Rachyl rubbed Dill's ears with a free hand. His wet tongue kept darting out to catch her fingertips; he probably detected the bacon she'd been eating. "I'm sure Jeff will be careful, but make sure that when he gives the hardware to the computer guy that Jeff keeps the hard drives. You should know how important those are, and especially that data can be gleaned from them."
Standing, she covered her plate and found a small crumb of bacon she'd dropped. She leaned over - not quite as far as Meegan would need to - and teased Dill with it for a moment before allowing him to lick it from her palm. Washing her hands, she grabbed her jacket and slid into it, then pulled her gloves on.
Turning to Meegan with a frustrated growl, she said, "Zip me."
Turn On the Home Light
Rachyl stared almost forlornly at the semicircle of presents leftover from Christmas. She had wanted to keep the tree up til they'd actually checked out of the suite, but Meegan refused to let her. Of course, the hotel requiring the tree back for storage didn't help, either.
Little homey gifts she and Meegan had gotten each other for when they actually found a house were piled haphazardly where the tree used to be. Fondly floating over the memories of their first Christmas together, she suddenly remembered the gloves she'd forgotten, retrieved them, and stuffed them in her pocket.
She really did like the jacket Meegan had gotten her. The sense of "wow this is weird" had evaporated almost immediately upon opening the box, and she still smirked when thinking about it. "Why would Meegan buy me.. This is great! It doesn't quite make sense, but I love it!" (Of course, Rachyl completely neglected to remember the fact about not having brought her own heavy jacket to Nachton.)
The silver sequined silken spiderweb bodice and crushed velvet skirt had definately been a surprise. Rachyl hadn't worn it yet, indeed even refused to try it on. She trusted Meegan's size sense. Perhaps to "bless" the new home... Whenever they did find it. Rachyl sighed as she continued looking.
She had gotten Meegan a couple different hats, because it seemed to be one of the only types of apparel she never wore. The designer hated covering her face, but some of the choices she was now presented with framed it so wonderfully, it seemed difficult to truly dismiss the options. For winter, she picked up a small assortment of knit caps, scarves, and gloves - all matching, of course - that would best match her lover's winter wardrobe.
That had been a shock. The day Meegan clambered into her bed, weeping silently, offering emotion-laden words of apology, requests for forgiveness. Rachyl had hated to turn down those knowing hands, trembling as they were with both fear and anticipation... but they needed to talk first. They hadn't talked about... it... since, well ever. Aron had just breezed into their lives... And then right out again. Rachyl still wasn't exactly sure what being attached to a vampire, then losing them, could do to a "normal" person. But she held Meegan each and every time her friend needed it. The bonfire raged on.
Her brain snapped back to the present, hearing Meegan on the phone. And it was still cold; her nose still hadn't warmed up. They'd turned down the heat before they left.
Placing her hands loosely together, along side her nose, she breathed in and out. As her face slowly warmed, she saw the time out of the corner of her eye and focused on it. Nearly lunch. Darn fool realtor (as Connie would say) had wasted half their day already. That poor woman... No, she wasn't poor. She just wasn't very good at what she did, what she was.
Shaking her head to rid herself of the memory (if she ever visited her professor in college she'd need to tell the class about the realtor who let her client fall down steps) she stretched her arm. It didn't quite feel bad, but she might have to talk Meegan into getting a masseuse tonight.
She moved into the kitchenette and heated up some water, and made two mugs of hot chocolate. She stirred them carefully, watching Meegan as she paced in the main hall, answering questions on the phone.
Rachyl
18 years ago
Meegan
18 years ago
Meegan giggled softly as she did the last button on her coat. She crossed to Rachyl, and put the zipper together, brushing her fingers lightly along the red-head's lower belly. She pulled the zipper up and patted the jacket right about Rachyl's breasts.
"There. Ready to go? He's waiting for us in the lobby."
She picked up her purse and gave Dill's head a pat and told him to be a good boy. He would probably lay in a patch of sun and sleep until they got back. Meegan held the door for Rachyl and they traveled down to the lobby in hand holding quiet.
Max Tomlin was waiting by the front desk for them. He wore a black trench over kaki slacks, royal blue shirt and black, white and blue tie. Meegan didn't note a sport jacket, but it didn't bother her as he was clean cut and professional looking. His jaw was clean shaven, and his dark hair styled with and expensive cut. Combed back and down today, making it easy to fix any wind damage with just a swipe of the hand. Meegan instantly liked him as they shook hands.
"Miss. Masters? Max Tomlin. Such a pleasure. I have a little niece that is a big fan of ours.'
Genuine, he probably did have a niece that was a fan. If he panned out she would be sure to send something along for the girl with her thank yous to his agency. She smiled at him as she spoke.
"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Tomlin. This is my partner Rachyl Walker."
Meegan put on her gloves as Rachyl and Max shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
"I have some great houses for you ladies today. Shall we get started?"
"Yes, please."
Meegan smiled brightly as Max held the door open for them and lead them to a black sedan that was fitted with two backseats, a sort of mini limo. The driver stood next to the door sweeping it open for them as they came to the car.
Meegan was impressed. The most she expected had been a nicely appointed SUV or luxury car, but this was above and beyond and she gave the man another point. So far he had nothing but. Maybe just maybe they could avoid strikes with this guy.
He allowed them to settle before entering the car himself. On the seat was a cup carrier with three steaming to go cups.
"I hope you don't mind but I asked Jeff your preferred morning beverage." He pulled a cup from the holder and handed it to Rachyl. "Earle gray, lots of sugar."
He took out a second cup and passed it to Meegan. "Kona blend, one splenda, and just plain ol' coffee for me."
