In the Blink of a Decade

The Cottage

Austin pulled the truck up to a massive cedar shake house. He looked at Hallie and said “Are you sure we are in the right place? This seems a little excessive.”

Hallie checked the address in the text on her phone “I’m pretty sure this is it” she said.

“That’s Fisher’s new Jeep, he sent me a picture the other day” I said.

We all stared out the window at the house not making a move to get out.

I started to giggle and Hallie and Austin turned around to look at me to see what was funny.

“Remember when we were too broke to book a campsite for a week? I wouldn’t have imagined we would be renting a place like this.”

Hallie smirked “Aging has its privileges, I don’t miss living on boxed macaroni and cheese just so I have beer money.”

Austin laughed “You still eat boxed macaroni and cheese.”

“Yes, but now I don’t have to” Hallie said.

“Come on, let’s go see what the inside looks like” I said opening the truck door.

As I stepped out of the Dodge, Fisher came out of the cottage to greet us, running up to Hallie and I to give us a hug….Clearly he’s had a few beers because he is full of energy and his excitement is in excess.

“Let’s get you unloaded so you can meet my bride! She’s just taking a shower so by the time we get you settled in she should be done” Fisher said.

We hauled everything out of the truck and placed it in the front foyer. Every time I brought a load of stuff in I couldn’t help thinking are we really staying here all week, there is no way the $500.00 I sent Fisher to cover my portion of the rental went this far.

Fisher saw my puzzled look and said “What is going on in that head of yours?”

“I’m trying to figure out how we rented this place for less than $100 per person, per night” I replied.

Fisher smiled “It belongs to my uncle Les. He doesn’t normally rent it out but I am his favourite nephew so he made an exception.”

I smirked. “You must be his favourite because he’s so thankful you’re a nephew and not his son” I teased.

Fisher laughed “Where do you think I get my free spirit? Uncle Les has spent his life trying to emulate Hugh Hefner, he’s 65 and single.”

“Then why such a big cottage….if you can call this a cottage” I said.

“Like all single and rich men….because he can” Fisher replied.

“Well thank you Uncle Les! Now where should I take all this stuff?”

“Let me give you guys the tour” said Fisher.

Fisher lead us around the cottage. It was two stories and consisted of 8 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, a massive kitchen and a great room with a living and dining area. The great room was the show stopper. The room was two stories in heights and the entire exterior wall was windows overlooking the lake.

From the living area I could see there was a large deck along the entire back of the cottage which held a large hot tub and a lot of lounge chairs. Off the back of the deck there was a set of cedar stairs which descended about 30 feet down to the lake where there was a big dock with a dozen Muskoka chairs sitting. There was a pair of Sea-Doos tied to one side of the dock and I wondered if we would get to use them this week.

It was all stunning. There was forest on both sides of the cottage, and although you could see other houses on the lake, none were close.

As I was admiring the view I heard someone coming down the stairs behind me. I turned around and saw a beautiful, perfectly tanned blonde headed our way.

Fisher was beaming at her. I stepped forward and gave her a hug. “Alinta it is so nice to finally meet you in person” I said. She smiled back “I have a feeling we are going to be good mates.”

“We should get everything put away so we can crack open a beer” Austin said.

“Pick any of the bedrooms upstairs for yourselves and Alinta and I will put the food away in the kitchen while you get settled” Fisher said.

I went to foyer and grabbed my bag and headed upstairs. During the tour I had really liked the bedroom at the end of the hallway on the second floor. It was the smallest, sporting a double bed and small dresser, but the view of the forest was magical. Waking up to that view every morning would be calming. Also, I really don’t need a big room to myself.

I laid down on the bed to make sure it was not a rock and it felt super comfy. Perfect, I thought, I am going to get some good sleep in here. I laid there for a few minutes enjoying that there was no rush to get up. It’s not very often I get to relax.

After a few minutes I got up and unpacked my bag placing all my clothes into the dresser. I set the four novels I brought on top of it. Satisfied that I was all settled I headed downstairs feeling like it was a good time to get a glass of wine.

I headed towards the kitchen hoping Fisher had unpacked the cooler. As I neared the kitchen I could hear a few different voices. More people must have arrived, I thought.

I rounded the corner to the kitchen and the only person my body registered was Casey. His deep blue eyes locked on me like there was no one else in the room.

My heart started to thud in my chest. I stared back at him. All I could think is, I really f*****g hate you.

The room went quiet and seemed to be waiting for what I was going to say. Feeling the tension, I decided to act like his presence didn’t bother me. There is no way I was letting Casey Steel ruin my vacation.

I turned to look at Fisher. “Did you unpack the wine out of the cooler?” I asked.

Fisher smiled, looking a little relieved that I was so calm. “It’s in the fridge” he replied.

I walked over to the fridge and selected a bottle of Riesling. The room remained quiet. When I turned around Fisher had a wine glass ready for me.

“I think I am going to take this down to the dock and admire the view” I said turning around and walking out the back of the cottage.