Melissa woke up to light streaming into her third floor bedroom. The room seemed to magically come alive in the light. The new day was filled with lots to do to begin settling in to Jane’s home…her home.

She sat thinking for a bit. How would she keep this house? Surely the taxes alone will strain her current income. Maybe renting rooms will help. Something more for her to investigate.

Melissa had a few more mysteries to untangle today. First up was a visit to that bank. But first, a shower, then tea. She hoped there was some tea in the kitchen; if not, a stop at Starbucks would have to do.

As she stepped into the bathroom, she whispered “Thank you.” Cousin Jane had pre-arranged leaving the utilities on for a month in the will and even had the probate lawyer stage toiletries in the bathroom for Melissa to use. One less thing to worry about!

The water pipes squealed and clanged as the water made its way to the shower head. The water was chilly, but slowly warmed up. Melissa was surprised by the flow. The shower had great water pressure for its age, better than her itty bitty apartment.

After showering she headed downstairs. The fourth tread down popped as she stepped off of it. She turned and realized is was loose, making a mental note to address it…and to be careful with it until then.

When she entered at the kitchen, she saw a beautiful tea caddy and a tea kettle. She couldn’t recall seeing them the previous night, but she smiled. However, when she opened the tea caddy, instead of tea she found a hand scrawled note.

Sometimes, there are things you just need to take care of for yourself! ❤️, Jane

She snickered to herself, then grabbed her purse and keys. Under her breath, she sighed, “Starbucks it is,” then headed out for a another day full of adventure.

Exhaustion overtook her, she stripped to her bra and slipped into bed. The sheet loosely gathered over her waist to keep the breeze from the fan off her legs. Swiftly, she drifted to sleep.

Gray clouds rolled in with the cold front. The winds outside picked up. The perfect weather to sleep the afternoon away. Her shadow, a little 10 pound Burmese mix seal point cat, curled into the cove made as she snoozed on her side.

She felt a man’s hand softly follow her side as he slid into bed. His gentle touch assured her. He snuggled into her back, tucking his knees into hers. His breath on her neck calmed her.

He draped his arm over her waist and pulled her in. She felt safe in his arm and together they drifted back to sleep.

When she woke, he was gone, but her fur-baby remained. She patted his little head as he stretched awake. What a nice little dream.

Melissa headed down the two flights of stairs to the main floor, picked up the keys, then headed down to the locked basement. She expected a dark, dank dungeon-like area. When she opened the door and flicked on the lights, she was surprised to find a finished basement. The washer and dryer area had a nice folding area and hanging rack. Supplies to wash the linens were already here, as if it were waiting for a guest.

She loaded the washer and started it, then looked around. The basement seemed undersized compared to the other floors. She realized a wall cut the space in half. She went to the small door and tried to open it. It was locked. She flipped through the keys and found one that finally unlocked the door.

She walked in and found a studio apartment. Things started making sense to how Jane could afford this place…supplemental income from the apartment. Melissa made a note to call an agent in the morning to find out how to get it listed. The space was fully furnished with a kitchen, bathroom, and a living/bedroom area. She heard the washer start knocking so she headed out of the apartment and locked up.

She balanced the load. It was just about to go into spin mode, so she pulled out a chair by the counter and flipped through her phone. It finally dinged, so she started moving the linens to the dryer. Inside the dryer however was a single item, a black men’s tee. It must have been from a former tenant; she pulled it out, folded it, and set it aside, then finished loading and starting the dryer.

She checked the time; dinner should be arriving in ten minutes. She forgot the long lead times of ordering in when in the city, but today it worked for her. She went back up to the main floor and settled in. She was thankful some furniture was left behind for her to use. It was still a shock that this whole place was hers.

A knock came from the door. Finally, dinner! She opened the door and signed the slip, then took the bag. “Thank you!”

The guy grinned. “Thanks for the tip!”

She was always a bit too generous with her tips, but she knew it was appreciated. “You’re welcome, have a great night!”

She shut and locked the door, then made her way to the kitchen. She ripped open the back to make a temporary plate and assembled her Italian beef sandwich. Then she saw it…honey packets! Only in Chi-Town! She looked forwarded to dunking her fries in honey and ketchup, just like when she was a kid.

Maybe she’ll like being back in the city after all. She finished up dinner and made her way back down to get the linens. As she came back up, she locked up on the first floor then headed up to the top floor, and finally settled in for the night. Maybe all this will make some more sense in the morning after a good night’s sleep.