It didn't take long for Charlie and Sydney to realize exactly how different their life in California was going to be.
Sydney's visions of living in San Francisco, a coastal city with pickup beach volleyball, trendy coffee shops and colorful historic architecture, did not come to fruition. Instead, she got the concrete center of Silicon Valley with San Jose. Their view included Levi's Stadium, a three-minute drive away.
"Here in California, most real estate is taken up by buildings, especially in Silicon Valley," 49ers tight end Ross Dwelley said. "Like where I'm from in San Diego, it's beautiful. But out here, there's more apartments and businesses and stuff. It's just a lot different than being out there (in Georgia), where it's more open space with nature."
Rent went from around $300 apiece among multiple roommates in an Athens house to $4,000 solo in a San Jose one-bedroom unit. That was a sticker shock even for a professional athlete, considering their first place was 900 square feet. And unfurnished.
Charlie and Sydney slept atop a roll-out mattress on the floor.
"Worst decision ever," Charlie said.
Every other apartment they rented – there was a new one each year – was furnished. Slightly bigger, and therefore, slightly more expensive.
The clean slate at least gave Sydney something to do amid California's strict COVID-19 restrictions. She'd order furniture from IKEA or Target.
"I was Bob the Builder up there," Sydney said.
Betty Crocker, too. Forget candles. With the cookies Sydney baked weekly for the team, the apartment always held a warm aroma.
There'd be flares of spice, too, since Sydney also often cooked homemade meals.
Breaking in the kitchen was just one step. Sydney printed and pinned pictures of family and friends throughout the apartment. She also picked out local trinkets to scatter for character.
Soon enough, it felt like home, a mix of past and present for a comfortable future.
"It used to bother me because you used to buy too many little things," Charlie said while looking at Sydney. "But after a while, I love all the little things you buy."