Sweet Tomorrows Read Online Free PDF Page B

I was, I smiled. “Do you know of any homes for sale in the area that aren’t listed with agents?” Not all buyers choose to use real estate companies.
    “Not that I know of, but my friend Dana is a real estate agent and she might. What are you looking for?”
    I told her, describing the home I’d built up in my mind. If I could find something even close to that I’d be happy.
    “That sounds like…” Jo Marie said, shook her head, and then hesitated. “The house you described sounds just like the one that’s about three blocks from here. It’s an older home and is currently being renovated. I don’t know anything about it or the owner.”
    “Do you have the address?”
    “No, but it’s close enough that I can give you directions. It’s on Bethel Street; you won’t be able to miss it.”
    I’d make a point of checking it out on my morning run.
    We chatted for several minutes, not about anything personal, but revisiting some of her expectations with an extended-stay guest and some of mine as well. Instead of buying my own food, we agreed to share food costs and take turns cooking dinner. I wouldn’t join in the breakfasts with the guests, which suited me fine. I made my own protein drink following my morning run. I generally ate a light lunch of a sandwich or salad, and Jo Marie did the same. We agreed to see to our own midday meal and then share dinner.
    Jo Marie was flexible and easygoing and it seemed we were going to be a good match. It was almost like being back in college and learning the give and take of having a roommate.
    The weekends were the busiest time for the inn, and I agreed to help Jo Marie as much as she needed or wanted.
    When we finished our talk, she showed me the room she’d set aside for me and it was lovely. She called it the Lavender Room and I understood why the moment I walked inside. The walls were painted a lovely shade of lavender. A border of white and lavender flowers circled the edge of the ceiling. The white comforter on the queen-size bed was decorated with, yup, you guessed it, lavender-colored pillows. What caught my eye, however, was the balcony with French doors that looked out over the front of the property. Unfortunately, I didn’t have a view of the cove, and while that was something of a disappointment, I didn’t mind.
    —
    I slept well except for one small distraction. At about three I heard a noise below in the yard. I’d opened the door off the balcony and had gone to investigate and thought I saw a man and a dog. How strange was that? I didn’t get a good look at him, but I could see that the dog was large, perhaps a German shepherd. I decided to mention it to Jo Marie in the morning and returned to bed.
    I woke with my alarm at six. The sun was already up and the day looked to be glorious. From the app on my phone, I saw that the predicted temperature for the day was going to be in the high seventies. Perfect, just perfect, and an unexpected treat for June in the Pacific Northwest.
    Sitting up in bed, I reached for my journal and wrote. I’d kept a journal for most of my life. Afterward, I did a bit of reading before changing out of my pajamas and into my running shorts and sleeveless top.
    On the porch I did a few stretching exercises and then headed out, starting slowly and then increasing my pace. I wasn’t going to win any medals, but when it came to running, I wasn’t interested in competing. I ran for a number of reasons, the most important being that I enjoyed it. The best advice I’d gotten was from a college physical education class—in order to make exercise a habit, do what brings you pleasure. For me that was running, especially cross-country.
    With the house Jo Marie had mentioned in mind, I started toward Bethel Street. She didn’t know the precise address, but she was certain I wouldn’t be able to miss it and she was right. The instant I saw the two-story house, I realized this must be the one.
    Just as she’d said, it was older,