He smiled at them, Meegan was impressed a second time. She sipped from the little oblong hole in the lid of her cup and savored the full bodied brew. It was incredibly good and had to be from fresh ground beans. Jeff had been specific. He set his cup in the holder built into the wall of the car and pulled a sheaf of papers from the attache sitting on the seat next to where thee coffee had been.
He passed them over to Meegan, and she took them in her free hand, putting the cup in her own little holder, and looked down at the top page. It was one of those description sheets with a small picture of the exterior of the house.
"The first one we are going to see, probably won't live up to your standards, but it's in a great neighborhood, is on a hill and has a spectacular view. I think the stairs in it might turn you off. No one ever says yes to the first house, so I figured I'd give you one that I know you won't like so that we get the first no out of the way."
Meegan chuckled and looked down the sheet. He was right she wasn't going to like it, it was too small for one and the floors had spanish tile. A pain to keep clean and were usually in hideous colors like, terra cotta.
"I think you're right. Thank you for your honesty."
She chuckled again.
"If you have any questions let me know, it will take us just under ten minutes to get to the first house."
He pulled more papers from the case and began to go over them, leaving the two of them to confer over the description sheets. And Meegan was impressed a third time. She could have kicked her self, had she been standing, for that nit wit from yesterday.
"There. Ready to go? He's waiting for us in the lobby."
She picked up her purse and gave Dill's head a pat and told him to be a good boy. He would probably lay in a patch of sun and sleep until they got back. Meegan held the door for Rachyl and they traveled down to the lobby in hand holding quiet.
Max Tomlin was waiting by the front desk for them. He wore a black trench over kaki slacks, royal blue shirt and black, white and blue tie. Meegan didn't note a sport jacket, but it didn't bother her as he was clean cut and professional looking. His jaw was clean shaven, and his dark hair styled with and expensive cut. Combed back and down today, making it easy to fix any wind damage with just a swipe of the hand. Meegan instantly liked him as they shook hands.
"Miss. Masters? Max Tomlin. Such a pleasure. I have a little niece that is a big fan of ours.'
Genuine, he probably did have a niece that was a fan. If he panned out she would be sure to send something along for the girl with her thank yous to his agency. She smiled at him as she spoke.
"The pleasure is ours, Mr. Tomlin. This is my partner Rachyl Walker."
Meegan put on her gloves as Rachyl and Max shook hands and exchanged pleasantries.
"I have some great houses for you ladies today. Shall we get started?"
"Yes, please."
Meegan smiled brightly as Max held the door open for them and lead them to a black sedan that was fitted with two backseats, a sort of mini limo. The driver stood next to the door sweeping it open for them as they came to the car.
Meegan was impressed. The most she expected had been a nicely appointed SUV or luxury car, but this was above and beyond and she gave the man another point. So far he had nothing but. Maybe just maybe they could avoid strikes with this guy.
He allowed them to settle before entering the car himself. On the seat was a cup carrier with three steaming to go cups.
"I hope you don't mind but I asked Jeff your preferred morning beverage." He pulled a cup from the holder and handed it to Rachyl. "Earle gray, lots of sugar."
He took out a second cup and passed it to Meegan. "Kona blend, one splenda, and just plain ol' coffee for me."
He smiled at them, Meegan was impressed a second time. She sipped from the little oblong hole in the lid of her cup and savored the full bodied brew. It was incredibly good and had to be from fresh ground beans. Jeff had been specific. He set his cup in the holder built into the wall of the car and pulled a sheaf of papers from the attache sitting on the seat next to where thee coffee had been.
He passed them over to Meegan, and she took them in her free hand, putting the cup in her own little holder, and looked down at the top page. It was one of those description sheets with a small picture of the exterior of the house.
"The first one we are going to see, probably won't live up to your standards, but it's in a great neighborhood, is on a hill and has a spectacular view. I think the stairs in it might turn you off. No one ever says yes to the first house, so I figured I'd give you one that I know you won't like so that we get the first no out of the way."
Meegan chuckled and looked down the sheet. He was right she wasn't going to like it, it was too small for one and the floors had spanish tile. A pain to keep clean and were usually in hideous colors like, terra cotta.
"I think you're right. Thank you for your honesty."
She chuckled again.
"If you have any questions let me know, it will take us just under ten minutes to get to the first house."
He pulled more papers from the case and began to go over them, leaving the two of them to confer over the description sheets. And Meegan was impressed a third time. She could have kicked her self, had she been standing, for that nit wit from yesterday.
Rachyl
18 years ago
Rachyl sipped from her cup - Jeff was scary sometimes - and peered over Meegan's arm at the sheet. "Oh, look! Spanish tile. It looks like someone laminated guacamole."
Rachyl hid her mouth behind the cup and laid a comforting hand on a near thigh as she whispered to Meegan, "I still love you even with the person yesterday. It's not your fault."
The drive was as estimated; ten minutes from pickup to driveway of the first house. It was... diminutive. "It's tiny."
Meegan arched an eyebrow at her as they stepped from the car, linked arm-in-arm. The trio headed up the drive, which thankfully did not wrap around the house like a badly tied scarf. "I know, I know, I should talk. Pot meet kettle and all that. Tiny house meet tiny fashion designer's assistant. Uh huh. Yup."
A quick walk around the house and under the covered carport showed them a rather attractively landscaped home, but it was much too small for their needs. "It's a really nice starter home, Mr. Tomlin, but it really is... undersized for our needs. We need breathing room." She disengaged from Meegan's arm, and stood two arm-lengths from her. "I mean, can you imagine, the two of us being so close to each other all the time? We'd drive each other insane!"
Of course the extent of that insanity Rachyl was leaving up to the others' imaginations. She trotted up the back steps to a door that looked into the kitchen. She was able to see directly through the house to the front door. It was a nice home, to be sure, just small.
