Looking up at the building I sighed and rang the bell. Thankful my baby was sound asleep in her stroller as this would take time and I needed to stay calm. I heard the sound of footsteps and the door opened. A older gentleman answered and said, "Maggie?"
Nodding I said, "Well Maggie and Chloe."
He smiled and said, "Welcome. I am Mr Klaus your Grandma's lawyer."
He came out and helped me lift the stroller inside. Pointing to the first door he said, "Let's go in here."
Looking past him I saw stacks of crates and boxes and he said, "You will understand soon I promise."
Looking around I found I was in a small apartment that had a few pieces of furniture and asked, "Mr. Klaus you said this was about my Grandma's estate?"
He pointed to the table and I sat down. He said, "Before we begin how are you doing? The last we spoke you and your husband were divorcing and you just had Chloe."
The tears fell down my cheeks as I said, "Not good, my ex took all the money and left Chloe and I with so little. I had to sell my mom's jewelry I didn't like to keep us going. I have to be out of my home in two weeks."
He handed me a tissue and took my hands as he said, "Maggie he didn't take everything from you. This building and all the contents are yours. This envelope will get you started."
Looking up I said, "I do not understand."
He smiled and said, "You own this building and everything inside of it. The envelope holds five thousand dollars and your Grandmother left you so much more in this building. Cash, jewelry and enough items to sell you can put you and Chloe through college. The apartment we are in is yours. It's not a huge place, so you will have to downsize, but we can get everything from your old house next week or sooner if you would like. I understand with the baby it can be hard to move."
"How big is this place," I asked.
He smiled and handed me a list that read.
Basement: Holds Laundry Room, twenty storage units that can convert to bunk rooms. Four bathrooms. Sitting area.
First floor- Maggie's Apartment, Store Front, Storage room for store, hall way, four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway, two sitting areas
Second floor- four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms
Third floor- four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms
Fourth floor- four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms
fifth floor four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms
Roof area- two bathrooms, covered roof greenhouse, covered glass atrium.
I read everything and said, "This is all mine?"
Nodding he said, "Yes it is. Will Chloe sleep for a few minutes?"
Nodding I said, "Yes."
"Good come across the hall with me," he said.
We walked across the hall and we were in a room with clothing racks, shelves and a counter with a glass case. The door led to a set of stairs, and I said, "A boutique."
He nodded and said, "Exactly. Now I understand you have three storage units with your parents belongings, is that correct?"
"Yes," I said. "I have to pay in two weeks or the place will take everything."
Leading me back to the apartment he said, There is room to place your parent's things and whatever you do not want to place into the apartment. We can move your parent's things to the building anytime. How soon can you pack things to move?"
"The things I wanted to keep are mostly packed. The stuff left I was going to sell." I said.
"Well, the furniture in here can be taken out if you want to bring your own things," he said. "Chloe's room is empty, so you can bring all her things. So what I would suggest place notes on all boxes that are to come into the apartment and which room. Everything else will be placed somewhere in the building."
Sitting on the couch, I said, "I can't believe this is happening."
He smiled and said, "It is and when you clear apartments you can rent them out. The stairwell is locked until you open up the upper floors. The electricity and water have $10000 credit on each and your TV, water and cable are also credited $4000 each. The only electric you pay for are the hallways, laundry room which all machines are pay to use. The information for the maintance company is in the file. You will get statements here starting next month. Each apartment the uttilies are off and there is only power in the hallway to save on the electric bill. But you can use an extension cord and a lamp to work on the apartments"
"Just before the cold weather hits," I said.
He nodded and said, "Each unit holds their own heat and ac units. Chloe will be warm, and they are electric. When you are ready to rent I will help you set up leases."
He handed me a massive keyring and a small set of keys. He said, "The big keyring is for every door in this place. I would suggest you leave that here. The rest are yours. The keys to your apartment and the doors to the stores inner and outer doors. Remember, you can have anything in here taken out but you can add as you sort as well. When can we get your parents things moved?"
"When can you someone to move that from the storage units and my house?" I asked.
"Now," he said.
Chloe slepted as I moved her from her stroller to the car seat, and Mr Klaus followed me to the storage units. All four were in a row and I handed him the keys. I told him to place the items throughout the building so I could have good surprises. He handed me two rolls of stickers. Red for boxes, furniture being put throughout the building and green for the items to go into the apartment with the name of the room. Thankfully besides the two bedrooms there was only a bathroom, laundry room and pantry, kitchen, office nook and living room, and shelves storage room. I headed home and nursed Chloe as I tagged the boxes and furniture that was ready.
When Chloe was fed, burped and changed I placed her in her swing and kept packing items. When the movers arrived with Mr. Klaus I told him the green were labeled but I would pack more when everyone left. He said he can come back to get everything else as soon as I called and I can go back to the building whenever I want as it is my home.
When they left and I looked around I realized there was not much left. The doorbell rang and when I opened it Chloe's dad was at the door. I shut the door and went to my purse closing it to make sure what little cash I did not put in my new bank account was hidden inside my purse. He rang the doorbell again and I answered it and said, "What Justin I am busy packing."
"I came to see what was left that I can take," he said.
"No," I said. "You were told to get everything by last week and most of the stuff has been moved to my new place. Visiting Chloe for the next year has to be at the visitation center. Now please leave I do not want to call the police I have a lot to do so I can get everything moved to my new home. I want to be settled before the end of the week. This stress is not good for Chloe or myself. You can communicate with me on the visitation and child support app."
He went to step in and I heard, "Now Justin do not give me a reason to use my new gun."
My best friend Sarah stood there with her hand in her sidearm. Justin looked at her called her a bitch and went to his car.
She walked in and said, "Pity. Now you better tell me what's going on."
As she lifted Chloe out of her swing to hold her we went to the kitchen and I told her about my day. When I was done she laid a sleeping Chloe in the bassinet and said, "Well I guess we have work to do. Let's pack the rest of the garage while she is sleeping then we will label the totes placing everything in the garage and out of this dump."
Looking in my freezer I pulled out a frozen pizza and smiling asked, "Hungry."
