Her Tenant: Those Gals From Minter, WI, #3

By Sherry Derr-Wille

Dee Williams needs to rent out her duplex. The last thing she wants is to be threatened by an unknown tenant, but when she meets Bryce Devlin, she quickly changes her mind. Having gone through a recent divorce, she's reluctant to love again, but Bryce is a temptation she has trouble resisting.

Bryce Devlin needs a fresh start. When a job opportunity sends him to Small Town USA, he finds a duplex to rent from an attractive divorcee. After a period of mourning his dead wife, can he open up to the idea of love entering his life for the second time?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Wings ePress, Inc.
• Release date: Mar 6, 2023
• ISBN: 9781590884072

Book preview

Dedication

To the gang at Hembrough.

Without your support

promoting myself would be much harder.

Author’s Note

Does art mimic real life or is it the other way around?

Dee Williams, like all of those gals from Minter, is a product of my imagination. Even so, this product more closely resembles me than any of the others.

The duplex where Dee lives is exactly like the one that my husband and I bought with my mother in 1998, so that we could be close to her in case she ever needed us. Like Dee, I thought we would live next to her forever until she had the nerve to get sick on us and pass away in 2001. Of course, like Dee’s mom, she is never far away and she keeps an eye on us.

The doorway in the garages really does exist, only there is no handsome widower on the other side and my husband of over forty years and I have not split.

As for the dealership, that too resembles the place where I work and many of the characters are based on my co-workers, with their permission of course.

That brings us to the car that Dee drives. Once I finally put this book to bed, I told the guys at work to start looking for a purple PT Cruiser for me. It was one of the best moves I’ve ever made. Thank you Dee for thinking of it.

I hope you all enjoy reading about those gals from Minter and will be just as happy when the next book KATE ARMSTRONG: OVER-THE-HILL COED is released in 2006.

Prologue

The clanging of metal against metal caused Dee Williams to put down the book she was reading. A glance at the clock indicated her mailman was on time. More alert now than before, she listened as he made his way down the wooden ramp that gave her side of the duplex character.

Getting up from the chair, Dee made her way to the door in time to see him step into his truck.

Good morning, she called, as she waved to him.

Good morning to you, too. Sorry about your mother. Are you all right?

Tears prickled behind her eyes. It was a long illness. Mom wanted to go. It won’t be easy, but I’ll make it.

As the truck pulled away from the curb, Dee glanced at the door leading to the duplex across the driveway. It had been weeks since any mail was delivered to her mother’s box.

Two months earlier, Dee took her mother to the hospital for the last time. Now, with the funeral over she wondered if anything would be normal again.

She turned back to her own mailbox and pulled out a large stack of envelopes. Sympathy cards, she thought, until the legal sized envelope caught her eye. The seal for the county made her knees go weak. She’d almost forgotten the six months that had passed since her divorce hearing. By Wisconsin law, both she and Paul were free to remarry.

Swallowing down the bile rising in her throat at the memory of her husband of over thirty years telling her he wanted a divorce, she recalled the events that occurred following the announcement. Overnight, he left their home and moved in with his new girlfriend. When her mother first fell ill seven months ago, Dee had expected Paul to return. Instead, he called to say he was sorry. Sorry! The word hardly seemed enough after a lifetime of calling her parents Mom and Dad. She wondered if his desertion had hastened her mother’s death. Her parents had accepted Paul as a substitute for the son they lost in Vietnam. When he didn’t even come to the visitation or funeral, Dee had been terribly hurt.

She sat down at the table to sort through the stack of mail. Sandwiched between the sympathy cards and the divorce papers, she found a brightly colored postcard.

Sorry about your Mom. Mindi and I were getting ready to leave for our cruise when we got the call from Ellie. Will be married in Jamaica on Saturday.

Paul

You son of a bitch, Dee spat. After all Mom did for you, I would have thought you’d have a little more consideration. I hope your little fluff gets more satisfaction out of your lovemaking than I ever did.