Returning to the arm she'd left, she commented, "Though I have someone in mind who might benefit from this house better than ourselves." At Meegan's inquisitive eyebrow arching, she explained, "Melinda in Accounting needs to move out of her apartment. If Mr. Tomlin is amiable, we could give her his information and a copy of that one-page."
Rachyl hid her mouth behind the cup and laid a comforting hand on a near thigh as she whispered to Meegan, "I still love you even with the person yesterday. It's not your fault."
The drive was as estimated; ten minutes from pickup to driveway of the first house. It was... diminutive. "It's tiny."
Meegan arched an eyebrow at her as they stepped from the car, linked arm-in-arm. The trio headed up the drive, which thankfully did not wrap around the house like a badly tied scarf. "I know, I know, I should talk. Pot meet kettle and all that. Tiny house meet tiny fashion designer's assistant. Uh huh. Yup."
A quick walk around the house and under the covered carport showed them a rather attractively landscaped home, but it was much too small for their needs. "It's a really nice starter home, Mr. Tomlin, but it really is... undersized for our needs. We need breathing room." She disengaged from Meegan's arm, and stood two arm-lengths from her. "I mean, can you imagine, the two of us being so close to each other all the time? We'd drive each other insane!"
Of course the extent of that insanity Rachyl was leaving up to the others' imaginations. She trotted up the back steps to a door that looked into the kitchen. She was able to see directly through the house to the front door. It was a nice home, to be sure, just small.
Returning to the arm she'd left, she commented, "Though I have someone in mind who might benefit from this house better than ourselves." At Meegan's inquisitive eyebrow arching, she explained, "Melinda in Accounting needs to move out of her apartment. If Mr. Tomlin is amiable, we could give her his information and a copy of that one-page."
Meegan
18 years ago
Meegan let Rachyl do the talking, as there wasn't anything to add. Mr. Tomlin had taken their requests and given them the opposites. She had expected something a little closer to their specs, not this far fetched idea. She was hoping it was a joke, but either way it counted as strike one. She hated that too, because she liked the guy. Well there was hoping that the next one would be more on target.
"I'd be honored for you to give the information to Melinda in Accounting."
Meegan shook her head and headed back to the car. This really was just silly. Well they would just have to see.
Once they were all bundled back in the car Meegan picked up her coffee and finished it off. She was going to need some water soon, her mouth was dry from the caffeine. As the car pulled away from the curb she pulled a small tin of breath mints from her purse and offered them around the car.
She gave Max a look that let him know she was unhappy, but chose not to say anything and picked up the stack of papers and handing Rachyl the one for the tiny house, looked down at the second. The picture was unimpressive, but they always were, but the specs were almost exactly what they wanted. It was short half a bathroom, but they could make due with only three showers. The thought made Meegan chuckle and she continued to read the one-page then handed it to Rachyl.
In less than five minutes they pulled into the half-circle drive to park in front of the door. Meegan liked the drive, but the trees in the center of it were not well kept, they would have to be pruned severely and it would take years to recover them.
They climbed from the car and Meegan loved the red brick exterior and white trim accents, it was very much a new england home and she had wanted that feel. The small arch windows in the attic were a nice touch. They walked up the three steps to the porch that was about three door widths and was covered. It wasn't big enough to sit on, but it would work well for greeting guests.
The front door was solid oak and beautifully maintained. Max let them in and Meegan smiled at the sweeping curve of the stairs. The banister was a gleaming oak, that had seen years of loving care. The runner covered just the center of the steps leaving more gleaming wood showing on either side.
"This house belonged to an older couple that passed away, not here in the house, and it was bequeathed to the children. All of the children and most of the grandchildren already have homes, so the decision was made to sell. The Parkers kept a small staff that saw to the immaculate upkeep of the home. Repairs were made in a timely manner and most of the wood work is original to the home. Some has been replaced over the years due to aging or breakage.
This home was built in the early nineteen fifties and has been upgraded through the years. You will find a fully functioning alarm system and a full house intercom. Security cameras have been installed around the home and are fed to the alarm company."
He stepped in front of them and walked sort of sideways so that he was talking to them while he lead them into the room off the left side of the foyer.
"This is the parlor. This floor has seven rooms, including a small home office."
The room was large with a window seat between built in book shelves a large fire place and the fine scratches of furniture on the solid wood floor. It had potential for two or three seating areas, and a stereo system could easily be hidden among the scrolling wood work. It was elegant to say the least.
"This room has a hidden panel that leads into the office, which is also accessible from the foyer hall."
He moved to the back wall opposite the book cases and gave a small push on the seamless wall, and it cracked open. He put his fingers in the space and pulled the door open. He took them into a bookshelf lined room whose floor was covered in plush burgundy carpet. It was definitely a man's room. Meegan could picture stuffed ducks and golf trophies among the shelves with the rows and rows of law books. She saw a large mahogany desk, with a black and cream blotter, and a gold globe. Yeah, this would have to be redone.
They stepped from the office into the foyer, and took a left. On their right, under the stairs was a door, Meegan walked over and pulled it open. It was a small powder room. Just a toilet, pedestal sink and mirror. The walls were creamy white with red roses and gold accents, the hardware was all gold and it smelled of some kind of rosy soap. Meegan chuckled and stepped back so Rachyl could see.
"Well you don't see that every day."
"I'd be honored for you to give the information to Melinda in Accounting."
Meegan shook her head and headed back to the car. This really was just silly. Well they would just have to see.
Once they were all bundled back in the car Meegan picked up her coffee and finished it off. She was going to need some water soon, her mouth was dry from the caffeine. As the car pulled away from the curb she pulled a small tin of breath mints from her purse and offered them around the car.