Smiling she said, "Like old times."
We spent the rest of the day packing and when we were done late that night I had everything packed, tagged and ready to be picked up the next morning. With three baskets with the stuff we would need for the next two days plus two baskets for the fridge and freezer for the next morning ready to be loaded I laid on the couch next to Chloe's bassinet ready to start our new life together.
The next morning Mr Klaus arrived with the movers and saw Chloe awake in her swing. He said, "If you want to go to the apartment complex, we can load everything up. We can check all rooms and closets before we leave and lock the doors behind us."
Sarah showed up and said, "No need to lock up, I am here to clean and meet the landlord with the keys. Maggie I will drop the security check to the bank and meet you at the new place to help unpack. Mr. Klaus I went to the building is there a dumpster for the building?"
"Yes," he said. "There is a recycling and trash chute at the side of the building in the stairwell. I will show Maggie when we get there. If the stairwell is blocked we will move the items. Safety first."
Hugging Sarah I said, "I have a order to pick up for pricing supplies and a Walmart order ready to be picked up for the new place I will see you both there."
Picking up both orders took less then ten minutes. Pulling up to the front of the building I took a sleeping Chloe and placed her in her crib the moving crew placed in her room. It took me ten minutes to bring everything in and while she slept I started to put everything away. I had just put all the food I brought in and made my bed when I heard Mr Klaus come into the apartment.
He said, "Sarah was almost done cleaning the upstairs when we left the old place. She should be here soon enough. The stairwell was blocked so you will see the door now so you can do recycling and garbage runs without going outside."
The men were bringing boxes into the apartment when a young man came out saying, "Your little one is in her crib talking to herself."
Laughing I said, "She does that. She is probably hungry so I will get out of the way and feed her."
Mr. Klaus said, "I will find you when we are done and I will make sure all the stairwell doors are clear."
Picking up Chloe I changed her and nursed her in her room. When she was burped and happy I put her in her swing with some toys to play with while I started to unpack the kitchen. When I emptied some boxes I took them to the stairwell and followed the instructions. Place the boxes in and shut the hatch. I read as long as there is no movement after items are added they will be crushed in ten minutes. The garbage had the same instructions.
After thirty minutes Mr. Klaus came in and said, "Well everything is in the building and ready to go. Is there anything else I can do for you?"
"Where can I get inspection reports for the sprinkler system and elevator?" I asked. "I know the elevator is for items only but I want to make sure."
"It is in the built in filing cabinet in the office nook," He said. "Everything is labeled."
Chloe started to get fussy and I said, "Thank you I will look and call you if I have more questions."
As I walked him out Sarah came to the door and said, "She is calling my name."
Going inside I heard her say, "Lord child what did you eat."
Mr Klaus left and I locked the front door to the building going back to the apartment. Sarah grabbed a pumped bottle from the fridge and was heating it up for Chloe as I moved the seasonal totes to the hallway. I continued to unpack and when Sarah finished feeding Chloe she laid her in her bassinet.
For the rest of the day we added boxes to the hallway that I needed to sort and finished unpacking the apartment. By the time she left that night we had unpacked or moved everything else, hanging pictures and decor. When I walked her to the door she hugged me and said, "Take the next few days and relax, then start to work on this place. You have money and a way to make more. Be a new Mom."
Sitting at my kitchen table I thought about what got me here. I thought things were good with Justin and I and when I was five months pregnant I found out he was having an affair. With Sarah in the kitchen I confronted him in the living room. He started to scream and yell saying it was my fault because I was fat. I said I was pregnant not fat. He slapped me hard and Sarah came running out of the kitchen. She pushed him away and got between us. He went to lunge at me and she dropped him fast. He looked at me and threw divorce papers at me saying I was replaced. He went to our room and packed a bag and left.
I went to our joint checking account and paid the next six months of bills transferring a few thousand to my personal checking account. Sarah watched what I did and stayed with me. The next morning Justin called and said he took all but $2000 that was in the account. I transferred the rest to my personal account and closed the account. I had a buffer till Chloe was two months old. During the divorce the judge set child support and Justin refused to pay even after I got enforcement involved. He has yet to meet Chloe.
This building was now my job and our future. Justin will be pissed when he finds out but now I have leverage. Since the apartment was unpacked I decided the first area to be worked on the first floor will be the hallways.
Setting up the baby monitor I went into the hallway and opened the first box. Inside was formal gowns. I ran into the apartment and grabbed my tablet. Looking up the brands I started to price the gowns hanging them on the back wall clothing racks.
My phone rang, not recognizing the number I said, "Hello?"
"Where did you move to?" Justin said.
Sighing I said, "That is not your concern. You will never be welcome where I live."
"Well Mom said I should go for joint custody of Chloe," he said.
"Did she now?" I said. "Does she know her sweet boy hit his pregnant ex wife and petitioned the court to give up custody and you were granted that. Did the judge not tell you once you did it there was no going back and that the child support was only for the first few years and if you passed the assessment you could see her at the visitation center due to your anger and abuse?"
"Maggie," he said. "I will have you evicted and you will lose this new job."
"I doubt that Justin," I said.
"Oh how sure are you," he said.
"Because I own my home and I own my own business," I said. "I also found out 2 days ago about everything so guess what Justin you cannot touch any of it."
"You will regret this Maggie," He said.
"No but you will," I said. "The only thing I do not regret about our marriage is Chloe."
Hanging up the phone I laughed and said to myself, "Get your shit together Maggie. He cannot hurt you now."
I continued to go through items in the hallway pricing and putting them in the boutique. When Chloe woke up for her last feed of the day I bathed her and got her ready for snuggles. I worked on my laptop making a coming soon sign for the boutique. I also created a Facebook page for the boutique and apartments with the words coming soon in the banner.
I decided I will be a family oriented, elderly and single Mom apartment complex. I wanted to make sure that was legal and I called Mr. Klaus. He picked up right away and asked, "Maggie is everything alright?"
"Yes it is," I said. " I have two questions for you."
"Of course Maggie," He said. "What can I answer for you."
