Chapter 36 #3
As we made our way down the path toward the cabins, I could see golf carts transporting items. Employees were coming in and out of the buildings, dropping things off.
We strolled up to the first cabin and stepped onto the porch and through the front door, that happened to be unlocked at the moment.
The cabin was smaller than my own, but I assumed they all were.
Mine was in the center with three others on each side.
Even with the smaller cabins, there was plenty of room for everyone.
That was without taking the apartments located on the top floor of the complex into consideration.
The layout seemed to be pretty much the same.
Entry through the front door led into an open floor plan.
Hardwood floors ran throughout the entire bottom floor.
The seating area was off to the left side, and the dining room was to the right as you entered.
The kitchen was also on the right, with a large island and stools.
The cupboards were dark wood and matched the floors perfectly.
Black granite countertops and black appliances tied the entire look together.
The cabin was full of windows, all with heavy curtains that could shut out the rest of the world.
As I was examining the house, I noticed a basket on the island and walked over to take a closer look.
There were three bottles of spirits—right on top.
Judging by the selection, I would wager a guess that the contents of this basket were tailored to its intended recipient.
I saw sage bundles, and an array of different crystals and candles.
This basket appeared to have been made with a sorcerer in mind.
Caspien would be my guess. I didn’t know much about the different cryptids, but that was where my mind went without pause.
There were more items further into the basket, but I was not about to undo someone’s hard work because I was being nosy.
“This cabin is meant for Caspien and his family,” Maddox said as we walked through.
There were unique touches added to the cabin just for its occupants.
On the coffee table in the sitting area, I noticed a large tray filled with individually wrapped candy.
The small touches were drawing me in—and this cabin wasn’t even meant for me.
Things like this are what make people feel like they are guests and not burdens.
We are supposed to be happy that they are here.
I was happy they were coming, but I was far more nervous.
“I guessed that from the contents of the basket,” I said over my shoulder as I continued to explore.
When we entered the master bedroom, the room was decorated differently than mine.
The differences between this bedroom and my own were all things that could be easily modified.
Bedspreads, lamps, different curtains, paint.
The furniture had a more modern feel. I highly doubted they were switching around full bedroom sets just for aesthetics.
Maybe this cabin was set up for witches all the time.
It had just been tailored to Caspien’s particular tastes.
“Is this cabin always set up to accommodate witches?” I asked, genuinely curious if I was correct.
“Yes, it makes entertaining different cryptids easier and more pleasing to them. We don’t really like generic—we do it, but not well.” At least he was honest. “You don’t want the cabins to feel cold or impersonal. You also don’t want a vampire sleeping in a house full of cauldrons and spell books.”
Not that I was seeing either of those things. I didn’t actually doubt they were here somewhere hiding. This was perfect. If I was honest, I really didn’t expect anything less.
“I don’t need to check every cabin. Everyone knows what they are doing, and they don’t need their new boss double-checking their work.”
“Are you ready to go back to our cabin? We can make dinner and just relax,” he asked, knowing that the next few days were going to be exhausting.
I had no idea what I wanted for dinner, but my stomach was letting me know that I hadn’t eaten a single morsel of food since I opened my eyes this morning.
“Yes please. I’m starving.”
I headed out the front door and down the porch steps with Maddox right behind me. We walked the two doors over to our own cabin, which was set farther back and boasted a sizable front yard. A place for everyone to congregate, no doubt.
As I entered the cabin, I realized that someone had been here.
The floors and every other surface in the house were spotless.
I walked into the kitchen, and I saw a gift basket sitting on the counter.
There was an envelope that read “Joslyn they were both new releases and movies I wanted to see. I looked over at Maddox.
“I am going to put on this comfy outfit, then find food, or I am going to pass out.”
Maddox followed me into the bedroom with his clothes in hand. We were in the middle of changing when I heard a knock on what sounded like the back door. Maddox slid the shorts on and grabbed his shirt from the bed.
“I got it.” He exited the bedroom, shutting the door behind him.
I finished changing my clothes and removed my makeup. I exited the bedroom just as Maddox was about to enter.
“Hey, we have a surprise from Bonnie. Follow me,” he said as he took my hand and headed out the back door.
As we walked out onto the patio, I saw the surprise.
She had set up a shaded area in the backyard.
Beneath the canopies was a beautiful makeshift bed.
As I walked closer, I saw that there was a mattress sized cushion with at least a half dozen pillows and no less than three different blankets.
At the end of the cushion was a large tray filled with fruit, meats, crackers, and different types of cheeses.
There were sliders on another platter and three types of chips.
A bucket with beer and water sat next to the bed.
“She is so sweet. Our own little picnic and relaxing evening outside,” I said, enamored by the scene in front of me.
“Oh, that’s not it.”
Maddox hit a button on a remote he pulled from his pocket. Music started to play in the background from a speaker just outside the door.
“Mood music.”
I smiled as I settled into the cushion and grabbed a piece of cheese, taking a bite.
She picked really good cheese. This particular one had a pineapple flavor to it.
My brain stalled for a second. It had a good flavor but was strange, at the same time.
I picked up a rolled-up piece of cured meat and a cracker.
I was truly famished and needed to get some nourishment into my body.
Maddox joined me in our little nest and snatched a bottle of water.
“There is more but it won’t come into play until after dark.”
I looked around at the rest of the yard and didn’t notice anything too out of the ordinary.
“Are you going to give me a hint?” I asked completely unaware of what he was talking about.
“There should be someone here in a little bit. They are going to set up a movie screen and projector so we can watch a couple of movies after the sun goes down.”
“That is awesome; I love this so much.”
We spent the rest of the night eating, laughing, and watching movies under the stars. We made it a point not to stay up too late. We did have a big day tomorrow.