Page 22 of You'll Love it Here
I push the thoughts deep into my core and pull up a different memory: when he showed up to my MBA graduation hardly able to stand. How he stumbled through the room, stuffed his hand into his rumpled suit coat, and fished a metal flask from his pocket. I was so embarrassed that it felt likeIwas doing it.
I live in the memory until the anger surges high enough to be comfortable.
Alice zeroes in on me, but I can’t hold her stare.
In a few weeks I’ll be moving on from here. Everything will be back on track.
My new life awaits.
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Email from Mona Bucket to All Residents, Valleyview Apartments, May 24, 9:07 a.m.
Hello Everyone,
If we haven’t already met, I’m Mona and you can find me in apartment 4C.
As you’ve likely heard, Irene has had an unfortunate accident and until she’s back on her feet, I’ll be taking over the management of the building.She’s in recovery and we’d like her to rest, which means I’m your contact person for everything building related.
To make things easier, I’ve attached my contact info below. I’ve also gone ahead and set up a Slack for all residents. (Link below.) This will definitely be the quickest means of communication regarding building matters; however, if you prefer, you can always reach out to me at my contact info below.
Looking forward to speaking with you all!
Best,
Mona
Reply from: Carmen Thurston [email protected], May 24, 9:44 a.m.
This “Slack” sounds like one of those websites the government is tracking. Just go ahead and knock on my door 1D or if you really must, you can email me. You’ll find me.
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Valleyview Slack, Monday, May 24
Mona Bucket joined #General
Mona Bucket created a channel: #electricianappointments
Jane Brando joined #General
Jane Brando, 9:24 a.m.:is this a good place to mention certain concerns I have?
Norm Olivers joined #General
Jane Brando, 9:27 a.m.:It’s a tenant issue...
The Kids in the Hall
I get started on my “new job” first thing Monday morning, after Ernest’s walk. I grab the box Lana gave me and plonk it onto the Persian rug next to my coffee table. Alice doesn’t seem all that curious, even as I pull off the lid and start rooting around. The mess of papers inside the box are such an anxiety-inducing jumble that I can’t help but get started sorting right away.
It turns out Irene has an email for everyone on their tenant profile forms—as well as phone numbers, previous addresses, occupation, and references. With so much personal information at her fingertips, her not using them (ever!) is even more boggling.
First step: announcing a change in leadership. I hit send on a group message advising all tenants that I am the new manager. There’s no going back. I can officially get started on Project Turd Polish.
I’m currently on Phase One:Tenant Inventory.
I start by going through the tenants’ files in earnest and creating a new digital grid for easy reference.
