How The Other Half Lives — Clare London

Martin Harrison keeps himself to himself and his flat as neat as a new pin. His friends want him to loosen up and enjoy more of a social life, but in Martin's mind, that's tantamount to opening the floodgates to emotional chaos. He agrees, however, to join the flat-sitting scheme in his building. He'll look after another tenant's flat in exchange for a similar watch over his when he's traveling for his work as an antiques dealer.

A floor away in the same building, Russ McNeely is happy with his life as a freelance cook and a self-confessed domestic slob. His best friend Don persuades him to join the flat-sitting scheme, both to be neighborly and to help keep his flat in order, as Russ also travels for his work.

For a while, the very dissimilar men never actually meet. Martin is horrified at the mess at Russ' flat, while Russ finds Martin's minimalist style creepy. But in a spirit of generosity, each of them starts to help the other out by rearranging things in their own inimitable way. Gradually, the changes extend beyond interior decoration and into the habits of the men themselves.

Until the day a hiccup in the schedule brings them face-to-face at last...