She gave Max a look that let him know she was unhappy, but chose not to say anything and picked up the stack of papers and handing Rachyl the one for the tiny house, looked down at the second. The picture was unimpressive, but they always were, but the specs were almost exactly what they wanted. It was short half a bathroom, but they could make due with only three showers. The thought made Meegan chuckle and she continued to read the one-page then handed it to Rachyl.
In less than five minutes they pulled into the half-circle drive to park in front of the door. Meegan liked the drive, but the trees in the center of it were not well kept, they would have to be pruned severely and it would take years to recover them.
They climbed from the car and Meegan loved the red brick exterior and white trim accents, it was very much a new england home and she had wanted that feel. The small arch windows in the attic were a nice touch. They walked up the three steps to the porch that was about three door widths and was covered. It wasn't big enough to sit on, but it would work well for greeting guests.
The front door was solid oak and beautifully maintained. Max let them in and Meegan smiled at the sweeping curve of the stairs. The banister was a gleaming oak, that had seen years of loving care. The runner covered just the center of the steps leaving more gleaming wood showing on either side.
"This house belonged to an older couple that passed away, not here in the house, and it was bequeathed to the children. All of the children and most of the grandchildren already have homes, so the decision was made to sell. The Parkers kept a small staff that saw to the immaculate upkeep of the home. Repairs were made in a timely manner and most of the wood work is original to the home. Some has been replaced over the years due to aging or breakage.
This home was built in the early nineteen fifties and has been upgraded through the years. You will find a fully functioning alarm system and a full house intercom. Security cameras have been installed around the home and are fed to the alarm company."
He stepped in front of them and walked sort of sideways so that he was talking to them while he lead them into the room off the left side of the foyer.
"This is the parlor. This floor has seven rooms, including a small home office."
The room was large with a window seat between built in book shelves a large fire place and the fine scratches of furniture on the solid wood floor. It had potential for two or three seating areas, and a stereo system could easily be hidden among the scrolling wood work. It was elegant to say the least.
"This room has a hidden panel that leads into the office, which is also accessible from the foyer hall."
He moved to the back wall opposite the book cases and gave a small push on the seamless wall, and it cracked open. He put his fingers in the space and pulled the door open. He took them into a bookshelf lined room whose floor was covered in plush burgundy carpet. It was definitely a man's room. Meegan could picture stuffed ducks and golf trophies among the shelves with the rows and rows of law books. She saw a large mahogany desk, with a black and cream blotter, and a gold globe. Yeah, this would have to be redone.
They stepped from the office into the foyer, and took a left. On their right, under the stairs was a door, Meegan walked over and pulled it open. It was a small powder room. Just a toilet, pedestal sink and mirror. The walls were creamy white with red roses and gold accents, the hardware was all gold and it smelled of some kind of rosy soap. Meegan chuckled and stepped back so Rachyl could see.
"Well you don't see that every day."
Rachyl
18 years ago
Rachyl nibbled at the breath mint Meegan had offered and just followed through the house. The office was lovely; just not "Meegan." She'd probably want to re-do it.
The tiny bathroom was quaint; she couldn't help cracking in a really bad British accent, "Oi, we'd need to take ou' the loo for our lil' nephew, won' we now?" Covering her mouth with gloved hand, she giggled and apologized.
They continued upstairs. The excellent woodwork continued throughout the remaining rooms. "The house is truly immaculate. They did a wonderful job."
The master bedroom, empty but for a worn beige carpet, had its own bath with a stand-alone brass tub. Ornate fixtures, handles, little shelves with golden highlights for trinkets, candles and such. No linen closet. The remaining bedrooms were all equal in size with the same carpet. Two seemed more worn than the others; the kids must have slept here. One had its own bath; the other was shared between the two remaining rooms with a door at each end.
Max showed them the pulldown stairs for the attic, then escorted them back downstairs. "There's no basement, just a crawlspace under the length of the house." A 'trap door' beneath the laundry room just off the kitchen was demonstrated.
Rachyl started to giggle, and snorted once. "I was just thinking," she said to the inquiring looks, "Of me going down there to check the water meter or something and not being able to get out. "Help, I'm stuck down here because my boobs are too big!" So..." She started giggling again.
The tiny bathroom was quaint; she couldn't help cracking in a really bad British accent, "Oi, we'd need to take ou' the loo for our lil' nephew, won' we now?" Covering her mouth with gloved hand, she giggled and apologized.
They continued upstairs. The excellent woodwork continued throughout the remaining rooms. "The house is truly immaculate. They did a wonderful job."
The master bedroom, empty but for a worn beige carpet, had its own bath with a stand-alone brass tub. Ornate fixtures, handles, little shelves with golden highlights for trinkets, candles and such. No linen closet. The remaining bedrooms were all equal in size with the same carpet. Two seemed more worn than the others; the kids must have slept here. One had its own bath; the other was shared between the two remaining rooms with a door at each end.
Max showed them the pulldown stairs for the attic, then escorted them back downstairs. "There's no basement, just a crawlspace under the length of the house." A 'trap door' beneath the laundry room just off the kitchen was demonstrated.
Rachyl started to giggle, and snorted once. "I was just thinking," she said to the inquiring looks, "Of me going down there to check the water meter or something and not being able to get out. "Help, I'm stuck down here because my boobs are too big!" So..." She started giggling again.
Meegan
18 years ago
Meegan covered her own giggle, and pulled herself together. The upstairs had been lovely, but the bathroom connecting the rooms thing, bothered her. It was difficult to feel safe in a strange home when there were two entrances into your room. It was a beautiful house, but Meegan just wasn't in love with it, and that was the major deciding factor. So she voiced this to Rachyl.
