he wanted to be able to play when they got to her house, and too much wine would mess up his plans.