BRYCE DEVLIN FINGERED the SOLD insert that now graced the For Sale sign in his front yard. Memories of the twenty-five years he and Sue had spent in this house flooded his mind. For the first twenty years, those memories were good, but then Sue got cancer. The last five years of her life were a living hell for both of them.

So, what are you going to do now?

Bryce turned at the sound of Ed Nelson’s voice. They had been neighbors and friends for the past fifteen years. Unfortunately, things had been strained since Sue’s death. It seemed as though Ed’s wife, Terry, didn’t want the two of them together. Maybe she thought they would be going out to nudie bars or some other terrible place now that Bryce was single.

"What am I going to do about what?’ Bryce replied, answering Ed’s question with one of his own.

This, Ed retorted, tapping the insert. Are you going to buy into one of those swank new condos on the north side of town?

Bryce swallowed hard. For weeks he’d kept his decision private. Now with his house sold, privacy was no longer an option. I’ve been offered a new position in Wisconsin.

"Wisconsin? You’d leave Chicago for the boonies? Don’t tell me you went looking for a new job, especially there of all places." He made Wisconsin sound like the worst backwater hole there ever was. His upper lip even curled in a sneer.

Hardly. A friend of mine took a position at Compton Industries about a year ago. He told me about the opening.

Who’s this friend of yours? Anyone I might know?

I doubt it. His name is Grant Price. We were roommates in college.

You’re right, I don’t know him. So where in the great north woods are you headed?

It’s a small town called Minter.

I know where that is! Terri and I drove up that way a couple of years ago. She heard about an antique shop she wanted to investigate. It didn’t seem too bad for a small town. At least it’s close to both Madison and Milwaukee. I hope you like it. What about the kids?

"Connie’s thrilled. She’s living in Stevens Point with her husband. I’ll be a lot closer to her. Mike’s off finding himself in Alaska and he could care less where I live. The house ceased to be a home when Sue died. I know the kids will miss coming home, but I have to do what’s best for me."

Ed made small talk for several more minutes before going back to the lawnmower he’d deserted in the middle of his front yard. Bryce expelled a sign of relief. He just wasn’t up to small talk right now.

His was a very different neighborhood than anyone would ever expect to find in Chicago. Here the people got together for block parties and had known each other for years. They were settled. As soon as the For Sale sign went up in the yard, he’d expected his decision would rile the neighborhood. The expectation had been right. Everyone asked him why he wanted to move away. No one seemed to understand how hard it was to come home alone every night, to sleep in the bed he’d shared with Sue all those years.

The grief counselor suggested he stay in the house for a year. Well, he’d given it two years. Thank God he didn’t have to stay much longer.

When he went back into the house, his phone was ringing. Hello, he answered, as soon as he could grab the kitchen extension.

Hi, buddy, Grant greeted him. I got your message. Congratulations on selling the house. When can Lane and I expect you?

The new owners are anxious to move in. We’re closing next week. I even got lucky enough to sell them the majority of the furniture. I’ll be seeing you a week from Friday. I still wish you and Lane would let me get a hotel until I find a place of my own.

"No way. My wife is looking forward to having a houseguest. Be prepared for Small Town USA. Lane’s already on the lookout for unattached females for you."

Oh boy, just what I need, the dating game gauntlet.

One

The heat of August seemed to subside as Dee and her best friend Ellie set up the garage sale. Dee was glad she’d opted to run the sale for the weekend only. The rain they’d had on Thursday brought about some cooler weather. Everything was perfect for the all city rummage sale weekend.

Dee and Ellie had worked late on Friday night. In a few minutes, they would open the garage doors and start setting out several of the larger items. Seeing her mother’s things displayed on tables saddened her. Even though there was no way she could keep everything, realizing that in a few hours many of her mother’s cherished possessions would be gone caused a lump to form in her throat.

Have you given any thought to what you’ll be looking for in a renter? Ellie asked.

"I’m a long way from being ready to rent Mom’s place. I have to paint the entire duplex, paper the kitchen and shampoo the carpets.

