Certain Things

1. The Butler

Holy. Houston.

I know I had imagined moving to a bigger city, but maybe should have picked a city that would have gradually increased in population. Instead I did a jump from 10K to 2.3 Million. Driving into the suburbs I couldn't help but drop my jaw at the sign that notified me I was still 30 miles from the city center.

My dad wouldn't let me leave until I had secured a job, and a place to live. Who was I to deny him that peace of mind.

I spent countless hours browsing the internet, but it paid off. I found an older couple that had a basement not in use, they wanted to rent out. When I called to ask about it and gave a little background on myself, I found out they had both grown up in North Dakota. They wanted to help a fellow Midwesterner out, as they knew the majority were very trusting. So they had actually given me a discount (almost 70%, my jaw dropped) on rent, and wanted me as their first renter. Although I guess that was because the husband thought I would get along well with his wife, who he thought needed company when he had to work on the weekends.

The second must had been a little harder to nail down, especially living 1500 miles away. My previous job had been an assistant manager at a resort, which had given me a large variety of skills. After hours of searching online I found quite a few to apply for, but mostly only jobs that would be enough to survive.

Eventually, I got a call back from an older man, Calvin Smith, whose secretary had retired and he needed an interim secretary until he retired. Granted it's not a long-term job. But it'll get my foot in the door so to speak. After a couple interviews, both phone and skype, he informed me that I was hired.

Turning onto the street that the address GPS instructed me, I came to a halt at a security building. I had to show my ID, but evidently my new landlords let them know I was coming. He handed me a badge of sorts and showed me how to use it so that I would be able to get in by myself. I was still in awe at the size of the houses. Honestly starting to believe they gave me the wrong address. What kind of people were willing to rent out a whole floor of their house, to a stranger none the less, for $300? Were they crazy?

Also what kind of jobs did these people have? I don't know many older couples that can afford a house like this in a city as large as Houston. Although if I'm real for a second, I don't know any older couples in Houston, or in any large city. I'm in shock. We never had any money issues growing up but I've also never known anyone who lived in a gated community.

Pulling my Jeep to a stop next to the curb, I hopped from the vehicle. Hopefully, these people don't turn out to be axe murderers.

Before I could even knock on the door, it swung open to reveal one of the happiest ladies I think I've ever seen. I hadn't even registered what was going on when she pulled me in for a hug. "Oh dear, I've been waiting all week to meet you. I'm so glad you made it here safely"

"I'm glad I did also," I replied, still in a bit of shock. So not that old, she was in her late 50's at most. "It's nice to meet you! My name is Raelynn, although you probably already know that seeing as I plan on living in your basement. Crud. That sounds weird. I should just quit talking"

"Oh aren't you just a delight. I did know your name, but that's alright. Mine is Cecilia. You're welcome to call me Cece, most people do. I don't mind the babbling, its quite the breath of fresh air if you ask me." Before she could get another word out, there was a deep voice that sounded off next to her.

"That's because you're usually the one babbling so much no one else can get a word in, dear." The baritone voice stated. "Nice to meet you, my name is William. You can call me Will."

Ok, so not really worried about them killing me. They're probably the most adorable couple I've ever seen.

"No need to lollygag in the doorway, come on in!" Alrighty then, I guess Will is a straight to the point kind of person. "Cece, would you grab a couple of teas for us while I give Rae here a tour?"