*This is based on true events — the core of this story really happened.*
I inherited a house a number of years ago that has a separate studio apartment in the backyard — an ‘in-law unit’ they call it. I live in the main house, and I make some extra cash by renting out the studio as a bed-and-breakfast. Running it as a vacation rental is less hassle than tenants and lease agreements and all that, plus now that I’m a “superhost” it’s pulling in good money.
From the guests’ point of view, I’ve got the whole arrangement automated — if the renters want to avoid me, they can. But I’m literally next door, nothing but a yard dominated by a pool between us, so I usually give them a friendly wave hello.
When Cora checked in for a three-night stay in early Spring, I didn’t think anything of it. It was just another booking, same as the rest.
But that late afternoon, when I was prepping dinner for myself, and I saw through the kitchen window a woman navigating a roller suitcase through my side gate, I had to do a double-take. She was dressed professionally, business casual or whatever. But she was insanely cute — big bright eyes, prominent cheekbones, a flat nose, and curly brunette hair cropped short.