Lila stepped forward excitedly, "I'm on the 5th floor, where are you, Les?"
"I got a place on the 3rd floor, moved in yesterday. Ready to go?" asked Leslie.
"Sure thing, sis! Let's roll out, sergeant!" replied Lila with a quick fake salute. Les shook his head as he went out the door.
"That's so cool a hottie like you was in the air force! Way to fight the patriarchy, sis! Looks like they did a number on you though, no makeup? And your hair product could be better. You know, I can help you out. I have a few extra items I can lend to you. Those jeans really show off your curves, but those pocket bulges aren't doing you any favors. Maybe I'll leave you some of my purses, I have like 15 in my room, " started Lila. She kept talking like that the whole 4 blocks, only stopping to say goodbye when Leslie went into the stairwell while Lila was waiting for the elevator. Trekking up the 2 flights was easy, and gave him some peace and quiet before going to his place. He saw a letter on the door. It was from his landlord.
"Leslie. Unfortunately, the 3rd floor has been found to have rats, so everyone has been moved to empty rooms on other floors. There is an extra room in 402, which you will live in at no cost except utilities until the exterminator finishes clearing the building by the end of the week. The other tenant. Jeremy, in 402 has agreed to have you in his unit for a reduction in his rent. Your items, except your couch, have been inspected and moved already. If this issue is not resolved by week's end, a room in a hotel at not cost to you will be arranged. Sorry for the inconvenience, Manny"
Leslie tried to open the door with his key, but he couldn't get in. He let out a scream before going back to the stairwell to go to the 4th floor. He knock on 402 and a guy with a t-shirt with flannel overshirt and shorts answered the door, "Yes?"
"Are you Jeremy?" asked Leslie
"You're Leslie? I was told you'd be coming, but Manny told me you were a guy. Oh well, I would have cleaned more if I knew. The extra room is yours. There is a shelf in the fridge for your stuff and the room has your bed in it, with the sheets. My classes are on the fridge, so you know when I'll be out."
"Thanks for letting me crash here, man. I'll try to stay out of your way for the week. By the way, why the extra room? It seems expensive to leave it empty."
"My roommate last year failed out and I haven't found a replacement yet. I'll start the search next week," replied Jeremy.
"Thanks again," Leslie said going into his room. His stuff was in a box, so he upturned the box and dumped the contents on the ground. He moved everything around and couldn't see a few items, the clothing from the motel before the night he changed and one of the bras he purchased. He texted his landlord about missing clothing, who replied quickly, "Looks like the rats got some of your stuff, Leslie, sorry. I can reimburse you if you need it and your girlfriend for her bra."
He sat on his mattress on the floor and leaned his head back on the wall. His phone started ringing.
