**“There is no vacation rental operation. You have been renting my property without permission.”**
Alan looked from one of us to the other.
Then he slowly removed his glasses.
“I see.”
And I realized Richard’s little business venture might cost me the buyer I’d spent months trying to find.
***
Alan was remarkably calm.
He’d spent thirty years practicing medicine, he explained later, and unpleasant surprises no longer made him raise his voice.
He asked whether we should reschedule.
I wanted to say no.
I wanted to show him the kitchen, the bedrooms, and the view from the upstairs balcony.
But six people were occupying the house under a reservation they believed was legitimate.
Their luggage was unpacked.
Their food was in my refrigerator.
And they were beginning to realize they’d paid thousands of dollars to someone who might have had no authority to accept it.
“I think rescheduling would be best,” I admitted.
Alan nodded.
“Please contact me when the situation is resolved.”
He glanced toward the lake.
“I’d still like to see the property again.”
I felt a small measure of relief.
“Thank you.”
Before leaving, he leaned closer.
“Make sure you establish whether there are other bookings. I wouldn’t want to purchase a home and discover strangers expecting to arrive next month.”
I hadn’t even considered that.
I thanked him again.
Then I watched his SUV disappear down the driveway.
When I returned inside, Richard was speaking to Sarah.
“Everything’s fine. Diane’s just upset because she wasn’t expecting visitors.”
I stopped beside the dining table.