"Can I pick and choose who I allow to live in the apartment building?" I asked. "I was thinking Single Mom or Dads, Elderly and young families. I was concerned about the legality of picking and choosing. I am not worried about subsidies I will do my own rent control. I was blessed with this building and its contents, I want to share the blessings."
"That is a amazing thing to do Maggie," He said. "When you are ready I will help you make up the leases. You never know one day I may just move there myself. What is the second question?"
"Justin called me from a new number," I said. "He is threatening to try and get joint custody of Chloe."
He sighed and said, "I will pull the divorce decree and see what I can do. After you left I spoke with Sarah and she told me what happened and how he was after the first incident. He will not get his hands on Chloe if I have anything to do with it."
"Thank you," I said.
"Get some rest Maggie and we will speak soon" he said.
When we hung up I gave Chloe her last meal and rocked her to sleep. When she was asleep I took a shower and went out to the kitchen to make myself a late dinner. I ate while I relaxed and watched some travel videos. Thinking about it I thought that after I sell some things, I can get Chloe her passport and then Sarah, Chloe and I can do trips over the Maine Canada Border. The future seems to be stretching in front of us and I cannot wait for all of our adventures.
The rest of the week I started a new routine with Chloe and by the end of the week Chloe was playing with her toys in the hallway as I sorted everything and filled the boutique. On Thursday when Sarah came over for dinner she was impressed with how much I completed.
She asked, "When are you going to have the first sale in the boutique?"
"I am going to start doing appointment only sales a few days a week starting next week," I said. "With Chloe being so little I do not want to bring in to many people."
"Smart," She said. "Well if there is anything I can do let me know."
"Just continue being you," I said. "Are you alright? You seem like you have something on your mind."
"Mike and I are having issues," She said. "He thinks I have been to judgemental on Justin. When I told him what happened to you he said that is only a rumor and he knows Justin did not do anything to you."
Standing up, I grabbed the baby monitor I said, "Come on."
She gave me a look and asked, "Where are we going?"
Opening the door to the store room I said, "We are emptying this store room out and stuffing the hallway the best we can. We need to leave three feet free. Then we are going to go in that door next to it. Its a one bedroom apartment and we are going to get everything out of there as well."
"Why are we doing that?" She asked.
"Because I know you," I said. "Mike and you will not be back together long and you are not going back to your mom's. I also know that he never added you to the lease even though you pay for everything. Mr. Klaus will make a new lease and you can move in as soon as we can clear it out."
"Just like that?" She asked.
"Yes just like that," I said.
For the next four hours, we stacked the boxes as high as possible down the hallway on multiple floors. When we finished what we were doing the apartment had been cleared and Sarah went in and cleaned it top to bottom. She looked at the hallway and said, "I cannot believe we emptied the apartment."
"I know it is a small apartment but it will do for you with your work schedule and business trips," I said. "Besides, knowing you, you will visit me more often than not or doing stuff outside the building."
She laughed and said, "I think it is time for me to finally focus on me and not a man in my life. Besides I like this apartment it has wonderful lighting in the bedroom and once we get the building in shape I am sure we will start making many things. Besides I think the storage cabinets will be the perfect spot to put my art and crafts."
"How are you going to handle the move?" I asked.
"Oh, easy, Mike is going to be going on a trip with the guys in two weeks," She said. "Our work schedule is the opposite of each other. So what I am going to do is say I am spring cleaning. I will be giving you boxes of stuff full of things that I am not leaving for him to sell. When I move out, I will be leaving with the items I bought have purchased when we lived with each other. Including furniture."
We walked into my apartment and I checked on Chloe who was sound asleep. When I came back to the living room, I went to the desk and pulled out the box of keys. I took the keys to Sarah's new apartment out and handed her the front door key and the apartment key. Picking up my phone I called Mr. Klaus and when he picked up he asked, "Maggie is everything alright."
"Yes it is," I said. "I have my first tenant and I know we do not have a lease yet but could you send her a letter she can take to the electric and water company so they can turn them on. I sent you a text with her email address."
"I sure can," He said. "Since you are allowing tenants as you go. When you get the two-bedroom apartment next to her cleaned out I will be next on your tenant list. I will bring a lease by tomorrow for Sarah to have you sign and a few more so you have them ready. Tell her to expect a email from me in teh enxt hour. Expect me around eleven in the morning before I go to court for one."
"Thank you," I said. Hanging up the phone I chuckled and said, "Looks like we will have another person in the building when I can get the two bedroom apartment next to yours emptied out as well. I guess I will be working to get everything done in the front hall so we can clear his apartment next. He is emailing you a letter to take to the electric and water company."
She smiled and said, "Well how much more do you need to fill in the store?"
"Not much," I said. "With the store room emptied now, I can definitely get my sorting on."
"Well I am sure little miss will be up in a bit for a feed," Sarah said. "I am going to get some boxes and put the back seat down in my SUV. I do not have to be to work until noon so I will see you in the morning. He is going to think I am purging so much."
Hugging her I said, "Good luck."
Grabbing my laptop I sat down and opened up the business page. I saw a lot of private messages and decided Wenesday would be our first by appointment only sales. I responded to everyone saying that we would be accepting appointments on the first come first serve basis until I officially open. Also all sales are cash only and we do not hold any items."
Looking at the calander I saw that it was Saturday March first. Smiling I said, "What a great date to start a new beginning."
Wide awake I took the monitor with me and walked into the hallway. Starting on the side next to Sarahs new apartment I spent another hour sorting and pricing items. Keeping older boxes and crates to organize items not going into the store immediately. I heard Chloe start to whimper and spent the rest of the night relaxing and being a new mom.
*******************************************************************************
I woke up before Chloe started to rise and made myself a cup of tea. Opening my laptop, I ordered some more pricing supplies and bags to put people's purchases in. Going to the busines page on facebook I set up appointments for Wednesday. When I filled what I thought was enough appointments I responded to all people and stated we could now do appointments on Friday. As I responded to the last email Chloe woke up and we got our day started. After we ate our breakfast and I cleaned our home, we started with our new routine. Pulling her swing to the hallway, I put her in and started to work. I was working for about an hour when I heard a knock at the door.
