Room to Rent

From my phone screen to the house to back to my phone, I was transfixed. Hydrandras edged a bright green expanse of lawn. A curved cobble stone driveway led up to prim three story Victorian It was storybook worthy. The Facebook classified was for a room for rent in large house with an eldery couple. I looked down at my busted up Converses. I was regretting my choice of outfit, denim jacket and tights. Heading towards the back, I took a deep breath and started up the long winding driveway.

Spacious en suite in a Victorian house with pool and hot tub

Over text, I reached out and made an appointment for a tour. Ray texted the address and said to meet them around back. The whole drive over I beat down my anxiety of walking nto a Dateline-inspired hellscape. Instead of a potential crime scene I was transported to a spread from Better Homes and Gardens. A yellow winged butterfly fluttered across my path. The backyard was as beautiful as the front. Splashing, a guy who looked looked Santa Claus in a Hawaiian shirt was fishing something bright from the bottom of the pool. Mrs. Claus in nothing but a wet tee shirt lounged poolside. She tossed me a provocative smile. I’m never one to yuck somone else’s yum but I didn’t know what to look.

$400 a month, utilies included, full access to home including laundry room

Ray ushered me through the grand home. Right now, I’m subletting a one-person apartment with two other girls. I’m sick of being 24 years old and having a pinned up sheet as a door. I need my own space. I need a breather to save up for a bigger place, I need space. Ray was friendly and the interior was lovely. I can put up with anything.

Has to be seen to be believed.

“Ida made fresh lemonade. Have a glass.” Ray asked. “You wouldn’t want for anything if you move in, Emily. Paper goods, groceries, you could join us for dinner.”

The sun drenched kitchen was chef worthy with shiny new appliances and old fashioned Nonna vibes. I could picture making snickerdoodles in a kitchen like this.

“Most people freak out when we tell them we’re swingers. We have gettogethers once a month. You’re welcome to join us or of course you can stay in your room. No pressure, my lovely. Thanks for taking the tour. So when can you move in?” Ray asked handing me a lemonade.

Cocking my head, I thought about swing dancing. Not my thing but then I thought of my roommates, one who has taken up knife throwing and the other won’t flush the toilet. Finally things were looking up for me.

“It’s not my thing. But I’m willing to try anything once. I can move in Friday,” I said.

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