"This is an amazing house, and I think it's lovely, but I'm just not in love. Small things are wrong and I just don't think I could settle. What do you think Rach?"
"This is an amazing house, and I think it's lovely, but I'm just not in love. Small things are wrong and I just don't think I could settle. What do you think Rach?"
Rachyl
18 years ago
Rachyl nodded her agreement. "It's definately a lovely home. The first floor is nearly impeccable and it'd be difficult to find anything 'wrong,' per se, with it. However, the lack of a full basement, the shared bathroom, trap door stairs to the attic, and no garage are certainly strikes against it. It is beautiful, Mr. Tomlin, but unfortunately not "us"."
Rachyl could tell Mr. Tomlin had expected that response. It was a good sight better than the previous options they'd been shown, but didn't really fit their requirements.
Rachyl led the procession back to the front door and waited on the small porch as the entrance was locked. When she reached the car door, though, she waited for someone to open it for her.
Rachyl could tell Mr. Tomlin had expected that response. It was a good sight better than the previous options they'd been shown, but didn't really fit their requirements.
Rachyl led the procession back to the front door and waited on the small porch as the entrance was locked. When she reached the car door, though, she waited for someone to open it for her.
Meegan
18 years ago
Meegan had a tiny fear in the back of her mind that they were going to be one of those couples that searched for months for the right house, and finally decided to build, so they were stuck in a tiny apartment until the house was finished, which could take up to a year for the size they wanted. She sighed softly and pulled the third house's page from the pile. It was...perfect at least on paper. Right number of bedrooms and bathrooms, a real garage, basement, hardwood floors large kitchen. Meegan got a little thump of excitement in her belly and handed the paper to Rachyl, with a smile.
She was almost bouncing in her seat by the time the ten minute ride was finished. The pulled into a circular drive, landscaped with a small rock garden in the half moon of yard between the drive and the street. Meegan climbed from the car, and grabbed Rachyl's hand with a barely contained squeal. It looked amazing. Reddish-pink brick. Large pictures windows, and a big enough attic to have circular windows. Now all they needed to do was go inside.
She was almost bouncing in her seat by the time the ten minute ride was finished. The pulled into a circular drive, landscaped with a small rock garden in the half moon of yard between the drive and the street. Meegan climbed from the car, and grabbed Rachyl's hand with a barely contained squeal. It looked amazing. Reddish-pink brick. Large pictures windows, and a big enough attic to have circular windows. Now all they needed to do was go inside.
Rachyl
18 years ago
Meegan's hand nearly crushed hers as she looked over the one-sheet. She could almost feel her lover shaking with excitement as she went over the information.
Five bedrooms, four and a half baths, three car garage, full basement, attic, fireplaces, central air, gas heat... Then they pulled into a driveway. It was situated on a hill, the semicircular drive passing the front door as well as the caddy-cornered (kind of) garage. Trees in the yard that she could see looked like old oaks... sturdy and tall, with only little branches missing. There wasn't a fence in or around the yard, but there was definately a lot of space for Dill to run.
Meegan grabbed her hand again as they got out of the car and nearly dragged her to the front door. She had to plant her feet, glad she still outweighed the taller woman, to keep her from running around like a little kid. On paper, it looked perfect... Large windows, what looked like a brand new roof, immaculate brick... but the interior would tell.
Five bedrooms, four and a half baths, three car garage, full basement, attic, fireplaces, central air, gas heat... Then they pulled into a driveway. It was situated on a hill, the semicircular drive passing the front door as well as the caddy-cornered (kind of) garage. Trees in the yard that she could see looked like old oaks... sturdy and tall, with only little branches missing. There wasn't a fence in or around the yard, but there was definately a lot of space for Dill to run.
Meegan grabbed her hand again as they got out of the car and nearly dragged her to the front door. She had to plant her feet, glad she still outweighed the taller woman, to keep her from running around like a little kid. On paper, it looked perfect... Large windows, what looked like a brand new roof, immaculate brick... but the interior would tell.
Meegan
18 years ago
Meegan had to force herself not to bounce on her toes. Max unlocked the front door and stepped in ahead of them to hold the heavy oak portal for them. The foyer was absolutely stunning. Cream colored walls, flowed down into maple solid wood floors, the stair way was a dream. It started on one side of the foyer and swept up and around. It would make for perfect entrances, and would look amazing covered in garland and lights. There was a cream colored runner on the stairs that left that stately portion of wood showing.
The room to the left was a small sitting room with window seats and a marble fair place. Meegan had been rendered speechless when they'd walked in and she remained so now, listening to Max's speil with out really hearing much of it. She wandered around the room. The floors were new, and did not bear the stressed of furniture or age. They left the sitting room, to find an office that lead into a sun room, giving the office huge amounts of light, the floors were hard wood and the walls lined in pine shelves.
The sun room had been newly renovated, with a fresh flooring of italian mosaic tile in blues greens and whites. And held a second entrance into the kitchen. The kitchen had marble counter tops with state of the art hook ups. The appliances of course were taken by the previous owner.
The island held a small vegetable sink and was appointed with a cooling bin and other storage drawers. Meegan could see professional grade, stainless steel appliances and was in love. There was a small breakfast nook nestled in a bay window.
From the kitchen you could access the hall to the foyer or the formal dining room. The dining room was a long rectangular room, with a side bar and buffet built into the walls. This room had tree entrances, the hall, kitchen and formal living room.
A full bath was found in the hall next to the office, and Meegan found it very well appointed.
They moved to the formal living room and were surprised by two marble fire places, and large pictures windows. This was a room meant for entertainment.
Meegan's delighted eyes met Rachyl's as they began to ascend the stairs. This was the one, she knew it. If the bedrooms were what she was expecting then they would be signing on this house before lunch. Meegan had to restrain the urge to run up the stairs and call dibs on a room.
