be surprised at what a difference it makes to the comfort in the winter months."
"I love it," Gracie said.
Sam led the way down the hall.
"Wait until you see the bedroom."
Gracie walked in, took one look at the old cherry wood canopy bed and a matching cherry wood dresser and sighed. Straight out of her childhood fantasy. Was this really happening?
"It's beautiful," she said.
"The single bath is directly across the hall," Sam said. "Check it out."
Gracie poked her head in the door, saw the claw-foot tub and a sink mounted in a cabinet similar to the ones in the kitchen, and fell in love.
"It has central air conditioning and heating," Sam added. "You pay your own utilities, which include water, sewer, and garbage pickup. Electricity is included in your rent. All the services are on right now. All you need to do is notify the city utility company. They'll set up your account and switch it into your name. The television has basic cable right now. If you want to add more, that's on you, and it's internet and WiFi ready."
"Besides rent, how much is the deposit?" Gracie asked.
"Ordinarily it would be the equivalent of another month's rent, but that's one of the things Lucy said she will waive. When we fill out the papers, I'll run a credit check and a background check. It's how we protect our clients," Sam said.
Gracie shrugged. "I have no idea if I even have a credit rating anymore. It's been so long since I worked at a paying job. But it used to be good. Will I be rejected because of the credit rating?"
"Not according to Lucy. She gets all huffy about our rules, and says they make everything too hard for people trying to get by. And since it's her property, she can pretty much call the shots. We do require automatic withdrawal for monthly payments."
Gracie nodded. "I can give you my banker in Sweetwater as a reference. He knew I was leaving town. He'll transfer my money to whichever bank I choose here. I was just looking for a place to live so I'd have an address before I set that up. I hope it's going to be this address because I want it...so much," Gracie said.
Sam clapped his hands.
"I had a feeling this place would suit you, and now that you've decided to lease it, Lucy wants to meet you."
"I'd like to meet her, too," Gracie said.
"Then follow me," Sam said. He turned off all the lights and led the way back downstairs. He punched in the code to lower the door. "Oh...there's a remote control for this door. It's at the office. You'll get it with the keys. Now let's go meet your new landlady. I think you're going to like her."
Chapter Ten
Lucy had dressed to meet the girl. She believed first impressions were important. And showing your true colors was also important to Lucy, which is why she'd fluffed and sprayed the purple tips of her white hair starch-stiff. Her earrings dangled, and the floral caftan she wore ebbed and flowed as she moved.
But now she was at the window, watching Sam and her new renter approaching. Sam was talking non-stop, as always. The woman with him seemed polite and attentive, but Lucy saw the wall around that girl as plainly as if it had been brick and mortar. She was one of the walking wounded, and it showed.
When they reached the sidewalk and headed to the house, Lucy took off for the front door and was approaching the foyer when the doorbell rang.
"I've got it, Muriel!" Lucy said, and waved off the housekeeper, then opened to door with a flourish. "Sam! Come in, come in," Lucy said, then stepped aside as they entered the foyer.
Sam immediately made introductions.
"Lucy, this is Gracie Dunham. Gracie, this is Lucy Bedford, your new landlord."
Lucy beamed. "Oh, I'm so happy you liked the place. It's a little eclectic for some, but it pleases me. Come sit with me a bit. I know Sam's busy, but stay long enough to have something cold to drink, will you?"
"Sounds good to me," Sam said. "Gracie?"
Gracie nodded. "Yes, please."
"I have coffee, iced tea, and soft drinks? What's your poison?"
"I'll have an iced tea. Unsweet," Sam said. "I'm supposed to be watching my sugar intake."
Lucy nodded. "And Gracie, what can I get for you?"
"I'd love a Coke, if you have them. If not, anything cold is perfect."
Lucy beamed. "Do I have Coke? It's my go-to soft drink. We