Secrets in a Still Life, Kari Ganske [best fiction books to read .TXT] 📗

"Wow," Colleen said on a breath. "I'll trade you."

"Not much to see, but I'll take you on a tour," Bobby said. I could hear a sense of pride in his voice despite his humble comment.

"Did you do all the work yourself?" I asked. The wooden floors and walls shone with fresh lacquer. The dents and scuffs in the age-worn wood only added to the rustic, authentic vibe.

"Mostly, but I had some help. The same guy that's gonna fix the Welcome sign. He helped some," Bobby said.

Mrs. Anita leaned in toward me and Colleen and whispered, "Bobby mainly stood around and replenished water bottles. Occasionally fetched a tool. Bless his heart."

I hid a laugh behind a cough. The Welcome sign would be in good hands if the same man that crafted this space worked on it. I felt a little better about where my money was going.

"Bedroom is behind this partition," Bobby said, pointing to the right. I peeked in. Not a huge space, but definitely more than I was used to. A huge bay window let in ample natural light—something my photographer heart craved. A little cut-out closet with a curtain graced one wall. Nice touch.

"Next, we have the only fully separate room—the bathroom. I figured Tony wouldn't care one way or another, but Ma here had the ladies in mind. Hoping Tony gets himself one of those at some point," Bobby explained.

"Good thinking," Nana K said. "No tub, but this shower surround looks like the one at the spa in Mapleton. Alex, check out that tile."

"It's really lovely," I said, meaning it. River rocks and rough, natural tile intertwined to create the ambiance of the outdoors. A window in the ceiling bathed the space in light and warmth. The design was perfect and exactly what I would have picked for myself. A small pedestal sink, decorative round mirror, and normal boring toilet finished the space.

"Down this way is the living room area and kitchen."

We moved the rest of the way down the space to the far wall toward the kitchen. A fair amount of cabinet space, more than I would ever need for my two pots and three dishes, lined the wall above a deep farmhouse sink and counters in the same color palette as the tile in the bathroom. I turned in a circle to view the open space and gasped when I saw the fireplace inset into the wall.

"Is that real?" I asked at the same time Colleen asked, "Is that safe?"

Bobby chuckled. "Both real and safe. We had all the inspections done. There's a wood pile out back beside the barn."

"I don't think I can afford this," I said. Considering how much I paid for a run-down, water-stained, cockroach infested, third of this space in New York, I couldn't imagine what this brand-new, handcrafted space would cost a month. My lack of steady income suddenly seemed more of an issue. My savings, and the royalties from stock photography, was ample, but certainly not bottomless. Especially since it was currently unreplenished.

Nana K piped up. "I'm sure we can come to something agreeable. This space was sitting empty, so any amount is better than nothing. Throw in Alex's photography services, say once a season or for special events, and that could offset some of the cost. Of course, she'll pay for her own utilities."

"Sounds like you have this all figured out," I said, smiling.

Nana K shrugged. "It's a no-brainer."

"Sounds like a win-win to me," Mrs. Anita said, cutting off whatever Bobby was about to say. She named a price that had me gaping once again. This time in a good way.

"Are you sure?" I squeaked. Then cleared my throat and tried again. I couldn't even rent a parking space in New York for that little. "I don't want to take advantage."

"Keep in mind we're running a business here. No loud parties. No drugs or illegal activities," Mrs. Anita warned.

"Wouldn't think of it," I said, crossing my heart with a finger.

"And don't break anything," Bobby added. I nodded. Can't a girl run into one sign without everyone pegging her as Alex the Destroyer?

Okay, two signs. But who's counting.

"Tony gets priority. So if he suddenly decides to come back, you're out. Want to be clear up front."

"No problem. I have very little belongings. And I'm hoping this is temporary until I get another gig in New York," I explained.

"Sounds like it's all set. How long until she can move in?" Nana K asked.

"Coupla days?" Bobby suggested. "Just need to run the water and turn on the electricity again."

"Fabulous. Now let's go get some pie. All this negotiating makes me hungry," Nana K said.

Holy crap. Did I just lease an apartment? What did I do? I took a deep breath. I'd have a few days to think about whether I really wanted this commitment or not. But given the price and the condition, I'd seriously be an idiot not to take it. The only downside was how to get to town without a car or a driver's license for the next few months. I wasn't used to relying on people.

I gave my grandmother a sidelong glance. It was Nana K's fault I was here in the first place. I'd feel less guilty about asking her to escort me around for the time being. If my stomach could handle Nana K's driving, that is.

Colleen bumped my shoulder. "Stop overthinking it. This is an amazing deal. Much better than what I'm paying for my crappy rancher."

"Yeah, but you own your rancher," I pointed out. Like an actual adult.

"True. That money pit is all mine. If you can wait until the weekend, I'll help you move. I can borrow my brother's truck." She flashed me a grin. "I'm sure Linc would love to help."

"I'm sure Linc will be sick