The room to the left was a small sitting room with window seats and a marble fair place. Meegan had been rendered speechless when they'd walked in and she remained so now, listening to Max's speil with out really hearing much of it. She wandered around the room. The floors were new, and did not bear the stressed of furniture or age. They left the sitting room, to find an office that lead into a sun room, giving the office huge amounts of light, the floors were hard wood and the walls lined in pine shelves.
The sun room had been newly renovated, with a fresh flooring of italian mosaic tile in blues greens and whites. And held a second entrance into the kitchen. The kitchen had marble counter tops with state of the art hook ups. The appliances of course were taken by the previous owner.
The island held a small vegetable sink and was appointed with a cooling bin and other storage drawers. Meegan could see professional grade, stainless steel appliances and was in love. There was a small breakfast nook nestled in a bay window.
From the kitchen you could access the hall to the foyer or the formal dining room. The dining room was a long rectangular room, with a side bar and buffet built into the walls. This room had tree entrances, the hall, kitchen and formal living room.
A full bath was found in the hall next to the office, and Meegan found it very well appointed.
They moved to the formal living room and were surprised by two marble fire places, and large pictures windows. This was a room meant for entertainment.
Meegan's delighted eyes met Rachyl's as they began to ascend the stairs. This was the one, she knew it. If the bedrooms were what she was expecting then they would be signing on this house before lunch. Meegan had to restrain the urge to run up the stairs and call dibs on a room.
Rachyl
18 years ago
Rachyl stood at the top of the stairs, looking left and right, counting four doors, then at Meegan. The wide smile on the other woman could only be a good thing, but they still had another floor, the attic, basement, and garage to look at.
She turned around, and turned Meegan with her, so they could look down the stairs at the front door. Flashes of grand entrances - mostly from movies, especially the Sound of Music - danced through Rachyl's brain. Her free hand fell to the ornate, polished oaken banister and walked to her left. The hardwood-floored hall extended around the front of the house, past one door on the right, and stopping at another. When they stood above the front door, the women found themselves staring out over the front lawn from the tall windows that highlighted the foyer. Squeezing Meegan's hand, hoping to get a little circulation back into her own, Rachyl opened the door before them, and they entered. A regular bedroom, with cream colored walls, a ceiling fan, a few phone and other connecting jacks here and there. She saw two doors to her left; one opened to a small walk-in closet and the other to a well-appointed if sparse bathroom. The fixtures in here weren't as ornate as those in the rest of the house. But it didn't matter; the room was only a third the length of the house, Rachyl estimated, and probably wouldn't be used by either.
They moved back into the hall, both heads swinging out to look through the tall windows again, and entered the door at the end. Another bedroom, also with fresh paint, a bathroom quite similar to the other, and a long closet with folding doors.
With a wink to Meegan, she mouthed, "Guest rooms."
Back in the hall, they moved down to the next door on the left.
The wide door Rachyl swung open turned "into the room" to her right, much like a bedroom's door would, however led only to stairs. Flicking on a switch she felt to her left, she saw a ceiling light go on way above her.
"We'll check that out in a few minutes," Rachyl said, and at Meegan's nod of agreement, moved to the last doorway on the left end of the hall.
Pushing it open, they found a larger bedroom, also with a ceiling fan, several windows, walk in closet, and a larger bathroom. Pleased that each of the bedrooms was similarly appointed - cream walls, fans, multiple jacks including phone, TV, and probably computer - they returned to the hall.
Sharing pleased smiles yet again, they stepped across into the final door in the hallway. From the sizes of the rooms they'd seen so far, Rachyl knew this room would likely be the master bedroom.
... Either that or a room full of sexual torture devices... But she didn't recall hearing Mr. Tomlin mention that a certain Mr. Walsh used to live here.
Snickering to herself, she and Meegan entered the room together. A short, wide hall opened into a huge, long room. Both women stared, holding their breaths, for a few moments at the sheer size, at the bright, wide windows through which sunlight streamed, at the dark wooden shelving, cubbies, and drawers that seemed built into the wall at the far end.
With the first breath both drew after seeing the room, they called loudly, "Dibs."
Staring at each other for a moment, brows furrowed, they broke out into giggles and surveyed the room. A door led off to the right, just around the corner from the short hall.
Opening it, they found a small room, brightly lit, with two doors. One led into the master bath, another into what Rachyl assumed as the master bedroom's closet.
Stepping through the door into the master bath, Rachyl was taken aback. A garden-style tub dominated the far corner. Next to it, toilet and wide, double sink with a long, long counter. The mirror above was well lit. As Rachyl caught Meegan's eye in their reflections, she wondered if her love could hear her mental yelling, "Yes, yes yes!"
Poking their heads into the closet, they saw... Nothing. The closet was completely empty except for a light hanging from the ceiling. "Well, gives us a chance to customize shelving and such."
Meegan nodded. "Back to the attic?" Again a nod.
Rachyl felt Meegan hesitate a moment before turning into the hallway. "Come on hon, we need to finish the tour."
"Well, that's not true," Rachyl thought. "From the looks on both our faces I'm sure Mr. Tomlin has guessed we're already going to say yes. But I still want to see what we're jumping into."
The stairs were wide; wide enough for two people to easily stand side by side as they climbed. "You know I'm really impressed by this staircase. Most homes don't have attic stairs this wide. Even my own old home in New Jersey would only fit one person. In fact, the fool who designed the homes in my town built all the attic stairs to be on a full one hundred eighty degree turn from the hall they originated. And they could have been built elsewhere in the house and worked ten times better."
