shouldn’t be an issue. Do you mind if I come take a look?” I asked.
“Feel free. When do you need it?” Reece asked.
“Well, if everything goes well and I like it, would I be able to have it this evening? I just came into town and I don’t have a place to stay yet.”
“I thought that’s what you were going to say. It’s fully furnished and ready to go, so I don’t see that being a problem.”
“Perfect!” I was smiling.
Reece said he was free right then and gave me the address. Putting it in the GPS I made my way out to the little home. Although, that wouldn’t exactly be accurate. The instant I pulled in to the long winding driveway, I fell in love. I never thought I’d find willow trees in Florida, but here they were, lining the drive up to the house; their branches sagging down towards the ground. They were my favorite trees. If trees could look peaceful, then this is what they would look like. As I drove through the weeping branches that shaded the gravel road, I saw a house up ahead that was shingled in a light blue color. It screamed ‘beach house’. I got out of the car and looked at the house, which could more accurately be described as a cottage. There was a wraparound porch that had a small stair case leading up to the front door. Wicker chairs had been strategically placed all the way around the porch so whoever vacationed here could sit outside under the shaded roof and read a book, have their morning coffee, or just sit and watch the ocean.
Just then a gentleman came out of the front screened porch with a wide, welcoming smile. He approached me with his hand extended.
“Emilyn I assume?”
I took a hold of his offered hand. “Yes, you must be Reece.” I smiled just as big as he was.
I wasn’t sure what I’d expected, but Reece was an older man with white hair and crystal clear blue eyes. He wasn’t much taller than me, but his smile and gentle handshake made me feel at ease.
He gestured toward the house. “Go ahead and take a look around. I don’t mean to be rude, but I have some phone calls to make. I’ll be right outside if you have any questions.”
I nodded and made my way up the stairs. The salty air felt good in my lungs. It was fresh and invigorating. Walking through the screen door, I was greeted by an open living area. It was large and airy. Rattan furniture with tropical colors furnished the living room. My eyes darted around and took in the space. The only thing I couldn’t see was a television, which was fine because I didn’t want to waste my time on TV. Off to the left was a semi-large kitchen that was open to the living room, making the space look even bigger. Tile floor lead the way down a hall off to the right. Three separate doors at the end indicated the two bedrooms and probably a bathroom. I didn’t bother going in to look; I didn’t need to because I was already in love with the house. What I really wanted to see was what was through the sliding glass door leading to the deck and the beach. When I got outside I stood on the seafoam green decking and looked out over the beach. I didn’t have a neighbor in sight. I swear you could see for miles on either side. It would just be me out here, which was just what I needed. Deciding to give Reece whatever he was asking for the place, I made my way back outside and found him on the phone, leaning against his car. When he saw me approach he ended his call and asked me what I thought.
“I love it! You’ve done a great job on it! How much?”
“I’m glad you like it. I’m asking fifteen hundred a month and we can do a month to month lease if you need it.”
I nodded and he took out all the papers that I needed to sign. When all was done and taken care of, I thanked him and he told me where I could find a grocery store in town. Walking back out on the back porch I slipped off my shoes and decided to go for a walk on the beach. Stepping on to on the soft white sand, I took a deep