That’s a four phone call fix.

What do you mean?

You need the duplex painted. The best painters in Minter are Ann, Carol and Joyce. Lane and I make a crackerjack wall papering team. As for you, they don’t call you Mrs. Clean for nothing. My bet is you have a carpet shampooer and you know how to use it. With the six of us working together, we can polish this off in a weekend.

Dee couldn’t help but laugh. The way Ellie explained things, they always sounded so simple.

What’s so funny? Ellie asked.

You are. What would I do without you?

Mope around. Now, will you answer my question? What are you looking for in a renter? How about a young couple?

Dee shook her head. I couldn’t stand the thought of another woman being in Mom’s kitchen. Maybe I’ll look for a nice gay couple. They could take care of the lawn as well as the snow. They certainly wouldn’t be a threat to me.

"Oh, that sounds just lovely. I can see the ad in the Minter Herald now. DUPLEX FOR RENT—GAY COUPLES ONLY—MUST BE YOUNG AND STRONG."

Dee went over to the other garage and pressed the button for the door opener, then sat in one of the padded chairs from the deck. Tears from laughing so hard ran down her cheeks. The way you put it, it does sound ridiculous. So what do you suggest?

Before Ellie could answer, a carload of prospective customers stopped across the street. Dee checked her watch. It read seven-thirty. According to the ad in the paper, they weren’t scheduled to open for another half hour.

Oh well, I’m not going to turn down a sale. Dee stood up and went to meet the garage sale hunters.

BRYCE FINISHED HIS shower and went back to the guest room he’d occupied for the past week. Staying with Grant and Lane would surely spoil him. With them sleeping in the downstairs bedroom, the upper level of the house was like having his own apartment or a luxurious suite at a five star hotel.

From the kitchen, he smelled the aroma of fresh brewed coffee mingling with the scent of an egg casserole like the one Lane served last Saturday morning. Just the thought of what awaited him at the breakfast table made his mouth water.

I could get used to this real easy—too easy. The sooner I find my own place, the better.

Bryce chose a pair of blue jean shorts and a white polo shirt. He debated about the shorts since the weather had cooled off after Thursday’s rain, but the TV weatherman assured the viewers that today would be warm again.

I thought you decided to sleep in, Grant greeted Bryce when he finally made his way to the kitchen for breakfast.

It was tempting, but Lane promised to take me to the city wide rummage sale today. Are you planning to come with us?

Grant started laughing. As much as I hate those things, I promised Lane I’d be your chauffeur. There’s no way she’s going to let me back out now.

Lane set a plate of egg casserole and toast in front of Bryce. Before she could pour him a cup of coffee, the phone rang.

I hope you didn’t have your heart set on doing the rummage sales, Grant commented. I’ll bet you dollars to donuts that’s the shop calling.

Bryce nodded. He savored the taste of the egg casserole and contemplated what he would do if he suddenly found himself with a free day. He certainly could use the time to scan the rental ads and maybe look into a few places. He could, but Bryce knew he wouldn’t. If this were like the small town where he’d grown up, rummage sale day would make negotiating the city a difficult task.

What’s up at the shop? Grant asked, when Lane returned to the table.

Nothing. That was Ellie. She’s over at Dee’s helping with the rummage sale. They were talking about when Dee plans to rent out the duplex. One thing led to another and they got around to the fact the place needs paint and paper.

Don’t go any further, Grant said, holding up his hand for silence. Let me guess. You and Ellie are going to do the papering.

That’s what friends do. After everything Dee’s done for me over the years, the least I can do is give up a weekend for her.

Bryce couldn’t help but notice the smile on Grant’s face. Then count me in as well. Painting isn’t my bag, but knowing Paul, I’m sure the windows need attention. I can get them cleaned up and reglazed while you girls work inside.

The way the two of you make this place sound, it must be a real dump, Bryce commented.