She saw Mr. Tomlin nodding as their heads popped above the end of the stairs. The attic was finished; that was certain. Hardwood floors again, light panelling. The circular windows at the north and south ends, and the larger square windows in the dormers brought in a large amount of light. The angled ceiling wasn't too prominent, and there was actually a decent amount of "flat" ceiling. "This could be used for storage," Rachyl realized, "or two more bedrooms..." But what were they going to do with all those bedrooms?
Have kids.
The sudden materialization of that thought shocked her, and she'd definately need to explore it later.
She turned to Meegan, curious what the designer wanted to see next. "Basement? Garage? Yard?"
She turned around, and turned Meegan with her, so they could look down the stairs at the front door. Flashes of grand entrances - mostly from movies, especially the Sound of Music - danced through Rachyl's brain. Her free hand fell to the ornate, polished oaken banister and walked to her left. The hardwood-floored hall extended around the front of the house, past one door on the right, and stopping at another. When they stood above the front door, the women found themselves staring out over the front lawn from the tall windows that highlighted the foyer. Squeezing Meegan's hand, hoping to get a little circulation back into her own, Rachyl opened the door before them, and they entered. A regular bedroom, with cream colored walls, a ceiling fan, a few phone and other connecting jacks here and there. She saw two doors to her left; one opened to a small walk-in closet and the other to a well-appointed if sparse bathroom. The fixtures in here weren't as ornate as those in the rest of the house. But it didn't matter; the room was only a third the length of the house, Rachyl estimated, and probably wouldn't be used by either.
They moved back into the hall, both heads swinging out to look through the tall windows again, and entered the door at the end. Another bedroom, also with fresh paint, a bathroom quite similar to the other, and a long closet with folding doors.
With a wink to Meegan, she mouthed, "Guest rooms."
Back in the hall, they moved down to the next door on the left.
The wide door Rachyl swung open turned "into the room" to her right, much like a bedroom's door would, however led only to stairs. Flicking on a switch she felt to her left, she saw a ceiling light go on way above her.
"We'll check that out in a few minutes," Rachyl said, and at Meegan's nod of agreement, moved to the last doorway on the left end of the hall.
Pushing it open, they found a larger bedroom, also with a ceiling fan, several windows, walk in closet, and a larger bathroom. Pleased that each of the bedrooms was similarly appointed - cream walls, fans, multiple jacks including phone, TV, and probably computer - they returned to the hall.
Sharing pleased smiles yet again, they stepped across into the final door in the hallway. From the sizes of the rooms they'd seen so far, Rachyl knew this room would likely be the master bedroom.
... Either that or a room full of sexual torture devices... But she didn't recall hearing Mr. Tomlin mention that a certain Mr. Walsh used to live here.
Snickering to herself, she and Meegan entered the room together. A short, wide hall opened into a huge, long room. Both women stared, holding their breaths, for a few moments at the sheer size, at the bright, wide windows through which sunlight streamed, at the dark wooden shelving, cubbies, and drawers that seemed built into the wall at the far end.
With the first breath both drew after seeing the room, they called loudly, "Dibs."
Staring at each other for a moment, brows furrowed, they broke out into giggles and surveyed the room. A door led off to the right, just around the corner from the short hall.
Opening it, they found a small room, brightly lit, with two doors. One led into the master bath, another into what Rachyl assumed as the master bedroom's closet.
Stepping through the door into the master bath, Rachyl was taken aback. A garden-style tub dominated the far corner. Next to it, toilet and wide, double sink with a long, long counter. The mirror above was well lit. As Rachyl caught Meegan's eye in their reflections, she wondered if her love could hear her mental yelling, "Yes, yes yes!"
Poking their heads into the closet, they saw... Nothing. The closet was completely empty except for a light hanging from the ceiling. "Well, gives us a chance to customize shelving and such."
Meegan nodded. "Back to the attic?" Again a nod.
Rachyl felt Meegan hesitate a moment before turning into the hallway. "Come on hon, we need to finish the tour."
"Well, that's not true," Rachyl thought. "From the looks on both our faces I'm sure Mr. Tomlin has guessed we're already going to say yes. But I still want to see what we're jumping into."
The stairs were wide; wide enough for two people to easily stand side by side as they climbed. "You know I'm really impressed by this staircase. Most homes don't have attic stairs this wide. Even my own old home in New Jersey would only fit one person. In fact, the fool who designed the homes in my town built all the attic stairs to be on a full one hundred eighty degree turn from the hall they originated. And they could have been built elsewhere in the house and worked ten times better."
She saw Mr. Tomlin nodding as their heads popped above the end of the stairs. The attic was finished; that was certain. Hardwood floors again, light panelling. The circular windows at the north and south ends, and the larger square windows in the dormers brought in a large amount of light. The angled ceiling wasn't too prominent, and there was actually a decent amount of "flat" ceiling. "This could be used for storage," Rachyl realized, "or two more bedrooms..." But what were they going to do with all those bedrooms?
Have kids.
The sudden materialization of that thought shocked her, and she'd definately need to explore it later.
She turned to Meegan, curious what the designer wanted to see next. "Basement? Garage? Yard?"
Meegan
18 years ago
Meegan had to keep from dancing in a circle like a little girls, and os only nodded at Rachyl's questions. This was the house. She could feel herself there, see them sipping coffee and tea in the sun room, She could smell their scents, see their things. Oh yes, this was The One.
The attic however, sealed it for her. It would be a perfect place for an office, design, art room. The light was amazing and there was space in the ceiling for sky lights which would make the light even better.
"Rach., this is the perfect place for an office." She breathed into her lover's ear as they turned back to the stairs. Granted there was that space on the first floor that was supposed to be an office, but they could always turn it into a bedroom or game room or something.
"Oh, gosh, I guess the basement. Then the back yard, and then the garage."