Opening the door the delivery man with our supplies arrived. Thanking him I opened the boxes I placed all the supplies in the store while Chloe played in her swing. As I was coming back from taking the extra boxes to the recycle bin and garbage I heard the front door open and Sarah's voice say, "Well, I think you are the best door gal ever. Where is your Mana I see she has been working in the hall today."
"She is the best helper ever," I said. "Did Mike believe you when you said you were purging the house and spring cleaning?"
She laughed and said, "Yes, he even said he was going to clean out his stuff and give me a charity donation pile before he leaves at the end of next week. I am not changing my mind though because as I was cleaning out the closet in the guest bedroom Justin was over gaming and all they were doing was bitching about you. Be ready I have a pile of stuff that I am giving you for the store."
Pointing to the pile I was sorting I said, "Place it there. I already have wednesday full with appointments for the store. I am thinking when Chloe goes to sleep I will end up finishing filling the store. I am really excited. Everything else will be going into the store room. Do you need help?"
"Nope but I do have something for you," She said as she went outside.
I continued to work and when sarah came in I asked, "What are those?"
"These are room dividers we had in the garage," She said. "People do not need to know what is behind them. I figured you could use them to hide the boxes for the most part and keep the open areas calm from the boxes."
Setting them up behind the stack of boxes I was working on and it did make the hallway look better. She brought in a few side tables and a bookcase. Smiling she said, "He wants Justin and his girlfriend to move in after their trip. I was told to clear the bedroom. I hope they do not think they will be living off me."
She came in again with clothes and said, "He thinks I am updating my wardrobe. Not at all, I am purging because I do not need the girlfriend's clothes. So you know Justin is going to try to get Chloe. They didn't know I was eavesdropping. I recorded it on my phone, so you have evidence."
Mr. Klaus said, "Sarah send that to me, please. I will be handling the case."
Turning around, I said, "You are early."
He laughed and said, "Check your watch. I have the contracts, and all you do is fill in the prices and name. Basically, I put in all the rules you will need."
Sarah was dragging in her spare bedframe and said, "I will swing by later to sign my lease and pay my first month's rent. How much?"
Looking at her, I said, "No deposit and five hundred a month. I know your dream is to buy a colonial home eventually, so this will give you a chance to start saving since you couldn't when you were with Mike."
Her phone rang and she answered, "Hey Mike, whats up?"
"Oh you are going to go for a extra week and are leaving on Friday?" She said. "Of course I am okay with you taking a three-week vacation. Oh, Justin's girlfriend is going now as well. Well, I hope you have fun. I will be home purging the house and working."
I tried not to laugh as she hung up and called someone else. She smiled and said, "Hey boss man I need a favor."
Mr. Klaus and I listened to her lay everything out to her boss and ask for time off starting on Saturday so she can officially move and leave Justin. She smiled and said, "Thanks Max you are the best and I am hoping to have a lot packed and moved before then, but I know he is going with some chick and she can have him as I am no longer his personal ATM."
She walked over to the swing and said, "Chloe Aunt Sarah will be your neighbor sooner. Okay you all I will see you later I have to head to work now that the SUV is empty. Maggie I love how you set up the dividers and have the door to Mr. Klaus apartment on the area you are working on."
Sarah locked the door to her apartment and ten the main door to the apartmnts as she left. Mr. Klaus smiled and said, "If she ever needs a new job I would hire her in a heartbeat. As my dear wife would have said, She has amazing energy."
Looking up from Chloe i responded, "She has always been like that since we were kids. She was raised by her Grandma and Grandpa. Her Grandpa was an amazing man who lived for her and Grams. When he passed Sarah was the one who found him and she swore to live up to his legacy or love and kindness."
He smiled and said, "Well I think this will be a great arrangement. How is the great purge going?"
Laughing I said, "Not to bad. I finished the stock room. Sarah's apartment was cleaned out and er moved everything to other areas in the building. Then I will be cleaning out from apartment to apartment. But I do have my first sale in the store coming up. I know I do not need the money, but I do not want to use that money unless I do not have to. I am moving a lot of the inheritance into a savings account. I do need to set up a will in case something happens to me. I want Chloe to go to Sarah. Justin would throw her to his mom, and I fear for her safety."
He said, "I can get that started for you."
Chloe started to get fussy and rub her eyes. Mr.Klaus said, "Someone is ready for nap time already. I will let you be a mom I left everything on the table and there are plenty of copies of leases. If you have any questions let me know. I have my an appointment with my realtor Dan today. I will also be dropping you off a bunch of boxes and for your store. I and going from a thirty room house to the apartment. My dear wifes spirit would come after me if I did not donate things to you instead of a charity shop."
I laughed and said, "Well you will be able to start moving in about two weeks."
As I picked Chloe up He smiled and said, "It will be a good change. My Betty passed away five years ago and nothing has changed since she passed. I have all her things still as she left it."
Putting my hand on his arm I said, "Take your time. Know she would not be mad when you move on."
He nodded, "I know and after the house sells I am going to take trips all over the world where she wanted to go and we could not get to. I took a few of them already but I will be semi retired once the house sells. Maybe Sarah and you will find treasures when I bring over our belongings my Betty loved fashion and vintage."
As he left Chloe and I went into the apartment. Sitting down I nursed her and when she fell asleep milk drunk I laid her in her bed. Grabbing the baby monitor I went to work in the hall. I spent the whole time Chloe was sleeping finishing everything in the hallway. When I was done I took the priced items and finished stocking the store. Opening the stock room I opened the door to Mr. Klaus apartment and started to sort the boxes.
While I was sorting Sarah came in. She said, "Maggie I have a problem."
Looking at her I asked, "Well Sarah what is the issue?"
"Justin tried to have someone get into Grams and Gramps storage units to take things." She said. "Thankfully I was going down to start sorting them."
"What?" I said. "Did you call him?"
"I did," She said. "He said he needs those units."
"Okay," I said. "Listen you said a lot of that you were selling right?"
"Yeah," She said. "I have to sort it, though."
