I glanced at the clock and realized that Soph and Miguel would be here to pick me up for my first day of work soon. I carefully folded “the rules” and stuffed them back into the envelope. Mercifully, I wasn’t going to be here most of the time so Daire’s rules shouldn’t impact me overmuch. I had only signed a six-month lease, so if it became unbearable, I could always leave.

I glanced at the big house across the yard. I wondered if Mr. Daire was up and about. It was a beautiful home, and yet it had an air of orneriness about it like a man sticking out his chin and asking for a punch. The windows, like mine, were floor-to-ceiling, but whereas I kept my draperies open, his were drawn, blocking any light that might have gotten inside the big house.

I saw one of the drapes twitch. Was my landlord looking for a peek at me like I was for him? I glanced down. I was still in my pajamas, which were unassuming to say the least. My long, curly dark hair was an unbrushed straggly mess, and I had no makeup on. I was surprised I didn’t hear a shriek of horror from the main house. I sipped my coffee and stared at the curtain. It didn’t move again. Huh.

Despite lingering over my coffee, I met Miguel and Soph at the curb at the appointed time. Yes, I was actually on time, surprising everyone, mostly myself.

I climbed into the back seat, and Soph turned around with a big grin.

“Are you ready for your first day?” she asked. I would have answered but she forged on. “How did you sleep? Is the house okay? Is there anything you need? You’re not homesick, are you?”

Miguel reached across the console and grabbed her hand in his while he steered the SUV out of the drive and into the traffic. “Breathe, babe.”

Soph took a quick breath and then smiled at me. “Sorry.”

I laughed. “It’s fine. And to answer your questions. Yes, yes, no, and no, at least not yet. And before you ask, let me assure you that I did read the rules from my new landlord.”

“And what did you think?” Miguel asked. His gaze met mine in the rearview mirror, and I smiled at his look of concern.

“You’re right,” I said. “That guy has entirely too much time on his hands, and while his list was incredibly exacting and detailed, I think it’s fine. And if it’s not fine, I’ll just move out in six months when the lease is up.”

“So you think you’ll be leaving in six months?” Miguel asked. He sounded almost perky at the prospect. Hmm.

“No, that’s not what she said,” Soph argued. “She meant she’ll find a new place in six months, isn’t that right?”