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“I am.” Shaye explained about wanting to stay in town for Christmas in July, before heading to Seattle.
“It’s a fun time,” Kathy said, setting out two tall glasses, then pouring. “The real excitement is in the winter, of course, but we do a nice job in the summer months, and you don’t have to worry about snow.”
She sat down and smiled. “Now, let me tell you how I work things. I have a big house, and one of these days I’m going to sell it and move to the new retirement condos they’re building, but not just yet.”
She picked up her glass. “My Douglas and I lived here nearly forty years. We loved this house. It nearly broke us to buy it when it came up for sale, but we’d always wanted one of the Victorians. She was a poor, run-down girl when we got her, but as our finances improved, we did a little restoration, and this is what you see.”
“The house is beautiful,” Shaye said, thinking if she rented the room, she would get to live here. A far cry from her family’s small 1950s rambler back in Iowa.
“Thank you. I rent out a room from time to time, mostly to have someone else in the house.” Kathy’s smile returned. “I don’t expect you to keep me company other than to say hi if we pass in the hall. The room comes with a private bath and kitchen privileges.”
Shaye looked at the gleaming stainless steel appliances. “It’s an amazing kitchen. I’d be thrilled to use it.”
“I’m in here a lot myself, but there’s plenty of room for two. What else? Oh, you have a TV in your room, but you’re welcome to come downstairs and use the one in the family room. Guests are fine, but no parties. And overnight visits aren’t a problem.”
Shaye shook her head. “I don’t know anyone in town, so that won’t be happening.”
Technically she knew Lawson, but what were the odds they would run into each other again? Although he had told her where to find him, which was fun to think about, even if the thought of showing up at his place of work scared the crap out of her. She’d just never been that aggressive when it came to guys. Now if she had an excuse to go there . . . But she didn’t.
And even if she did manage to run into him, the odds of things ever progressing to overnight visits seemed improbable. She was only staying in town for the month. Given her sad and humiliating romantic past, avoiding getting involved was really the smart decision.
Kathy named a very reasonable price for the room, then asked, “Would you like to see it?”
“I would. Thank you.”
“I have to warn you, it’s on the third floor. You have the whole area to yourself, but it’s a bit of a climb.”
They went upstairs. Shaye admired the hand-carved railing and the wainscoting at the landing.
“This is me,” Kathy said, when they reached the second floor. “The master and two more bedrooms.”
The third floor opened onto a pretty sitting area with a small sofa and a desk. Kathy pointed to one of the drawers.
“The password for the Wi-Fi is in there. I have one of those booster thingies so the signal is strong up here.”
The west side of the third floor was storage. They turned the other way and entered a very large bedroom.
The room was bright, with windows on two walls. Nightstands flanked the queen-size bed. The walls were white, and the bedding was done in various shades of blue. There was a big dresser, with a TV sitting on top, and what looked like the original hardwood floors. Fluffy rugs were scattered about, but what really caught her attention was the small fireplace on the east wall. It was white marble with beautiful carving. Two plush chairs sat in front, each with an ottoman.
“It’s beautiful,” Shaye breathed, liking everything about the space, especially the welcoming feel.
“The bathroom is through there.” Kathy grinned. “There’s something I think you’re going to like.”
Shaye went through the open door and came to a stop in the glorious bathroom. The vanity counter was the same marble as the fireplace. There were two sinks, plenty of storage and a nice walk-in shower. And an incredible, huge, covetable claw-foot tub that sat in front of a stunning stained glass window.
“There’s one just like it in the master,” Kathy said, following her into the room. “It’s heaven.”
“I don’t know what to say,” Shaye admitted, overwhelmed by the beauty of her surroundings. “I’ve never stayed anywhere this nice. I don’t think you’re charging enough for the room.”
Kathy laughed. “I’m glad you think that. So are you interested?”
“Yes. I love it.”
Everything about the house was perfect, she thought. She could see herself here. Honestly, she had no idea why this was happening to her, but she was grateful.
“Then, let’s go downstairs and take care of some paperwork.”
It only took a few minutes to read over Kathy’s rental agreement. Shaye signed the short-term lease and wrote a check for the payment, then took a house key in return.
