Chapter 5
HENRY
Miles lives about a five minute drive from downtown Ruby Lake but you’d think there was no civilization around here with how much land and trees surround his home.
As we pull up to the house, I’m amazed with what he’s done to what was once just acres of land.
He bought the property from an older woman who was moving out of state and didn’t want to deal with it anymore.
Her loss because with the time and effort Miles has put into fixing up the place and building a home, it looks straight out of a dream.
To save time and money, Miles bought a manufactured home and used the rest of his funds to put into the Inn.
He has a porch in the front with a swinging bench as well as some planters with flowers in them. I didn’t take him for the gardener type.
But that's just Miles. When he sets his mind to something, he teaches himself until he's a self proclaimed expert at it. His determination to make it happen is something I've always admired about him.
“Miles, this is incredible.” I hop out of the car and take in the scenery.
Last summer he sent me photos of the driveway he was cementing and seeing it all come to life in person is impressive.
He’s done so much, but knowing Miles, there’s still so much more he will do. The job is never fully done with him.
“Thank you, I’m pretty proud of it.” A shy yet proud smile appears on his face as he shuts the driver's side door.
“You should be, this is… I’m just happy for you.
This must be what parents feel when they see their children accomplish something,” I walk toward him and see him side eyeing me.
“I know you hate hugs but you’re getting one anyway.
” I give him a genuine hug and to my surprise, he slaps me on the back, his equivalent to a hug.
“No more of that unless you want to sleep outside with the coyotes on the first night?”
I laugh and we make our way inside.
Stepping through the front door I take it all in while also thinking about my lackluster apartment back at school.
It was stereotypical—plain comforter and matching bed sheets, a nightstand with a lamp on it, a TV that I spent too much time watching instead of studying, no decorations.
Maybe if I put more effort into that space like Miles has here, I would’ve enjoyed living there more.
Miles’ home is cozy, everything opposite of the home he grew up in with his parents which makes me wonder if that’s on purpose.
His house growing up was bland and lacked the “lived in” feel that he has here.
He has photos on the wall, half lit candles scattered around, blankets, dishes that all match.
Everything has its place, he’s made this house his home.
“Before I moved in, I made sure to hire someone. I knew I'd need help with decorating.” I’m sure Miles saw my eyes looking around the house wondering how he has everything matching so… effortlessly.
“Ah.” I nod. “That makes a lot more sense. This is totally you though.” I wave my hands around the space, "I can't picture you figuring out what throw pillows to buy.”
“I should be mad at you for that but unfortunately, you’re right.” He snaps his head to me and points a finger in my direction. “But don’t let it get to your head that I said that.”
I chuckle and grab my bags, following him to what will be my room for the summer.
I’ve never had my own space before and though this is technically Miles’, it is still the farthest I’ve been from having random college roommates or parents where I live.
“Did you purposely have my room across the house from yours because you want me as far away as possible?” I say with a smart ass grin, mostly joking.
We were inseparable as kids, always sleeping side by side.
Even when we became teenagers, we still stayed in the same room.
We'd stay up all night chatting, playing video games or sneaking out to the docks at night.
Miles calls over his shoulder as we head down the hallway and stops outside the bedroom door. “Didn’t feel like hearing random girls yelling your name in the late hours of the night.”
“If anything, I should be the one worried about you and your lady endeavors,” I raise my brows at him, “considering you let some random one stay here for a weekend.”
All I get in response is a grunt.
“Bed, nightstand, closet,” Miles says as he opens the bedroom door, pointing to the few things in this room. It’s not a lot but I didn’t expect much. This is just enough to be comfortable for the summer. “If you need something else… don’t.”
“As long as I have a bed and pillow, I think I’ll be good to go.” I walk over to said bed which is accompanied by a white comforter and matching pillow set. I set my stuff down and turn back to Miles. “Is this where your mystery lady stayed?”
No response is needed as he turns around to leave. I start unpacking my belongings, ready to take a nap after the drive to Ruby Lake.
Yesterday, after an easy afternoon unpacking and catching up over dinner, I went to my room and promptly fell asleep.
What I thought was going to be a quick power nap ended up being about nine hours of rest which I clearly needed.
I don’t remember actually falling asleep until just now when I hear a bang on my door. .
“Rise and shine,” Miles hollers from the other side of the door with another bang on the wood, “we’re leaving in ten.”
“Let me get dressed, I’ll be right down!
” I yell at him even though his footsteps are already echoing down the hallway.
Glancing at the window and the curtains I left open last night, it’s clear it’s going to be a good day.
The sun is already shining bright and there’s not a single cloud in the sky.