They went back down to the first floor foyer and Max showed them the basement door which was hidden beneath the foyer stairs and held the same two person stair case as the attic had. Meegan flipped the switch as it was on her side and the headed down.
The basement, like the attic was finished. The floor was tile, for easy clean up, meegan assumed, in case of flood. Which was smart as hardwood or carpet would have to be replaced and cement looked like crap.
Toward the back of the room, was a walled off area that Meegan assumed held the water heater and other necessary house things, and on the back of that wall was a door to the outside. Meegan didn't see steps so she assumed again, that they were on the outside.
Rachyl left her side to go peek in the heater closet and found the laundry area as well. It was big enough to fit at least three machines and when Rachyl said as much, Meegan chuckled. She didn't think they would ever need three machines, not unless they had kids.
'Whoa, where did that come from? It must be the whole buying a house thing.' Meegan decided to just drop that thought and she and Rachyl moved back up the basement stairs to head out into the back yard.
The yard was set up in three levels. The first was a patio/deck with a place for a built in bar-be-que, surrounded by built in benched that would look great with striped cushions. There was room for at least four tables for two or two tables for four so back yard entertaining was a possibility.
The second level was a grass lawn trimmed in hedges that were the height of the brick wall that skirted the property. The final level was a forest, Meegan couldn't even count the trees there were so many.
Meegan loved it, it was just like the rest of the house, perfect. Dill would have a happy-gasm when he got here. She squeezed Rachyl's hand and they headed toward the garage.
There wasn't much special there. Just room for three cars, a closet space in the back, and shelving and hooks on all the walls. The only interesting thing was the tiny little apartment above the garage. The single room had a small kitchenette, a tiny closet, and a bathroom with toilet, sink and shower stall.
"This is cool."
They headed back out and Max took them in through the kitchen, setting his briefcase on the island.
"So ladies, what do you think?"
Meegan looked at Rachyl, who gave a tiny nod of her head and squeezed her hand. Leaving the ultimate decision and voicing of it to Meegan.
"I think we need some papers to sign."
The attic however, sealed it for her. It would be a perfect place for an office, design, art room. The light was amazing and there was space in the ceiling for sky lights which would make the light even better.
"Rach., this is the perfect place for an office." She breathed into her lover's ear as they turned back to the stairs. Granted there was that space on the first floor that was supposed to be an office, but they could always turn it into a bedroom or game room or something.
"Basement? Garage? Yard?"
"Oh, gosh, I guess the basement. Then the back yard, and then the garage."
They went back down to the first floor foyer and Max showed them the basement door which was hidden beneath the foyer stairs and held the same two person stair case as the attic had. Meegan flipped the switch as it was on her side and the headed down.
The basement, like the attic was finished. The floor was tile, for easy clean up, meegan assumed, in case of flood. Which was smart as hardwood or carpet would have to be replaced and cement looked like crap.
Toward the back of the room, was a walled off area that Meegan assumed held the water heater and other necessary house things, and on the back of that wall was a door to the outside. Meegan didn't see steps so she assumed again, that they were on the outside.
Rachyl left her side to go peek in the heater closet and found the laundry area as well. It was big enough to fit at least three machines and when Rachyl said as much, Meegan chuckled. She didn't think they would ever need three machines, not unless they had kids.
'Whoa, where did that come from? It must be the whole buying a house thing.' Meegan decided to just drop that thought and she and Rachyl moved back up the basement stairs to head out into the back yard.
The yard was set up in three levels. The first was a patio/deck with a place for a built in bar-be-que, surrounded by built in benched that would look great with striped cushions. There was room for at least four tables for two or two tables for four so back yard entertaining was a possibility.
The second level was a grass lawn trimmed in hedges that were the height of the brick wall that skirted the property. The final level was a forest, Meegan couldn't even count the trees there were so many.
Meegan loved it, it was just like the rest of the house, perfect. Dill would have a happy-gasm when he got here. She squeezed Rachyl's hand and they headed toward the garage.
There wasn't much special there. Just room for three cars, a closet space in the back, and shelving and hooks on all the walls. The only interesting thing was the tiny little apartment above the garage. The single room had a small kitchenette, a tiny closet, and a bathroom with toilet, sink and shower stall.
"This is cool."
They headed back out and Max took them in through the kitchen, setting his briefcase on the island.
"So ladies, what do you think?"
Meegan looked at Rachyl, who gave a tiny nod of her head and squeezed her hand. Leaving the ultimate decision and voicing of it to Meegan.
"I think we need some papers to sign."
Rachyl
18 years ago
Standing hand-in-hand on the expansive porch,Rachyl and Meegan waved "buh bye" to Mr. Tomlin as he strode down the walk. They waited, beaming widely until the car disappeared from the driveway.
"We'll have to write him a thank-you letter. And invite him over for dinner maybe. He did an amazing job."
Meegan looked down at Rachyl. "He sure did." Turning to the taller woman, Rachyl reached up gingerly, and drew her face down for a soft kiss. Stepping to one side of the designer, she leaned over and, wrapping her arms behind the other's knees, picked her up in her arms. Rachyl grunted, favoring her strained arm, but smiled, as she carried Meegan across the threshold.
"Welcome home, Ms. Masters."
Her foot swung the heavy oaken door behind them.
"We'll have to write him a thank-you letter. And invite him over for dinner maybe. He did an amazing job."
Meegan looked down at Rachyl. "He sure did." Turning to the taller woman, Rachyl reached up gingerly, and drew her face down for a soft kiss. Stepping to one side of the designer, she leaned over and, wrapping her arms behind the other's knees, picked her up in her arms. Rachyl grunted, favoring her strained arm, but smiled, as she carried Meegan across the threshold.
"Welcome home, Ms. Masters."
Her foot swung the heavy oaken door behind them.