Absolutely Not in Love (Sweater Weather, #7; Appies, #2)

by Jenny Proctor

there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.” I immediately perk up. “Sure.” “I was just wondering if you have a way to contact our landlord directly. There’s a thing happening with my stove, and I’ve tried to email the agent I worked with when I signed my lease, but she isn’t responding.” I frown. There’s something wrong with her stove? The agent should be responding and relaying all of Gracie’s concerns to me. Trouble is, I can’t exactly say that to Gracie because she doesn’t know that her landlord is actually me. It was something the leasing agent I worked with recommended—that I keep it on the down-low that I’m the one who owns the building. She said having tenants who know their landlord lives right next door is an easy way to have people bothering you all the time, complaining about things, making demands. It made sense at the time, but now that I know Gracie a little better, it seems like an unreasonable precaution. She’s been totally chill, hasn’t complained about a single thing in her apartment. Until now. But if there’s something wrong with her stove, that isn’t a complaint. That’s a legitimate need, and I should address it. “Um, yeah,” I answer. “I think I have his number somewhere. Or maybe his email? I’ll see if I can find it for you.” She nods. “Thanks. It’s not urgent or anything, but maybe the next time I see you, you can give it to me?” I nod. “Sure. Sounds good.” I watch as she disappears down the stairs, then I slowly retreat into my apartment. I mean...