On the contrary, Lane replied. It’s a great place. Dee’s mom lived on the side she’s getting ready to rent out. When they bought it, there wasn’t any time to do any repairs. They just moved in. It’s a shame it will take so long to get it ready to rent. The duplex is quite large. As a matter-of-fact, it would be perfect for you.

Bryce finished his breakfast in silence, wondering about the woman who needed the help of her friends. Where is her husband? What was it Grant called him? Oh yes, I remember now. The man’s name is Paul. Why isn’t he helping her with the renovations?

By ten, Bryce thought he’d been up and down every street in Minter. Although the only purchase he made was some fishing equipment, Lane seemed to find treasures at every sale. After one particularly large sale, Bryce questioned Grant as to how in the world Lane would use all the trinkets she purchased.

Lane and her Aunt Peg donate a lot of this stuff to the crafting program at the Senior Center. In return Lane features the finished products in her shop.

Lane sat in the back seat oohing and ahhing over her treasures, while Grant pulled up in front of a duplex with two women sitting at an umbrella table. As soon as Grant stopped the car, Lane got out and made her way up the driveway to greet the women.

That’s quite a duplex, Bryce observed.

This is the one we were talking about this morning. It’s going to be for rent soon. I’ve been thinking about the layout of the place ever since Lane mentioned it at breakfast. I tend to agree with her, it would be perfect for you.

I thought this was rummage sale day, not find Bryce a place to live day, he joked. Is this your way of telling me I need to move out of your spare bedroom?

It’s more like you need your space. The way it sounds, this place won’t be ready for at least a month, if not longer. What harm is there in taking a look?

Bryce shrugged his shoulders and opened the car door. As he started up the driveway, the neatness of the lawn and shrubs impressed him.

The blonde got to her feet. Are you going to introduce me to your friend, Grant? she teased.

Ellie Preston, this is Bryce Devlin.

It’s a pleasure, Bryce said, shaking Ellie’s hand. Do you own this place?

Me? Good heavens no! I’m more the condo type. There’s not enough money in the world for me to even consider being a landlady. Dee’s better at playing ‘keep the tenant happy’ than I am.

Bryce glanced up at the woman talking to Lane. Her dark hair, with its reddish tint definitely came from a bottle, as it wasn’t a match for her black eyebrows. She’d gone lighter in an attempt to cover her gray and at the same time softened her features. It certainly wasn’t a bad move. He hadn’t been married to a beautician for nothing. While he scrutinized the brunette, Grant joined Lane.

How much more stuff do you have for sale? Bryce heard Grant ask.

Both garages are full, to say nothing of the duplex. I honestly never knew what a pack rat my mother was. Did Lane tell you I found a box of instant mashed potatoes, a can of cream style corn and a can of black olives in the oven?"

Everyone laughed at the woman’s comment, but Bryce could see through the charade she was putting on. He remembered how he felt when his mother started showing signs of Alzheimer’s disease. For years he denied it. Finally, the denial ceased. It happened after his brother and sister came for a Christmas visit and insisted they had to put their mother in a home.

DeVona Williams, this is Bryce Devlin.

Bryce pulled himself from his memories to the introduction Grant was making. It’s nice to meet you, Bryce said, accepting her outstretched hand.

I heard Grant and Lane had a houseguest. I do hope you’ll call me Dee, though. All of my friends do. Lane told me you’re from Chicago. I hope you like living in Minter. It’s not like being in a big city, but then a small town does have a lot to offer.

It certainly does. I can’t remember ever seeing anyone as beautiful as this woman back home. Of course, maybe I wasn’t looking. Too many of Sue’s friends were ready to shake their fingers at me if I so much as thought about straying from her memory.

Do you mind if Bryce and I check out the house while you girls chit-chat? Grant asked, before Bryce had a chance to acknowledge the woman’s comment.

Suit yourselves. I hope you find lots of stuff you want.

Bryce turned away when the women began to talk about the sale. The sadness in Dee’s eyes and voice hit him hard. He remembered the feeling of loss all too vividly.

Once inside the duplex, he