Sitting up, I check my phone to see if there’s anything from an unknown number that might belong to a particular freckled blonde but to my dismay, I see nothing. I sigh, stuffing my feelings away. I throw on my shirt and jeans and head to the living room.
There’s no way someone as angelic as her would come into my life so easily, but maybe the sun will shine bright for her today too and bring her back to me.
“Good morning, sunshine!” I smile brightly walking down the hallway to see Miles putting on his shoes. I grab my baseball hat I left on the coffee table last night, tossing it on to cover my mess of hair.
“Why are you like this?” He grunts.
“A man can’t be happy to wake up?” I nudge his shoulder with my knuckle as I pass him on my way to the front door to grab my shoes.
In response, I get another grunt and a mumbled, “let’s go,” and we head out to his truck.
Clearly someone isn’t a morning person.
Making our way into town, I’m still mesmerized by the way the sun makes the waves on the lake glisten.
We pull up to the empty parking lot outside of the Inn. When I think of my memories here, the Dew Drop Inn is always a highlight. It’s a staple to Ruby Lake. I’m happy to be a part of its revamp.
With the truck in park, I hop out, remembering a thought I had this morning when getting ready. “What if you did kayak and paddle board rentals for the guests?”
“What?” He genuinely looks confused as he turns to face me, a look I know too well—he didn’t hear a word I said.
“When you reopen the Inn, what if in the summer, you allow guests to rent kayaks and paddle boards to make use of the proximity to the lake?” I explain. “Sure, they could just go lay out on the beach but imagine the memories they’d make if they could actually explore what the lake has to offer?”
“That’s actually not a bad idea.” He ponders my idea. “It’ll definitely be a safety concern but I’m sure we can find a way to work with someone to create safety waivers, maybe work with the town to hire a lifeguard.”
“I can help you figure something out before I leave. Plus you wouldn’t have to get everything settled until next summer, so you have all the time in the world.”
Looking at the building in front of us, it definitely needs a few upgrades, but it’s nothing that can’t be done in the couple months that I’m here.
Miles pulls his keys from his pocket and unlocks the front door, allowing me to step in first.
“I still can’t believe this is all yours.” I take in the lobby in front of me and the potential the Inn has. “They really put it into good hands, I think you’ll definitely be able to turn this place around.”
“It’s a work in progress and I’m losing money by closing it for the summer but it should be worth it in the end.” He’s standing next to me with his hands in his pockets, looking at the project we have ahead of us.
“Do you care if I walk around? I haven’t been here since… you know,” I don’t mention his parents divorce but I know he knows what I mean.
“Sure,” he replies but doesn’t mention anything about his parents. “If you have ideas about any changes or other ideas write them down and let me know. I’d like to see it from someone else’s point of view.”
“Roger that.”
I start by going outside and looking at the front, the spot everyone will see when they first arrive. I know everyone says not to judge a book by its cover but when it comes to an Inn looking like it hasn’t been updated since the Ice Age, I think the book cover matters.
I pull my phone from my pocket, typing out some ideas like Miles asked. We need some sort of life out front that isn’t just the rose bushes. Maybe some trees or hedges. One thing for sure is that the outside paint needs some touch ups.
Walking around the side of the Inn and to the back there’s a lot of grassy area that might make a good area for a gazebo and some picnic tables, spaces for guests to go to on nicer days.
The more ideas come to my head, the more I start to realize how big of a project this is actually going to be for Miles, myself included.
If I’m already having renovation thoughts about the outside, I can’t imagine the changes the inside will need.
I let out an anxious breath and head back inside.
When I step through the front doors to the lobby I notice an empty room to the left.
“What’s this room for?” I yell to Miles.
“It used to have couches and toys for kids while families were waiting for their room, I think,” he appears behind me.
“What do you think about making this a little gift shop?” Looking around it’s the perfect size for people to browse and buy souvenirs.
“You could also have Ruby Lake sweatshirts, hats, and T-shirts for tourists. You know tourists love a good clothing memento. Nothing a hat can’t help.
Or maybe some magnets and shot glasses… whatever touristy places have. ”
“Your mind must work a hundred miles a minute,” he rolls his eyes in a playful way, “but I like the idea.”
We stand side by side in the room looking at the blank canvas in front of us, the first of many.
“There has to be some small businesses in town that would like to sell their stuff here too,” I brainstorm, not necessarily speaking to Miles in particular but thinking out loud.
“I’m getting a phone call but I like that idea.” He pulls his phone from his pocket and mutters that he’ll be right back. When I open my mouth to acknowledge him, he’s already gone.