"Call him and tell him all those units are going to be cleared out while he is gone," I said. "Tell him you want to sort through the valuable items and when your done you call sell them for you guys to have extra money. He will take the bait. What you want to keep you can get it inside the apartment and what you do not want bring it here."
She nodded and called him, "Hey justin baby. Listen I am sorry I freaked when you were going to just have the guy take the items. The reason is because there are valuable items in there and I was going to suprise you and sort through all those units while you were gone and sell off the items for a large chunk of money for us."
He said something and she replied, "Of course. When your gone and i get the stuff sold that should be possible. I have a guy who has a store and I want to get the most bang for our buck."
He said something else and she gave a smirk and replied, "Of course I will find the time. What else am I going to do while your gone. Listen I am stopping for extra boxes on the way home so why don't you order a pizza for dinner and video game all night. That way I can sort the storage units. By the time you get home your going to be amazed on all the changes the apartment has."
She listened for a few minutes and choked out, "Love you to."
She hund up and said, "As soon as I gave him the line free money he was all over it. He thinks I am going to give him money while he is gone. What he does not know is that the money in what he thinks is my only checking account is all I have. What he doesn't know my paycheck is going into a seperate account and I only placed two hundred in this past paycheck. He only looks at the balance and thinks I paid all the bills already. I paid the rent with the money he put in there. That was it. But now that that is handles do you have any empty boxes?"
I pointed to the stock room and She went in and said, "Be prepared I will be loading up a bunch of items tonight and will drop them off to you later. I want nothing from you for the stuff. My grandparents would have loved Chloe and consider it them spoiling her. Besides you are letting me live here for a fraction of the price."
Putting up my hands I said, "I will not argue. Mr. Klaus was saying that he is doing the same thing. Apparently he has a thirty room house going onto the market and all of his wife Bettys things are in there. He said we will love the clothes."
She laughed and said, "Oh dear vintage we will be adding to our closet. But let me head out. If you are settled for the night where do you want my items for the store?"
"Place then in the hallway," I said. "I will price them and add them to the stock room. The store is full for the first day of sales."
"Good thing I told Justin I was off tomorrow," She said. "I will be getting through so much in the storage units tomorrow. Be ready to price everything. It is a good thing you're doing appointments now. But maybe later on you can set up morning store hours a few days a week."
"I am thinking about it," I said. "I am thinking Monday to Thursday, nine till noon. But I want to get the stock room packed first."
"Good idea," She said. "I am taking your boxes and will bring them back when they are full."
I waved and continued to sort Mr. Klaus apartment. When Chloe woke up I fed her and we started tummy time. I took some pictures of her and said, "Oh Chloe just you wait. We will have neighbors soon and will be visiting in the common rooms."
After a while I decided it was a beautiful day for a walk and I took Chloe to explore our neighborhood. A block away I found a beautiful park and we walked to where there was a pond and CHloe loved watching the ducks. I stopped for a ice coffee from a stand in the park and the owners a lovely couple greeted me.
The wife asked, "Are you from around here?"
"I moved her last week," i said. "I own the apartment complex down the road. The one with the attached boutique."
She smiled and said, "We saw that someone moved in. I cannot wait to see what you have."
"Well," I said. "My Grandma left me so many items.Except for the one rented apartment and my apartment everything else is filled to the brim and it will all be for sale. I have a stock room that is filling up nicely."
Her husband asked, "With a newborn? Where do you find the time?"
"Thankfully she is a napper still," I said. "But she loves her swing and playpen. Normally I would be sorting and pricing now, however who could miss out on a walk on a beautiful day like today? Besides Chloe is in love with the ducks."
The wife put out her hand and said, "I am Vena and my husband is Marvin. We hope you will visit us soon. Also on Saturday mornings they have a farmers market here and it is always fun."
Checking on CHloe I saw her rubbing her eyes and said, "Oh that sounds lovely. We will swing by on Saturday morning and say hello."
Vena smiled at Chloe and said, "Oh she will be asleep by the time you get home. You will have time to do things."
We said our farewells and when I got back I saw a stack of boxes along the wall. Looking at Chloe she was sound asleep and said, "Mrs. Vena was right."
I heard, "Who is Mrs. Vena."
Looking up Sarah came out of her apartment and I said, "She is a lovely woman who owns a coffee stall at the park two blocks down. Her and her husband are wonderful and she told me on Saturday morning they have a woderful farmers market."
She smiled and said, "I am so glad you could explore. That is why I love that you have this. Your schedule is open and free. Now how did Chloe like the park."
I smiled and said, "Oh she loved it. She also was fascinated with the ducks in the pond."
She smiled and said, "That is our girl!"
"How did the sorting of the storage unit go?"
She said, "It went great. I found Grandma's favorite dishes as a kid. Since my utilities are on now I washed them and they are drying on the rack now. But I feel like I barely made a dent. I took more empty boxes."
Grabbing my basket of tags and stickers, I said, "Well while little miss sleeps I am gonna price and sort these items. But I did finish stocking the store and have time between each customer appointment to restock. I am now adding to the stock room."
She locked her apartment and said, "I am sure I will see you later today if you're out here. I am back to work on the storage units again. Justin thinks I took a few days off, except for meetigs to get the cleaning and purging done."
I watched her leave and lock the front door as she left. I worked for two hours while Chloe napped and finished the boxes Sarah left. Going into Mr. Klaus apartment I cotinued on and found boxes of books. I sat pricing them as Sarah came back with another car load. She seemed happier then when she left and I asked, "You seem very happy?"
She said, "I am. I am making a big dent now. I think we are gonna move this divider and hide all these boxes while you are working on Mr. Klauses apartment. There are enough dividers to hide all of this."
I moved the divider and she went down the hall and turned. She came back and asked, "Can we block the hall?"
"Yes we can," I said. "Just not the fire exits."
I heard, "That is correct."
Turning to see Mr. Klaus was standing there and said, "I have a truck full of boxes. My realtor has shown my house twice since I signed the contract and I may have buyers."
"You may need to start moving in sooner?" I asked.
"Possibly," He said.
"This load is everything I found for you so far," He said. "I will tell you it is going to be a lot."
