Second Time Around by Kate Sweeney

Author:Kate Sweeney [Kate Sweeney]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Amazon: B008WVFCQ6
Publisher: Intaglio Publications
Published: 2012-08-11T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 7

Shawn followed Nellie down the winding path, and there near the cliff was an adorable white thatched cottage that faced the Atlantic Ocean. They pulled around to the front, and Shawn got out and smiled happily.

The hunter green Dutch door stood right in the middle, with two large windows on each side. She noticed a septic tank behind the cottage.

“Running water and toilet,” Nellie said almost proudly.

Shawn nodded as they walked up to the door. Nellie opened it and nearly had to duck her head as she entered.

“Wow.” Shawn sighed as she looked around. To the right was a stone wall that was almost taken up by the fireplace, which settled on a raised hearth. A black, cauldron-looking pot hung suspended over the grate.

“We still use the fireplace for cooking at times.” Nellie seemed to read Shawn’s questioning look.

A couch placed in front of the fireplace and a small table and two chairs situated under the big window gave the room a cozy feeling, with a wonderful view of the ocean. “This is beautiful.” Shawn followed the contours of the rest of the room. To the left was a hallway that led to bedrooms. Upon further inspection, one was the master room in the front, the other a smaller room in the back. A cozy, but efficient bathroom was at the end of this small hall, and Shawn raised a happy eyebrow at the oversized old free-standing bathtub.

“You could fit three people in that tub,” she said without thinking, and Nellie raised both eyebrows. And yes, once again, the scarlet color rose in Shawn’s face. “Not that I would. I just meant…”

“Ya turn a nice shade o’ red, Miss Coughlin.” Nellie chuckled as she turned down the hall.

Shawn hung her head, disgusted with herself. When will I learn to keep my big mouth shut? she thought.

Never!

The small kitchen was behind the wall where the fireplace was situated. A four-burner stove and a sink were situated at the far end. Another small table with two chairs was set in the middle of the room. Small, but functional, Shawn thought and nodded.

“This is great. I’ll take it.” Shawn rubbed her hands together. She loved it.

“We haven’t talked about the rent,” Nellie said seriously, and Shawn waved her hand.

“Don’t care. Just let me know,” she said, and Nellie gave her an incredulous look.

“How long will you be wanting to rent?”

Shawn stopped for a moment, gazing out at the Atlantic. “However long it takes,” she whispered almost inaudibly.

“That could run you a bit of money,” Nellie reminded her.

“That doesn’t matter,” Shawn said firmly and turned to her. “Deal, Miss Riordan?” She stuck out her hand.

“Deal, Miss Coughlin.” Nellie gave her hand a healthy pump. “Come, we’ll seal the bargain with a drink.”

Shawn grinned; this older woman lost her stiff, proud demeanor and could actually be a funny woman when she let her hair down.

Perhaps that was what Anne Flanagan liked about her.

*******

Once Shawn was settled in, she contemplated whether to try to find Maura or let it go.

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