Chapter 109

• ALEX
• There were three more apartments to look at after Mary-Beth had suddenly changed personality on me, and gotten all defensive and then all hardcore businesslike, as if we were in charge of a multi-national shipping company or something. We worked through the rooms in near-silence, as she assessed the space, the light and the original features. That’s what softened her up again in the end, appreciating the beautiful spaces – nothing I said or did.
• I just held the notepad, and looked after the big bunch of keys, and followed her around like a very hurt and very bewildered puppy. I tried not to, obviously. I tried very hard to assert my manhood. Several times, I strode into a room, owning the space like the alpha male sports god that I am, and made a comment about something in a strong and commanding manner. But she either just flat out ignored me or shot some withering reply back, not even looking at me.