Free I'll Be Home for Christmas by Fern Michaels

farmhouse, and I for one love old farmhouses. A lot of work went into this house at one time. Young people today don’t appreciate the old beams and pegs they used for nails back then.”
    â€œI love it,” Andi said enthusiastically.
    â€œThe owner put down carpeting for warmth. Underneath the carpeting you have pine floors. It was a shame to cover them up, but women today want beige carpets. The blinds stay, as do the lighting fixtures and all the appliances. You’ll be more than comfortable. Take your time and look around. I’ll wait here for you. The owner agreed to an end of January closing, so you’ll be paying rent until that time.”
    â€œIt’s just perfect, Tom. Now, show me the barn.”
    â€œThat’s what you’re really going to love. It’s warm and there’s a mountain of hay inside on the second floor or whatever they call it in barns. Good electricity, plumbing, sinks. There’s an old refrigerator, too, and it works. The stalls are still intact. You can do what you want with them. There’s a two-car garage and a shed for junk. The owner is leaving the lawn mower, leaf blower and all his gardening stuff. Any questions?”
    â€œNot a one. Where do I sign?”
    â€œOn the dotted line. You can move in on Sunday at any time. I probably won’t see you till the closing, so good luck. Oh, Lois took care of calling the water company, PSE&G and the phone company. Everything will be hooked up first thing Monday morning. You can reimburse us at the closing for the deposits.”
    Andi hugged the Realtor. She had to remember to send him a present after she moved in.
    The clock on the mantel was striking five when Andi walked through the doors of the kennel. “I’m home,” she called.
    Gertie was sitting at the kitchen table with three of the pups in her lap. “Rosie is keeping her eye on me. It almost makes me want to have a home of my own. Did you give them names?”
    â€œNot yet. Did anyone call?” Andi asked nonchalantly.
    â€œMr. King called; his message is on the machine. He sounded…desperate.”
    â€œAnd well he should. Let me tell you what that…lipstick person did, Gertie. Then you tell me what you think I should do. I hate men. I told you that before, and then I let my guard down and somehow he…what he did…was…he sneaked in. I let him kiss me and I kissed him back and told him I liked it. Do you believe that!”
    Gertie listened, her eyes glued to Andi’s flushed face.
    â€œWell?”
    â€œI agree, it was a terrible thing to do. Andi, I’ve lived a long time. Things aren’t always the way they seem. Everything has two sides. Would it hurt you to hear him out? What harm is there in listening to him? Then, if you want to walk away, do so. Aren’t you afraid that you’re always going to wonder if there was an explanation? You said he was nice, that you liked him. He sounded like a sterling person to me.”
    â€œListen to him so he can lie to my face? That’s the worst kind of man, the one who looks you in the eye and lies. That’s what used car salesmen do. Sometimes lawyers and insurance men do it, too. I called the police on him this morning. He sat in my parking lot all night, Gertie.”
    â€œHow do you know that?”
    â€œBecause I watched him. You know what else? I even changed the sheets on the damn bed because I thought…well, what I…oh, hell, it doesn’t matter.”
    â€œObviously it does matter. Your eyes are all red. You really sat up watching him sit in your parking lot! That’s ridiculous!”
    â€œI was packing my stuff in the attic. I looked out from time to time,” Andi said defensively. “I guess he wasn’t who I thought he was. I swear to God, Gertie, this is it. I’m not sticking my neck out, ever again.”
    â€œDon’t businesspeople do things like that, Andi? I’m not