But he was harmless.
“They managed to keep all the older charm while renovating the property, but there are three other tenants and the access to those units all share the same main entryway and staircase.” Immediately I noticed the massive amount of children’s toys piled off to the left of the front porch, tucked under the staircase.
Now I love kids, honestly, I do, but the idea of hearing them screaming and running around wasn’t something I’d consider relaxing. One of the best things about having my own place was being able to lay down with a good book, or take a long hot bath without interruptions. I looked forward to doing that once again.
“The unit is downstairs?” I asked, thinking of the noise that I most likely hear taking place above me on a daily basis.
Cole looked back at me and smiled. “Yes, there is a one-bedroom unit available downstairs.”
The thumping of little feet above me, trampling around, not really what I wanted to hear in the early hours of the morning. I was already ready to move on to the next place, thinking this one was exactly what I didn’t want. But instead, I allowed him to show me the unit, and actually it wasn’t bad. Small, but I’d lived in a smaller place back in LA.
Leading us through the small space, I looked around, not wanting to appear rude. I smiled when he’d show me the unique ways the owner was able to make this large home separate units. It was obvious that Cole knew how to market a home. He was a little overly excited as if he himself was the one that hammered each nail and painted each wall.
After we were back inside his vehicle and we were moving on to the next property, he took the time to talk about himself. Yes, himself, and all his accomplishments, I tried not to roll my eyes. Honestly, he was a nice guy, just not a guy I would be interested in. I understood though, I was a new face. Granted I’d grown up here, but I’d been gone for years so the bachelors of the town were doing everything they could do to be noticed. The pleasures of a small town, the pickings were slim.
“This next property is a newly remodeled one-bedroom home. It’s secluded, though it does share a drive with the larger property that sits on the same land.”
I scanned the area as he turned right onto a narrow road. It reminded me of the lane that led to my parents’ home. It was peaceful, not too far from town, but just far enough that you could feel the solitude of our sweet town.
The first thing I saw was the large cabin, it was breathtaking against the backdrop of the mountains far off in the distance. And the trees that lined the property only provided more privacy for the surrounding areas.
As we rounded the beautiful cabin, I could see the small cottage that was hidden by the massive cabin and immediately I fell in love. It was sweet, a covered front porch with a swing that made it feel even more homey. Shutters alongside the windows and an arched wooden from door. The color of the wood trim on the cottage matched the cabin perfectly.
Cole slowed to a stop and parked in the empty driveway near the cottage. Before he had the chance to walk around and once again open the door to help me out, I was doing it myself. Not waiting for him to lead me, I walked toward the front in awe.
“I see you approve.”
“It’s so cute.” My comment didn’t do it justice.
Cole seemed less enthusiastic as he opened the door, and again I moved forward through the property without his assistance. He didn’t talk this one up like he had the last several. In fact, he’d mentioned a time or two that this one was further outside of town and that maybe being out so far was not something I’d like. If he knew me at all he would know alone was the most appealing part. I grew up in the outskirts of town, I loved seclusion and privacy.
I didn’t need his input on this one though, I was inspecting its charm all on my own.
The cottage had the sweetest little kitchen, with an open floor plan that made the main area of the home so inviting. An island with stools separated the living room and kitchen. There was a doorway that led off of the kitchen, leading to a mudroom, where the stackable washer and dryer where strategically placed. A door leading out onto a small patio, where I could already imagine sitting to drink my morning coffee when the weather was just right.
The bedroom was down a short hallway and was much larger than I’d imagined it to be. A bathroom, with two entries, one off the kitchen and the other in the bedroom, making it accessible to guest without having to walk through my bedroom to get there.
The cottage was small, but it couldn’t have been more perfect.
“So, are you ready to move on to the next one?”
Instantly, I was shaking my head as I turned around to find Cole standing in the doorway with his phone and keys in hand. “No,” I said still feeling the euphoria of the space. “I want this, it’s perfect.”
I ignored the surprised look on his face.
“Where do I sign?” Laughing I spun around in the center of the room feeling lighter than I had in days. This was home, I was ready to move in today. Furnished with all the major appliances, the only thing left to do was get a couch, and load up my bed from my parents. Yes, I knew I’d have to buy some essentials but I’d do that over time.
I’d lived on the bare minimum for five years, knowing that there was no point to decorate or settle because LA never truly felt like home. But here, ah, my mind was already racing with all the ideas.
I sat at the end of the drive, holding a key to my new place in my hand but I couldn’t bring myself to hit the gas pedal.
How could I be so oblivious?
How could I have not read the fine print, looked over the rental agreement more closely?
I know how, because I was still floating from the idea of finding some type of normalcy in my newfound life. I was a sucker. A complete and total moron.
Property Owner: Mr. Wyatt Murphy
I’d skimmed over the forms, much too late looking for all the places to sign and did so with a smile on my face. Cole read through the documents, but again all I could focus on was getting those keys. I’d missed the most important detail.
Wyatt Murphy!
Not only would I be sharing a drive with him, but I would also see him most likely on a daily basis. Passing one another as we moved around, seeing him working in the yard, and worse than that, if something went wrong it would be him I would have to communicate with.
The house was perfect, but how was I going to do this?
The sound of a horn honking from behind had me jerking, as my hands flew out before me and I practically hit my head on the low roof of my tiny Prius. Turning around I looked behind me, once I was able to calm my racing heart and grimaced. Sitting behind me, staring back at me was none other than Wyatt himself.
Well, here goes nothing.
I slowly pressed the gas and with each roll of my tires I felt myself panicking even more. There was no way around this, I could do it. I could face him. Yes, I was mentally talking myself up, giving myself a much needed pep talk.
I parked my car, and when I looked over toward the truck next to me, all I could see was a tire. A missive one at that, it dwarfed my little car.
With newfound determination, I pushed open my car door, stepped out onto the driveway and suddenly I am pounced, or tackled, however you want to look at it. My back slammed against the side of my car and I let out a surprised yelp. My arms flying out in the space at me sides, my feet almost slipping out from beneath me.