Citry

3.

Katherine's pov.
I step off of the metro bus directly in front of a small coffee shop. I raise my phone in the air, still collecting no service. I then realized I wouldn't get the full country experience unless I lived in the country, with a country lifestyle. I continue walking past the shop before seeing a sign in the window with "ROOM FOR RENT" written on it. I enter the shop, my nostrils fill with the strong scent of coffee beans and cinnamon. 

"Good afternoon" the barista greets me, smiling with her braces, appearing no older than 21. I smiled back. "There's a sign out front for a room for rent, do you mind telling me where I may find this room?" 

"It is right off of Old Tree about 20 miles West. It's just past the sweets store..." She trailed off. "You're not from around here. Let me grab you a map." She pulled a map from behind the counter, circling the home with a bold black Sharpie. I studied the map, smiling at her. "Thank you, also, may I have a latte, it'll be a bit before I get to this place." I shook the map in one hand while pulling my wallet out with the other. The milk frothed as she continued to speak, "there are cabs around here, ye' know? They come right near the stop out front. Wait out there and they'll come."

I knock on the front door before being greeted by a short old man with blue eyes and platinum-colored hair.
"What can I do for ye'?" He asks, squinting.
"Hi. I'm here for the room that's for rent"
He glances at my clothes before smiling. "You're not from 'round here are you?"
"No." I shake my head smiling back. "I came here to learn more about the country life."
"Ye' came to the right place" he swings the door open, "come on in."

"This is the kitchen", he points out. "The bathroom is back that way, and your room is right here, that's if you're interested." He smiles back at me, "This is Bentley, he's a really good pup, I've had him for a few years now, and he's good with the other animals." He states, reaching down to rub his head.

"So how much will the rent be sir?" I question.
"The only thing ye' have to do is help out with the animals and the house, my grandson doesn't do very well with that. And ye' don't have to call me sir, call me grandpa." He smiles sweetly. "Enjoy your stay." His steps creek away from the door before hurrying back, "What did you say your name was again?" He pokes his head into my room.
"Katherine, or just Kat." I clasp my hands together.

I unpack my last bag into the creaky dresser drawer before hearing a voice call from the front door, "Grandpa".
I follow the call to introduce myself.
I walk out and instantly bump into a tall brick hard wall before realizing it's a body.
I glance up locking eyes with the same red head I'd seen earlier in the day.
"Kat?" He frowns.
"Yeah, I never got your name." I shift my feet beneath me.
He pushes me back into my room. "Are you stalking me or something?" He asks, furrowing his brows at me.
"What? No" a bead of sweat begins to form on my upper lip. 
He drops his hand. "Okay, I was just making sure."
"What would make you think I was?"
His cheeks flush pink beneath his freckles, as he stares over my shoulder to the suitcase on my bed. 
"I'm not stalking you" I tap his shoulder.
"James"
"Excuse me?"
"My name is James" he grins "My room is right next to yours if you need me" he walks out brushing past me.