I nodded and said, "I got you covered. Give me a few days."
He went in the direction Sarah had come from and dropped off all his boxes. He gave a wave and left when he was done. Sarah said, "I will stay and help with the baby when she gets up. You continue to sort and price. I am going to take boxes on the hand cart and move then to the open areas in the back hall way. Did you notice he seemed relieved?"
"I did," I said. "You sure you are okay with helping for a while?"
"Justin is there at the moment," She said. "They are being very secretive. I over heard his girlfriend wants to play mommy to his kid and her friend cannot wait to meet Justin."
As I priced she moved a lot out of the apartment and Mr. Klaus came one more time with more items. He saw Sarah moving boxes out and he asked, "What is going on?"
Sarah said, "Giving you a way to move the items in faster. But we are only doing this for a while as I am in a meeting right now. Chloe is still pricing so she has stock during her sales on Wednesday and Friday."
He said, "Thank you."
"You are welcome," I said. "Your part of the family now. After you move in there may be a slow down on sorting. On Thursday I have to take Chloe to her three month pediactric appointment."
She said, "Is the laundry room open?"
"I am going to get two washers and dryers cleared out later today," I said. "I am in need of doing laundry."
Sarah said, "Well Chloe is up and I am going to change her. Why don't you go check as Mr. Klaus has a front door key and you can get some laudry started. Us three here only need to get into the room to wash laundry."
I went down to the basement and saw the laundry room path was cleared. I moved some boxes around and there was plenty of room in front of three washer and dryers. Coming back up Mr. Klaus was playing with Chloe in the apartment and he said, "Sarah was going to move the playpen when you came back up. The key to the change bins is on your small key ring. Check the machines as I believe there is change in them. Sarah had to go by the way she grabbed boxes and dashed. Her boyfriend was looking for her. She said when she gets another car load she will be back and will move a few carts from the apartment."
Looking at the clock I said, "Well, little one needs some dinner first. But we will be working for a little bit longer tonight."
"Well," He said. "Us older people are going home cooking dinner and going to bed. I am sure I will see you tomorrow."
I laughed as he left and scooped CHloe up to nurse her. She ate and I answered Sarahs phone call. She was laughing when I answered and said, "He was shocked my meeting ran long. I am in the storage unit again sorting out. It is a three person game up there. Justin's girlfriend is almost a child. She was cooing she could not wait to meet Chloe. I told them that will not be happening and Mike told justin wait till we get back and I will convince her."
"Lord he is balsy," I said. "The laundry room has three apartment sets ready to go."
"Well," I said. "Now I can do laundry tomorrow. I am gonna sort for a while longer."
She said, "I will get us some mexican and will see you soon. When I said I was going to run into the office for a while so I get a big bonus Mikes eyes lit up. He whispered to Justin, More money I can pocket."
"See you soon," I said. I gave Chloe a quick bath and was reading her a book when I heard Sarah come in. She walked in and placed the food on the counter. She opened her apartment and I heard her bring boxes in and then lock the front door. Chloe was dozing off when Sarah came in. I placed her i her crib and came out as Sarah was placing the food on the table.
"She is such an easy baby," I said. "She will be a very unhappy baby thursday."
"Shots?" She asked.
"Yes," I said. "Thank you for dinner."
"Your welcome," She said. "We can probably get a lot priced and moved before Chloe gets up for her last feed."
We ate dinner and I put the lights on in the hallway. Placing the monitor on the floor I started pricing and Sarah started moving everything out of the apartment. Sarah almomst emptied the apartment of all boxes when he phone went off. She answered it and said, "Hey baby I will be heading home in about thirty minutes. I got almost all of the files done for this special project. Have you started packing? Your going to stay at Justins tomorrow night to get a early start on Friday? No I am not mad at all. I completely understand. I will see you when I get home if you are still up."
She laughed as she hung up and said, "Thank heavens peace."
After another thirty minutes she finished clearning out the apartment. Then we swept and cleaned everything making it ready for Mr. Klaus to move in. When we were done she said, "I will be doing double time in the storage units tomorrow. I am hoping to get them done by Friday afternoon."
"When do you plan on being out of there?" I asked.
"Hopefully Friday of next week," She said. "But we have a date Saturday morning for that farmers market. I am hoping to start living here by next week. My mail has already been transferred here. I also updated all the addresses I needed."
"Well then Saturday is a Date," I said. "My first appointment is at ten tomorrow. I am sure I will see you soon."
Sarah left and I went in to check on CHloe. She was in her crib cooing and I picked her up. After changing her diaper we cuddled in the rocker and I fed her. When she was done I went to take a shower and climbed into bed. I started thinking about Sarah's situation and mine. Thinking about our future I hoped that we both one day find the love of our lives. Falling asleep to the rain that started to fall I fell asleep.
************************************************************************
I woke up before Chloe and got dressed. Heating up the left overs from the night before I went into a happy giggling baby. Picking her up I said, "Hello sweet girl. Let us get you ready for the day and fed. Today we open our store and will have good things starting."
Changing Chloe and getting her dressed we sat at the table and I fed her as I ate my food. When we were done I placed her in her baby wear and we cleaned up the house. I ran laundry down to the washer and started a few loads. Checking the change buckets I found them loaded with quarters and placed them in a bucket that was there. While they were washing I checked the clock and we had thirty minutes. I opened the door to the boutique and placed a sign on that had the door appointment only and the facebook page for the store. We ran downstairs and switched the laundry to the dryer and went upstairs to meet the first buyer.
Wearing Chloe I puttered around the store and the first buyer, a woman named Rebecca arrived and she looked around the store after I let her in. She asked, "How will I know the prices?"
"There are prices on the items," I said. "They are not negotiable."
"Everything is negotiable," She said.
"Not here," I said. "Listen this store is my business. Would you go to any other store and ask for a discount or try to negotiate at Macy's."
"No," SHe said. "But most yard sales--"
"Business," I interupted. "This is a permanant store. Until my daughter is older I will be doing sales by appointment only."
"I see," She said.
"But please," I said. "Feel free to shop and anything you would like to purchase you can bring to the counter."
