Is this destiny?

~ Los Angeles ~

Tuesday

4:54 PM

Becca is walking to the address Gabriel sent her earlier as the location of the first apartment they will check out with the realtor.

To say that she is excited is an understatement.

Becca took forever to decide on what to wear and in the end, she settled on a t-shirt and jeans pants that are ripped at the knees. She pulled her hair into a neat ponytail, just in case if they end up in a windy situation. And for her feet, she picked running shoes because of walking. In order to keep her hands free, she got a small backpack with a few necessities that include a comb (just in case the ponytail is not enough to save her from a windy situation).

Gabriel offered to pick her up, but she said that it's not necessary. The address he gave her is about ten blocks away from her apartment and she thought of taking a cab, but she was ready and nervous and there was almost an hour before they need to meet so she decided to go for a walk. It will help to pass the time and spend some of that energy that is making her insides tremble.

She stopped in front of the building with number 10831 and triple-checked that this is the right address because Gabriel was not in sight. Ah, even with all those delays, she is still early.

The building has several stores on the main level, and a separate entry for tenants that live on the floors above.

Becca got her phone and texted Gabriel: "I reached the destination."

Ten seconds later, she got a response: "I'm two traffic lights away, but with this after-work congestion, I will be late."

Becca smiled, happy that he is on his way. And close. She typed a response: "I'm not going anywhere. Drive safe."

"Waiting for someone?", a female in a tight business suit asked Becca.

When she arrived, Becca saw that the woman was checking herself in the reflection of the big glass window of the boutique.

'How does she know I'm waiting for someone? Probably because I'm looking around and fiddling with my phone without moving…', Becca guessed before responding: "Yeah."

"Boyfriend?"

Becca was not sure how to respond to this. Is Gabriel her boyfriend? Well, they went on a date, and this is technically the second one and since Saturday they spoke on the phone several times a day so… "Yeah."

Becca saw that the woman is ready to ask more questions, and she was uncomfortable admitting to more than that.

"It seems you are waiting for someone as well."

The woman nodded in confirmation. "I'm waiting for a client."

Becca noticed a nametag 'Monique'.

"Are you an escort?", Becca blurted out and regretted it in the next moment, but the words were out. "I'm sorry. It's just that you are very pretty so I thought…"

Monique waved her hand, indicating that it's not a big deal. "Don't worry about it. I'm a real estate agent. I'm waiting for a client to show him an apartment with hope to score a sale." She lifted a folder that is in her hand and then glanced up: "A penthouse."

"I see…" Becca wondered, what are the chances that the woman in front of her is the real estate agent that Gabriel booked? Gabriel didn't mention the name of the agent, or if the apartment is a penthouse or not. Instead of jumping to conclusions again, Becca decided to ask a few questions. The woman looks chatty and friendly. "Is this an important sale?"

"This might be my big chance to break through and be settled for life.", Monique said earnestly.

Becca's eyes opened widely. "Really? Selling one apartment can settle you for life? That must be a big commission. How can I become a real estate agent?"

Monique burst into giggles. "Ah, innocence…"

Becca frowned. This is the second time someone called her innocent (aka inexperienced… aka ignorant) in a few days. The first one was Gabriel. Why are people treating her like a child? She is eighteen years old!

Monique calmed down from her laughter and winked at Becca playfully. "This client is a big shot and even though this apartment is pricey, for someone of his background, this is peanuts. I'm confident that he is shopping for a love nest. If I play my cards well, other than taking the apartment, he might take care of me as also."

Becca understood that Monique is flirty and that she is talking about romance.

Becca looked up at the building. "Someone who can get an apartment here must be well settled financially. Don't you think that there are good chances he is taken already?"

Monique shrugged. "Why does that matter? My goal is not to find a husband and I don't mind staying away from public eyes. Men like that have women all around them and I am content to be one of many. I am not greedy."

Monique saw Becca's obvious displeasure mixed with confusion.

"You are too young to understand. Some things are worth compromising. Spending a night with a man occasionally is a small price to pay for financial security. And this one is handsome and young, not even thirty years old… that is much better than tolerating a fifty-something old geezer."

As Monique spoke, Becca's anxiousness swelled. "You know him?"

"Not personally, but I saw his file. Young, successful, from a good family. There is nothing not to like. You know, people like me don't get many chances to rise to the upper class. That is why I chose to work in this real estate agency that caters to rich clients... Maybe I start as a mistress, but that is only to open the door. I can hold onto this guy and expand my influence in his life or find someone else from his circle. Either way, it's a win-win…"

The more Monique revealed, the more Becca confirmed that Monique's client must be Gabriel.

Monique is about the same age as Gabriel. She is good looking with a cute face, curves in all the right places, in a well-fitting outfit that emphasizes her narrow waist, full chest, and long legs… and Becca was sure that she never saw anyone uglier in her life.

The bits of conversations with Gabriel and Penny flashed in Becca's mind, how in their society everyone wants to take advantage of others, caring only about money and power, and Becca was confident that she is looking at one of those leeches. Monique has no idea who Gabriel is, yet she is willing to be his side-chick for some spare money and benefits. Becca was disgusted by Monique and she felt sorry for Gabriel.

"Ah, here he is…", Monique said with a big smile on her face. "Wish me luck."

Becca watched as Gabriel got out of his silver Bentley Continental GT. He threw his suit jacket in the back seat and locked the car before his eyes landed on Becca and their smiles matched.

Becca was sure that she lost a few seconds because, by the time she came around, Gabriel was right in front of her.

"Sorry for being late. Did you wait long?"

"Not long, Mr. Long.", Becca giggled at her choice of words, and then she remembered the bewildered real estate agent who is staring at her with mouth half-open. "The time passed quickly. Miss Monique was telling me about the importance of pleasing you during this apartment tour. Her words were that this is her big chance to be settled for life."

Gabriel noticed the hostility radiating from Becca and based on Becca's choice of words, he had a vague idea of what happened. Well, it's not the first time.

"Oh…" Gabriel turned to Monique. "Are you Miss Birack?"

Monique nodded while forcing a smile. "Yes, Mr. Long… Monique Birack, nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you too, Miss Birack. You are younger than I expected. This is Rebecca Casano, my girlfriend. She will join us for this tour. Becca will be the one deciding if the apartment works or not, so make sure to answer Becca's questions because she will fill in the survey about your service..."

Becca's heart fluttered at the word 'girlfriend'. Gabriel's arm was draped around her shoulders with his hand holding onto her firmly, and he was so close that she could feel the heat of his body radiating against hers… She has a boyfriend and it's Gabriel! Oh, Gosh!

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