Declan
The house smelled exactly like Malachi, a fresh and clean scent of eucalyptus and mint. Almost surgical which made sense considering his career. I could tell he had a high expectation of having everything in his house cleaned and packed tidily.
That was something I would have to get used to. Considering the fact that I mostly ate out of takeaway boxes and tried to use one cup or glass throughout the week to minimize the amount of dishes I had to clean. If it weren't for a weekly checkup from my cleaners, my apartment would have been filled with cockroaches.
The decor of the house amazed me. Light pine wooden floors that had beige, white and hints of green or blue Persian rugs throughout that made every room feel incredibly warm. The walls so far seemed to be painted only in white as we stood in the foyer.
My eyebrows knitted together when I saw a renaissance styled painting at the foyer above a mint green server with gold knobs on the three drawers.
"Everyone teases me about my old style of art but I love it. Every time you look at it, you see something new," he smiled.
The painting truthfully was unique. As if the forest and the skies were touching in soft gentle brush strokes. An angel flying down almost nude if it weren't for the ropes of white material wrapped around their body.
The angel had bright red hair and a gentle face as he, I hoped, reached down to a man who looked like they were falling from the sky. Tanned skin, dark hair whipped over his face that I couldn't make out his expression. There was something about the painting that just pulled you in.
Even though it was still, the brushstrokes made it look like it was moving. It was purely fascinating. I had never been into art, considering the fact my apartment was just blocks away from multiple galleries. I just didn't care to stare at something and wonder 'what does it mean?' I had had enough of that everyday at work.
Sometimes a man just needed mind numbing sports that didn't drain your energy in thoughts.
"I like it," I hummed lowly as I finally managed to pull my eyes away from the painting and give Mal a small smile.
"I knew we were going to get along," he smiled, "come on."
At the end of the foyer was a neat row of stairs. Once again white panels and pine wooden footsteps. The railing was made out of black iron wrought. A simple yet elegant design.
There was smaller art work on the wall leading up which I was sure I would stare at enough before I even began to understand their meaning.
All paths leading through the house had an overhead arch which felt old school but surprisingly modern. The living room was open with once again another Persian rug, a long oak coffee table with two tanned leather brown couches that just looked like you could sink into and never get up again.
Matching arm chairs with a cream colored material on the back rest. There were plants all over the place which was nice. A fireplace with a large white mantle that had multiple candles; short and tall. Above that was a large flatscreen television that truthfully looked like it had come out of my dreams.
The kitchen was just behind with the view of the driveway and forest. Once again white drawers and cabinets with a cream quartz countertop.
"My practice is just there," he pointed to the barn a few feet away from the house off the garage. "If I ever disappear you'll find me there."
"You work alone?" I raised my eyebrows wondering how he managed.
"No, I have a few nurses to help out and a receptionist. They only come around Monday though so you don't have to worry about running into them for the weekend," he chuckled knowing how closed off I could be.
"I'll keep that in mind," we went upstairs and I wondered how did the house feel so open when outside it didn't seem that big.
There was a pyjama lounge upstairs and about four doors spread out.
"That is my bedroom," he pointed to the end of the hallway to our left, "this one is my office," he pointed to the door opposite us, "this will be your bathroom."
He opened the third door and let me take a peek inside. Cream white marbles tiles, a nice antique styled vanity. A toilet to the corner, a wonderful steam shower and Victorian bath that looked big enough to fit my body. All the fixtures were copper and I couldn't help but chuckle in my head.
Did Mal have a secret interior designer to do all this work?
He led me to one of the guest bedrooms that was now technically mine until I figured out where the hell to go. The moment the door opened I was met with the view of the forest. Luscious green with a layer of mist over the trees. The sky looked within arms reach that I was almost tempted to stretch my fingers out and see if I could actually touch it.
The room had white panels along the wall. A nice sized Queen bed with a fancy white duvet and pillows that looked like they were clouds. A few more rugs were spread around to make it feel warm. One either side of the bed were ashy wooden bedside tables with golden knobs. Each with its own white lamp.
The walls were bare much to my satisfaction. There was a desk positioned in front of the window with a dark leather chair with wheels. I figured the door to my right was the closet.
"You're more than welcome to make it feel like yours over time. I want you to feel at home," he gently placed his hand on my shoulder. "It would be nice to have a housemate for once," he smiled. "I'll let you settle and start dinner. You must be starving."