She walked around and I brought a box from the hallway and placed it on a chair. Chloe was asleep in her sling as I priced and placed the items into a new crate. I kept an eye on Rebecca as she shopped and she would bring items to the counter once in a while. I let her know when the appointment was almost finished and she came up and said, "Most stores allow people to shop as long as they want."
"That is true," I said. "However, I made it clear the appointment would only be for an hour as I have other appointments and a baby to take care of."
"Well," She said, "This is all I want today."
I rang up her order and said, "Your total is seventy four dollars even."
She took out the cash and said, "Most stores also accept cards."
Smiling I handed her her change and her bag saying, "Before I had Chloe I worked in the financial fraud department at a local bank. The amount of transactions people tried to reverse to get money back from small businesses was deplorable. I will be a cash only store due to that."
She took her bag and I let her out of the store. Since my next appointment was not for an hour I moved a few more boxes to behind the counter and placed the box I had went through in the stock room. That was my routine for the rest of the day. When my last appointment left at five that night I placed Chloe in her playpen, locked all the locks to the stores front door and counted the till back to twenty dollars in ones and fives. Leaving the silver alone. When I was done I counted the cash and smiled as I had made five hundred and fifty dollars. I took that money and picked Chloe up walking into my apartment. Opening the locked drawer in the desk I placed four hundred in the lock box I had placed behind the important papers and placed the rest in my wallet. I grabbed the ledger I had in the drawer and notated what I made, what I saved and what I had kept.
Cuddling Chloe in the office chair I said, "It looks like things will be fine Chloe."
"I have been telling you that since you booted that asshole," Sarah said from the door. "I am sure Mr. Klaus would agree with me to once he gets in here. He has a full van full Maggie. Where do you want my things I am giving to you?"
Mr Klaus popped his head in and said, "Sarah dear you took the words right out of my mouth."
"Behind the screen," I said. "I will move boxes to the store to sort as I have the appointments. If not I have already started to move things to the stock room once they are priced."
Walking to the door to my apartment I saw both their doors were open and I said, "You have both been busy."
Mr. Klaus chuckled and said, "Well after i met a client today I was inspired and started to get everything in the guest rooms done. Does the storage room have room for furniture dear?"
"Yes there is plenty of room," I said. "That storage room is bigger than it looks."
"Good," He laughed. "If i cannot sell some of the larger pieces they will be coming here to you."
Sarah laughed and said, "Same."
We all chuckled. Mr. Klaus said, "Well I am glad we are on the same page."
Chloe let out a huge yawn. I said, "I will be back soon. Little Miss needs a bit of dinner and sleep. Have fun bringing everything in. Everything you are not keeping in the main hallway."
Going back in the apartment I washed and changed Chloe and put her in her pajamas. Sitting down to nurse her she rubbed her eyes and slowly fell asleep. Once she was asleep I laid her in her bed and grabbed her monitor. Walking into the hall I noticed that the screen was moved forward. I poked my head in Sarah's apartment and she said, "I am almost done with two of the storage units."
"Good," I said. "Is Mike at Justin's tonight?"
"Oh yeah," She said. "He took my old bank account card in case of an emergency. I told him the card needed to be reactivated and to give me till Tuesday. I swear I saw dollar signs in his eyes."
Laughing I said, "I bet he thinks you are funding this trip. Isn't he in for a suprise."
She started to laugh and said, "Well when he left I noticed in his carry bag he had a bunch of condoms. So I know this is the right thing to do. So I will be back and forth all week. I have some furniture in the first storage unit I have a shop coming to look at tomorrow afternoon. If they do not buy it then I will be dumping it on you. He is going to be shocked to an almost empty apartment."
Her phone rang and she put her finger to her lips. Answering she said, "Hey Mike I thought you were going to bed early to leave early?"
"No I said I had to get that card reactivated and it could take till Tuesday remember?" She said. "Bank protocals and such as I do not have much in it at the moment and the cards have been not been used."
She listened for a moment and said, "Well tell Justin that the account has a lot of security features to protect against fraud. That is why it takes so long."
She listened again and said, "I will cash app you two hundred now, however, I just paid bills so that is all I have available at the moment. All my other accounts are only accessible at the bank."
She took her phone and cash apped him two hundred. She smiled and said, "Okay Mike you should have it. I had to run to work so I need to get off the call as boss is still around. See you in three weeks."
Hanging up she sighed and said, "God he is pathetic. I should have ended our relationship a lot sooner than this."
"If you did you would not be able to save money," I said. "But now you get to save money and get that house or cabin you always wanted."
She smiled and said, "Look at you as well. Divorced from that shithead and own a apartment complex and store. You and Chloe are going to have an amazing future."
Smiling I said, "Once your settled we should go away for the weekend."
She said, "That sounds amazing. Do you have any idea of where you would like to go?"
"No not yet," I said. "I do want to get Chloe a passport so we can go anywhere but we will see what I can legally do."
She said, "If he tries to stop it we can go all over the United States. She is going to be the best traveled baby ever."
She yawned and said, "I am going to get back to the other place and get some more done before it gets to late. I will see you soon. As I walked her out Mr. Klaus came out and locked his apartment as well."
"Well Maggie," He said. "I have a furniture man coming tomorrow and if they do not buy anything I will be having my moving people bring what I have already decided not to keep and what I am keeping. I will see you girls tomorrow."
They left and I moved eight boxes behind the counter from Mr. Klaus to price during appointments and set a timer for one hour. I started pricing what was in the hallway and moved the full boxes to the storage rooms. I am thinking the store and the storage rooms were once an apartment as the storage area was huge. I left the back area for furniture and continued on. When my timer went off, I took a shower and got ready for Chloes night feed. After I fed Chloe again I went to my room and started to watch the television. Soon enough I feel asleep.
The rest of the week we fell into a normal routine. Customers coming for appointments, visiting with Sarah and Mr. Klaus while they moved in, and Chloes doctor appointment. On Friday as I finished with the last appointment of the day I placed Chloe into her playpen and was sorting more of the hallway. Sarah came in with a huge smile. She picked Chloe up and said, "You have to be a good egg for a bit as Aunti is going to annoy your Mommy and move in a bunch of things for her to sell and into my apartment."
