Chapter 33
The Listing - updated
Little Cabin - For Rent
Single-bedroom guest home available in the Colorado Rockies. Ten miles north of downtown Cozy Creek, Colorado. (My replies below in bold—Claire)
Serious inquiries only. (I’m very serious.)
This is my land. If you can’t follow these rules, don’t bother applying. (I’m already getting a little turned on.)
- This guesthouse is on my property, but it is completely private and separate from my home. That being said, I will probably pass your window often to make sure you have fed yourself, that you have a fire going, and that you aren’t working too hard. I will tell you that I’m checking the property, but in reality, I will be worrying about you. (Perfect. I will pretend not to notice and secretly try to look cute. I might forget to do everything just so you’ll be forced to come help me.)
- One tenant only. This home has one full-size bed. One kitchen area. One bathroom. One extra photography room that can be converted to your office or whatever you need it to be. (I bet two people could fit in that bed easily. This theory will need to be tested.)
- The water heater is old and takes several minutes to warm up for showers. If you want to take a bath, you’ll have to come up to the Big Cabin. (As it happens, the shower has terrible water pressure anyway and I’m more inclined to take baths these days. Long baths.)
- No heat or AC. I can fix that if you want but, in the meantime, if you are cold, I will build you a fire in the wood-burning stove. Or there is a fireplace and the perfect couch for reading up at the Big Cabin. (I often forget to start the fire.)
- You can have guests if you want, anytime you want. (Dad is already planning his trip.)
- I installed new internet so you have your own router and password. (I never thought I’d see the day.)
- Amenities include stove, refrigerator, coffee maker, microwave, washer/dryer. I will provide you with whatever else you need. Just ask and it’s yours. (The power is going to my head. What if I just want you? )
- The last tenant left major shoes to fill. I hope you like long conversations about everything and anything, but somehow not nothing and late-night work sessions listening to my “sad college kid rock.” (I have missed it all so much.)
- Be as loud as you need to be, take as long as you need to when working. When you come back to earth, I will be waiting for you. (Whenever I leave, I will always come back to my home. And I can be very, very loud.)
- There are no locked doors. Big and Little Cabin are both yours. You can lock doors if you need a break from me. (But unlocked doors mean surprise visits in the bath …)
- If you take a walk, take me with you. Or at least proper supplies. (You get lost one time …)
- This is wild land. There are wild animals and unpredictable weather. I will protect you and take care of you. (I know you will.)
- Ripley will still come and go as she likes. I have no control over that. (As she should.)
- You are welcome at Big Cabin anytime. ( Oh, be careful what you offer.)
- You can book Little Cabin for as long or as short as you need. You will always have a home with me. (Hmm, I’m thinking indefinitely.)
- If ever anything changes, I will let you know. If we need to talk, I will talk. If you need time, I will wait. If you need clear rules and lists, we will make them. I promise to stay with you while you work through what you are feeling. (Thank you. I am working on embracing my emotions, but I will be clear when I need time. I will help you talk about whatever is on your mind and make sure you don’t get stuck in any feelings too long. Tell me what you are thinking, and I will listen. Rules be damned, just talk to me. Okay, actually, even typing that made me nervous. I’m not there yet; I still need lists and clear boundaries, and that might never change.)
- You should know you are the only applicant for this rental. I will not be accepting any others at this time, but you can take as long as you need to decide. (You should know that I am already here.)
I love you. See you soon,
Claire