The One Bedroom Apartment

I can't believe I'm doing this. I'm actually going to the address he gave me. In my defence, I did wait an entire week before I caved. Not that I thought he was lying, but I also called the church to confirm he wasn't still a priest. That was a weird conversation. I couldn't exactly tell them why I wanted to know.

So here I am standing outside of his apartment wondering why I'm so nervous. This is the third time I've raised my hand to knock on the door. I must look as though I lost the plot. Ok. Third time's a charm. But then the door opens.

"Hi. What are you doing?" Good question. I'm trying to figure that out myself.

"Trying to work out if I should knock on your door or run in the opposite direction." Even now the running in the opposite direction sounds pretty good.

"Do you want to come in while you decide?" Well I guess since I'm here I might as well go in.

It's sort of small but I guess an ex-priest doesn't need a lot of room. "So… how long have you been here?" I suppose it's as good a conversation starter as any.

"A few months. I don't need much so one bedroom suits me right now." He's looking around the apartment as though this is his first time seeing it.

"Where do you store all your robes?" He mentioned once that he was concerned that he was only a priest for the wardrobe. I certainly had my favourite of his robes.

"I had to put them in storage." I don't know what to say to that.

"Even the purple one?" Where did that come from? Although I do know the purple robes are his favourite.

He chuckles. "No, those are in my wardrobe. Can I get you a cup of tea while you decide to stay or run?"

I think it's safe to say I'm not going to run. "Sure." There's not a lot of furniture but the couch I'm sitting on is comfortable, but it's obviously second hand. "I love what you've done with the place."

"Thanks. I got lucky with the couch. Found it at a Salvation army shop." He brings me a cup of tea. Somehow he's managed to find pieces that work together.

"Very comfy." And now that he's sitting beside me I realise very small. "So I checked up on you. You actually have stopped being a priest, so does this mean I can go back in the church?" I'm not sure I want to but I would still like to know it the ban is lifted.

My checking up on him seems to amuse him further. "Yes you can go back in the church. It will be nice to have your company on Sunday. That is, if you really want to go."

I wouldn't mind if he was beside me. "It might be interesting to see what the new guy's has to offer." And how Pam's getting on with him.

"He's a she." He's watching my reaction.

"How's Pam responding to that? I take it she hasn't moved out of the vestry." That woman was far too clingy of Hot Priest for my liking. Super possessive as well.

"She moved out. I believe she moved a couple of streets down from the church." He actually seems surprised that I'm asking.

"Before or after you stopped being a priest?" I already know the answer.

"After. About a week after they announced my replacement." As much as I find him adorable when he's confused, It's almost a relief when he realises what a problem Pam was.

Maybe this can work. "Well, I guess I have plans for Sunday." And a date.

"Then I will save you a seat." Wow! When I woke this morning I didn't foresee having a date for church on Sunday. This is a beginning.