Looking up I said, "Almost done?"
She gave me a wicked grin and said, "I finished the last storage unit last night and when I get home after I unpack I am going to get the apartment done faster than lightning. I have a bunch of stuff for you as I decided that it is going to be a truly fresh start."
Mr Klaus cleared his throat from the doorway and said, "Oh boy I gues we had the same thought. Maggie darling I put stickers on the furniture to what it is worth. So you can use that when you move it to the store."
Nodding I said, "Have them place it in the room as stacked as possible. I can stack boxes on everything if need be."
As they moved everything in I continued to price and add things to the storage room. My pricing while people shop has helped me keep the store stocked. I had adjusted hours a bit for appointments so I could work on the building a bit more. I was lost in my thoughts when Mr. Klaus cleared his throat.
"Maggie dear," He said. "I know you were trying to finish the first hall way but I will be working on the house a lot more in the next week. I had a offer on the house and I accepted. So I have to get it ready for the sale faster."
"So let me guess," I joked. "The twelve feet I cleared will be filled back up except for the furniture."
"Pretty much," He said. "That won't be a problem will it?"
"Not at all," I said. "Like usual I ask please make sure the furniture is empty and I will leave the empty boxes in the hallway by the main door for you. Let me know if you need any help. Also the store hours have changed. I have made good money but I want to work on the building a bit more and maybe start clearing out the two studios and a few more apartments."
"Understandable," He said. "I am sure you want to get things done and still be a Mom."
Sarah came in and said, "Remember Chloe we have the farmers market tomorrow morning. I think that we will have a fun time. Mr. Klaus I wish you a speedy sale and a great time reminising. Your wife would want you happy. Chloe I added my boxes and I put the furniture in the store room already. It was smaller tables and I put prices on them as well. I am going to bust my butt and I may just stay in my place here tonight."
She bent down and tapped Chloes nose saying, "Auntie will be back soon. Be a good girl and when you get older you can have sleep overs away from Mommy when you no longer need the boob."
She left and I continued on. Both Sarah and Mr. Klaus was back and forth all day. When it was time to settle Chloe for the night I had made good progress even with everything they kept adding. Around ten that night I heard Sarah come in with another load and I poked my head out. She said, "I am so sorry did I wake you?"
"Not at all," I said. "Chloe just had her last feed. Are you staying tonight?"
"Yes I am," She said. "I will be done with t he apartment by tomorrow night if I go back there after the farmers market and continue on."
"Are you okay?" I asked.
"More then okay," She said. "When I was cleaning out the office I found he had a black book and tons of girls numbers. I am glad that after I move in I do not have to pretend anymore."
"I will watch the door while you bring everything in," I said. "Then we can lock up and head to sleep."
While Sarah moved in boxes and placed furniture in the store room I priced a few things in the hallway on the small table I had. When she was done she locked the door behind her and said, "We should see about adding a automatic lock on the inside that will lock unless you have a key. They have ones that will hook up to the handle of the door and lock it every time you shut it."
"We will have to look into it," I said. "I will see you in the morning."
She waved as I went into the apartment. Climbing into bed I feel asleep fast. I dreamt of the travels I would do with Chloe. The sales in the store was adding up and my tracker shows I had around four thousand in the lock box. I have plenty of money in my accounts now that the check of my inheritance cleared. My bills for the buildings account come out automatically and rent is wired to the account every month. Sarah and Mr. Klaus have the information to pay the rent through the bank and when both paid their deposits and first month I got text alerts. I felt good about the future and was not to worried if I never found someone in the future.
***********************************************************************
I woke up to hearing Chloe coo in her room. Getting up I used the bathroom and went into Chloes room picking her up. As I changed her and got her ready for the day I asked, "Are you ready for our outing to the farmers market."
She cooed more as I went to sit on the couch I unlocked the door. Sitting on the couch I fed Chloe and after thirty minutes Sarah came in ready for our adventure. She said, "It is beautiful outside. I have my bags ready to buy stuff as I will be here every night. Let us get this party started."
She put her arms out for Chloe and I went to get myself ready. When I was dressed we put Chloe in her stroller and we passed Mr. Klaus and a helper bringing things to his apartment. He said, "I have a helper today so we will be back and forth. I am sorry my dear everything may be back to your door by the time I am done today."
"Your fine Mr. Klaus," I said. "We will be back soon, please remember to lock the door when your done."
He nodded and said, "Of course, Maggie. Have to keep everyone safe. You girls have enough drama to want me to hire security."
Sarah said, "Nah, we got this. That and I am concealed carry anyway. Speaking of Maggie, I think we should get you to the range one day and have you take a test so you can get your's. I do not trust that of yours nor mine."
Coming up- routine, Sarah done with the move and Mr. Klaus moving in more and more things and moving in for good.
HALLWAY One
Maggie-main
Mr Klaus- lawyer
Justin- ex
Sarah- best friend
Mike- Sarahs ex
Vena and Marv-Coffee stall in the park
Basement: Holds Laundry Room, twenty storage units that can convert to bunk rooms. Four bathrooms. Sitting area.
First floor- hall way, three two bedroom apartments 1bath, two one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway 2, hallway 3, hallway 4, two sitting areas, Stairs
Second floor- three two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway2, hallway 3, hallway 4, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms, Stairs
Third floor- four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway2, hallway 3, hallway 4, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms, Stairs
Fourth floor- four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway2, hallway 3, hallway 4, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms, Stairs
fifth floor- four two bedroom apartments 1bath, three one bedroom/bath apartments, three 3 bedroom two bath apartments. 1 common area, 1 library, hallway2, hallway 3, hallway 4, two sitting areas, 3 studios with bathrooms, Stairs
Roof area- two bathrooms, covered roof greenhouse, covered glass atrium, hall way 1, hallway 2
Tennants:
First Floor-
Maggies and Chloes Apartment
1Bedroom Apartment- Sarahs
2 bedroom unit-Mr Klaus
Comments
Post a Comment