Page 25 of Once Upon a Fall

“Because they asked me,” she says.

Now it’s my turn to blink. Consultant Dean would tell her that’s not a good use of time. But guest-at-this-inn Dean doesn’t really have that right.

“Anyway,” she says in a moving-on tone. “Since I’ll be gone tonight, you’ll have the place to yourself. Please make yourself at home. Also”—she hands me a small folded piece of paper—“that’s my phone number. If you need anything, just text or call.”

“Thanks,” I say, tucking the paper into the pocket of my shorts.

“Well, those rooms aren’t going to finish themselves,” she says, pointing toward the stairs.

“Right,” I tell her. “Good . . . uh . . . luck.”

I’m not sure why I say that, but it’s what comes out of my mouth. I’m guessing she does need some luck if she wants to get this place ready. From what I’ve seen of the other rooms, it would probably take a team to get it done.

A team she doesn’t have.

“Hey, Rosie,” I say, stopping her on the stairs. She turns around and faces me.

“Yeah?”

“I know this is a strange request, but do you think I could use the kitchen?”

She looks at me, confused and surprised.

“I thought maybe I could keep a few things in the fridge? And maybe make myself some meals. I’m not sure I can keep eating at the grill or the café,” I explain.

Both are decent places, and within walking distance from here, but not something I want to keep doing day in and day out.

I came up with the plan last night after I saw the unused kitchen. It’s unprecedented, but this entire stay has been outside the norm. I’m fixing a wall in my room for crap’s sake.

“Yes,” she says. “Of course. I should have thought to offer.”

I shake my head, not following her logic. “It’s not a normal thing to offer.”

“I know, but this isn’t a normal inn,” she says, adding a shrug of her shoulders for emphasis.

I give her a small smile. “That’s . . . very true. You don’t have to say yes, though. You can tell me if you’d rather I not use it.”

She looks at me again with that blank sort of stare.

Then she smiles. “Why not? It’s barely getting used by me anyway.”

“Okay, well, thanks,” I say.

“Make yourself at home,” she says before turning and going up the stairs.

Rosie

The village had two elders who knew everything, including several things the princess did not.

I went to the wrong house.

I had a fifty-fifty chance, and I chose the wrong fifty. I should probably never gamble; I clearly have no luck where that is concerned.

It didn’t matter because no one was at the house, so when I went to the other one and both Ednas were waiting, the only complaint I got was that I was late.

By two minutes.

They weren’t too upset. Just worried that we’d miss out on their favorite seats, which happen to be right behind the players so the Ednas can heckle them. Which they do. Luckily, the boys take it all in good fun.