“What’s the deal?”I ask, turning to look at her as I pull around the back side of the Somerville property.It’s an area that I’ve only been to once before when Leo took me on a tour.It was quick and he basically said the only reason I would need to be back here would be for oversized deliveries, and I more than likely wouldn’t need to deal with that.Although, with the catering business slowly getting off the ground, I’m thinking those types of deliveries will start popping up.
“What is this?”I ask, looking around, basically coming up to a gravel parking lot and a small area to turn around.“You want me to pitch a tent out here?Use one of those composting toilets?I think you know me better than that,” I tease.
“Just wait.I think this is exactly what you’re looking for,” Tessa says, climbing out of the car and signaling for me to follow her.
We walk down a small gravel path and suddenly a little cottage appears.It’s quaint and adorable, like something out of a Hallmark Christmas movie.I have to control my urge to squeal out loud.
“Okay, so I’ve been working on this little project with Jack and Lauren.That was who I called just a bit ago, and while they are thinking the cottages will eventually be used for weddings and guests visiting the property, they’d be happy to rent this little gem to you.”
“What?Seriously?”I haven’t even been inside yet, but it’s perfect.It’s walking distance to work, but away from the hustle and bustle of the winery.The Apple Jacks property is off to the left, separated by the orchard and Somerville’s in the opposite direction.It’s literally in the middle of nowhere but surrounded by everything.“I don’t think I could ask them to live here.This is something they’re doing to try to draw more people—”
Tessa cuts me off.“First of all, you’d be paying them, so it’s a good thing for them.Second, it’s at least two years from being finished.This would give them an opportunity to test it out, have someone live here and see if it works.”
“I had no idea this cute little place was even back here,” I tell Tessa, opening the front door that she just unlocked.I gasp out loud.If I thought it was cute from the outside, the inside is unreal.If I end up living here, it would be like being on a vacation every time I come home from work.
“It wasn’t back here just a few weeks ago.Well, it was, but it was an old shed that was used to store tractors and equipment.I had some of my guys come back here and turn it into this.”She extends her arms out in front of her, indicating the room around us.“Lauren and Jack had maintained the shed really well, so all I really had to do was add some walls, plumbing, a foundation, electricity…” Tessa trails off, giggling a little.“Okay, so I guess it was a little more detailed than I remember, but it’s yours if you want it.”
“If I want it?Yes, I want it.”I don’t even bother to ask how much per month, and again my impulsivity is back.
Accepting a job without knowing the salary?Check.
Kissing my boss without worrying about the repercussions?Check.
Choosing a place to live without knowing the rent?Check.
“One thing though,” Tessa says, holding up her finger and I knew there was a catch.
“What?”
“There’s going to be construction going on back here after the baby is born and I return to work.It won’t be starting for a while, but I just thought I would give you a heads up.”
“Who cares.If this means I can move in tomorrow and prove Dylan wrong, then I’m in.”
Tessa laughs, shaking her head at the sibling rivalry between Dylan and me as she says, “Don’t tell Dylan I helped you win this one, got it?”
“As long as you keep your mouth shut about my make out sessions with Leo,” I chirp back.
“Make out sessions?That sounds like more than just a kiss, Hannah,” Tessa now says, eyeing me with far too much curiosity.
“Okay, okay, things got a little heated the other day.”
“Like how heated?”
“Like we were making out in the kitchen and had we not been at work, we would’ve taken off our pants,” I say, not even trying to censor it.Why should I at this point?She knows I kissed him, and she knows I’m kind of obsessed with him.Who wouldn’t be?He looks like he belongs on a TV show that would be titled Hottest Chef in America.
“Yeah, that’s heated,” she says, shrugging.“Good luck keeping it a secret.This place loves gossip, and better yet, it’s hard to hide from Oscar and Olivia.”
“Who are Oscar and Olivia?”I ask, feeling a little clueless.
“Oh, you’ll meet them soon enough,” she says, not elaborating.“Why don’t we go find Lauren and get this finalized,” Tessa now says, changing the subject, leaving me wondering just who Oscar and Olivia are and why they would have anything to do with Leo and me making out.
We find Lauren in her office and as soon as she sees me, she jumps up, squealing with delight.“So, do you love it?”she asks.
“Um, of course,” I reply.“Who wouldn’t love it?I’m just so grateful.I have a job here that I love and now you’ve saved me from having to live with my brother.It couldn’t get any better.”I’m rambling, and I know it could get better, like maybe having Leo naked in my new bedroom would be good.But beggars can’t be choosers.
“So Jack and I were thinking five hundred a month,” Lauren says and my mouth falls open.She really can’t be serious.She already pays me way more than I thought possible to work here, and now she’s offering me a place to live at a rent price that would’ve been low in the nineties.“Too much?”she now asks, her teeth clenched as if she’s embarrassed herself.
“Oh my god, no.That’s really low.You sure you don’t want to up it?”I reply, stupidly, realizing I should just take the offer and run with it.
