The Art of the Hustle

  ***

  “Hey, man,” a friendly looking guy greeted me in the hallway outside my door.

  “Hey.”

  “Looks like you’re movin’ in,” he said, looking at all the stuff I was carrying.

  “Yeah, I just got into town today,” I replied, as I fumbled with my keys.

  “Where are you from?”

  “Vancouver.”

  “Oh really, that’s where I’m from too.”

  “Really, what a small world.”

  “Here, let me help you with that.”

  “Thanks.”

  I unlocked the door and propped it open with a dustpan.

  “Looks like you need some furniture,” the man said, looking around my empty apartment.

  “Yeah, do you know of any places where I can get some cheap furniture?”

  “I do actually. One of my uncles owns the largest furniture store in town. I can get you a sweet deal.”

  “Really? Thanks, man.”

  “I’m Steve by the way.”

  “Nice to meet you, Steve, I’m Trevor. Do you live on this floor?”

  “No, I live on the fifteenth floor, but my buddies live next door to you. I’ll introduce you if you want.”

  “Sure.”

  “Actually, we’re about to play some poker and we could use another player. Do you want to join us?”

  “Um, okay, yeah, that would be great.”