Page 8 of A Country Kind Of Love

“It’s beautiful.” She runs her hand alongthe strings.

“Thank you. If you move in I’ll play it for you someday.” He smiles and swiftly moves on.

“The bathroom is on the left. It’s nothing special, but I keep it clean, and the toilet seat stays down.” He says that with pride. “I grew up with two sisters. So, I get it.” He opens the door for her to peek inside; itlooks clean.

“This is the bedroom up for rent.”

The room is coyote grey with turquoise sideboards, rustic beechwood flooring, and bright cloth art on every wall. There’s a black pull-out Futon in the corner, three built in wardrobes, and a large DIY wooden sign across the back wall that hasNashvillewritten in black bold letters.

“I have my own furniture; would it be a problem to move some of this stuff out?”Peyton asks.

“Not at all, the last tenant left in a hurry. Whatever you don’t want I’ll give to Goodwill.”

Peyton eyes him suspiciously, hoping for some furtherexplanation.

“She was wanted in two states for armed robbery.” He shrugs. “Go figure, she was out a lot at night, but people’s business is none of my business.”

“Interesting. I guess you’ve upped your background checks since then?” Peyton laughs nervously. She knows it’s unusual to do background checks for a Craigslist rental, but surely he’s done some social media stalking at least.

“I don’t care too much as long as the rentgets paid.”

Did that mean he was knowingly housing a known convict? As long as he isn’t one, does it matter? Peyton gulps.

“I like it. It’s a nice size.” She walks over to the window; the view is filled with large trees and a main road below. The faint hum of the traffic is soothing. “It’squiet too.”

“This building has a really good STC rating. I have the band over most weekends, and there’s never any noisecomplaints.”

Peyton still has a few more questions.

“The ad said TTT, what doesthat mean?”

“Tequila, Tattoo’s, andTim McGraw.”

“Huh.” It makes sense to her now, he’s covered in tattoos, he has a cupboard dedicated to tequila, and... “Tim McGraw? Is he your dad or something?”She laughs.

“Uncle, actually.”

Peyton almost spits out the complimentary Paloma. “You’re kidding?”

“Yes, I am.” He throws his head back, and a deep hearty laugh erupts from his throat. “You should’ve seenyour face.”

She follows him back into the kitchen. Jesse reaches out to take the empty glass from Peyton’s hand. “Would you like another?”

“No, thank you.” The thought of another sour drink makes her mouth salivate.

“So, just a fan? OfTim McGraw?”

“Huge fan. He’s the greatest country artist whoever lived.”

Peyton scoffs.

“What?”

“Dolly Parton is the greatest country artist whoever lived.”

“Pfftt, says who?”

Peyton gives a twisted half-smile. “She’s won eleven Grammys. How many has Tim won?”