She hadn’t seen him in person for close to ten years, when he’d gone off to college. She’d thought of him on and off throughout the years, had heard vague reports of him from Ezra, and yes, had checked out his social media, but one thing she’d not been doing was pining away. She’d been living life full tilt in Los Angeles, first dipping her toes into college and then building a career she loved, meeting scores of people for both business and fun, and trying to find her place in life, like the seven billion other people on the planet.

Though the move back to Nashville had come up suddenly, it was key to her long-term plan. Living in this city she loved would enable her to put down roots. She had a down payment for a home saved, one that would buy her something decent in this part of the country, unlike on the West Coast, and once she got her bearings and laid the foundation for the new Nashville office of To the Stars, house hunting was her priority. If things went as planned, she’d be cozied up in her very own home in less than six months.

Her phone dinged from the depths of her travel bag, signaling a text, and she assumed it was Cora, her boss and friend, finally responding to Mackenzie’s I made it text, which she’d sent as they taxied in. Now that Drake had her carry-on, it was easier to handle the oversized bag that enabled her to throw in pretty much everything except the kitchen sink—and liquids over three ounces.

The message had a local number but no name. She unlocked her phone as they got on the escalator and read the text.

This is Nadine from Hillside Haven Apartments. I realize you might already be on your way here, so I wanted to give you a heads-up. There’s a problem with your apartment and I’m still assessing the extent. We can discuss details and a plan of action when you get here, but I wanted to warn you because it’s a little bit shocking. We’re working to remedy things at this moment. See you soon.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” Mackenzie said out loud, her stomach dipping. Then she scrolled up and read the message a second time before they reached the bottom of the escalator. She missed the end of the escalator, her head buried in her phone, and stumbled slightly, then righted herself. She stepped to the side and stopped. Read the text for a third time, her shoulders drooping.

“Problem?” Drake asked. He’d been behind her on the escalator and paused at her side now as he sized up the row of baggage carousels.

“There’s an issue with my apartment.” The apartment with the short-term lease that was crucial for her plans to work out.