'Educating Andi' (closed to AndreaSubbie)

[CFMB_fan]

Educating Andi​

​

Name: Adrian Ham
Age: 48
Height: 6 ft
Eyes: Piercing Blue
Hair: Black, with grey highlights and slightly balding, so cropped short
Build: Tall, broad like a rugby player but also carries some middle age spread
Profession: Accountant

It was early September, and time for Adrian to advertise the top floor ‘studio flat’ which Adrian had done since his wife passed away. The space was otherwise wasted, and he at times liked some company in the place. and so had decided to offer his top floor area to mostly Post-grad students attending the local prestigious University. He was situated close to the Priestgate campus, once a Church of England college.

Adrian read the advert for the last time before reaching to click on Send. By mid Monday morning, the advert will be on the University’s accommodation website.

Room available for Rent.

A room is available in an Edwardian town house close to the town centre and the university. The room is situated on the top floor and includes an en-suite shower/WC and a kitchenette. Access to the ground floor full kitchen is available with notification. There is also access to a bath on another level if required. The Location of the house is on Priestgate's way if you want to view the location on Google Maps.

I am an officially recognised service provider to the University, and have relevant references from the Accommodation Office.

House is fully modernised internally whilst keeping its Edwardian period charm and character. Mod-cons includes both a wireless and cable network accessing Virgin Media's 150 GB service. The room also has a TV access point for cable TV (Tivo) as well as ‘standard’ TV. There is storage space for a push bike if required.

Rent for the flat for a young professional would be in the region of £800. However I have chosen to rent to a student, preferably one studying a postgraduate qualification but not limited to. To that end, with a suitable character reference and an official letter stating that you are indeed a bona file student, rent will be in the region of £550 (negotiable in part) I would prefer the quieter study-conscious character rather than a party animal.

Please call me on 07123 567890

Having pressed sent, he opened up Lightroom on his desktop, his photo cataloguing and basic editing suite; and spend the next hour or so on the Sunday afternoon editing some photos he had recently taken, before feeling his eyes starting to feel slightly screen fatigued.

He put the desktop to sleep, and looked up at some of his portraits he had taken, before leaving the office, turning the light of as he did so, and headed downstairs, and poured himself a bottle of ale from the beer fridge, as he settled himself into the sweet spot, and reached for his tablet. Moments later, he was immersed in Pink Floyd, enjoying the sound, as he thought of the weekend, What else is better than enjoying a Sunday afternoon, music and a good ale. He looked at the wall, and saw the portrait of his wife, taken before she was diagnosed with what turned out to be a fatal case of cancer. He quickly shook away those thoughts. He needed to relax.

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[AndreaSubbie]

Name: Andrea Stevens
Age: 21
Height: Medium
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Brunette, long
Body: 36c, 24, 34
Occupation: Masters Degree Student

Andrea was still hunting for a place to rent, which was why she was looking through the University's website. This Masters Course had been such a last minute thing, which was unlike her. Normally Andrea was such a planner, so methodical, or so she convinced herself.

And all the places she'd tried so far had already been taken. Sighing in anticipation of another let down, Andrea dialled the number for a nice sounding studio flat on Priestgate's Way ...

The rent was reasonable, but a bit more than she wanted to pay. Already Andrea was anticipating having to get an evening job, maybe in a bar. Her funds just didn't quite stretch far enough. Since her first degree had been in another university town, she was starting again from scratch ... she didn't even have friends here yet. It was exciting, but all a bit of a challenge. Still, it was Monday morning, and she was hoping to drive over later and look for a place.

Ah, the phone was ringing ...

 

[CFMB_fan]

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Adrian was working in his home office that morning when his mobile rang. He looked at the display, and saw the number as opposed to a name, a contact.

"Hello, Adrian speaking, How may I help you?"

"Hello. I'm calling about the room for rent."

Adrian hear the uncertainty in the stranger's voice.

"sure, what do you want to know?"

They ended up chatting for about five minutes as he quickly described the place to her.

Her voice grew in confidence as she realised the place is was still available.

"Sure, two o clock is fine, and what should I call you Miss?"

He put the phone down, and returned to the spread sheet. As an accountant, he was now self employed, having worked for a large multi-national in the state capital before leaving when his wife Jane was diagnosed with cancer, a battle that she finally lost.

He decided not to return to the panic race in the city, and set up his own practice, supporting local companies in the town. He enjoyed it, and he made enough money not to have t worry about cash, he owned his home out right, and had spent money on converting it into what it was now. Sure he could have earnt more in the capital, but he would not have had the quality of life

Many of the other houses on the road had been converted into flats, but not his. It was an old Edwardian town house, with a basement and three floors, the top floor having been converted into a studio flat, for the nurse that looked after his wife in her final months. Converting it into a lodgings for a student was a simple matter.

It had a short front garden, and several steps up to the front door. The street had old trees, starting to turn colour with Autumn approaching. The cars in the street were sensible middle class SUVs and the like with the odd sporty model.

Dressed in shorts and a thin fleece top, as 2pm approached, he headed down stairs and turned the Espresso machine on, as well as the kettle, prepared for either tea or coffee.

It wasn't long before he heard the Ding Dong of the door bell, and walked along the hallway to the front door, the stairs on his right, and the doors to the rooms on his left.

He opened the door and took a second glance as he saw her, her long brunette hair, and a curvaceous bust hidden beneath her black top, the tension lines in her top across her breasts clearly evident. She was just young enough to be his daughter he thought, as he glanced at her face, avoiding any unnecessary stares that could be totally mis read as a dirty old man.

"Hi; you must be Andrea, please come in, I'm Adrian." offering his hand.


.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"yes, hi, I'm Andrea," and she held out her small hand, smiling at Adrian, hoping to make a good impression, hoping he might haggle over the rent, even if only a little. As his eyes scanned over her, Andrea wanted him to see a confident mature research student who was quiet, sensible and well-behaved, not given to any excesses, but discrete and demur.

When they'd spoken on the phone this morning she'd been so relieved that the room was still free, and Adrian had sounded nice and normal, so normal that they'd chatted happily for a few minutes. She'd quickly answered all his questions, eager to win his approval, and was quietly confident that he would like her.

So only slightly after 2pm Miss Andrea Stevens drove up in her battered little car, which wouldn't exactly make a good impression, but with debts still to pay off ... she sighed.

She'd dressed carefully in a tight black t shirt and clean stretch jeans, brushed dark hair loose to her shoulders. Andrea was a little surprised at how informally Adrian had dressed, in just shorts and a top. But then, he's the landlord, he can do what he likes in his own house.

Mm, fresh coffee! She loved that smell! And looking inside she could see doors to her right, and to the left, stairs, up to her room! she felt a flush of excitement, and again looked into Adrian's face, eyes sparkling.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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Adrian shook her hand, gently but yet with a firm grip. He was old school, and always shook hands with an element of force, but always considering the person's size and strength.

He lead Andrea down the hallway to the kitchen, with various canvas printed photos hanging on the wall, together with photos of him and his wife.

The kitchen was large, and clearly two rooms converted into one, with a large window along one side overlooking the patio/decking area in front of the conservatory. To the back of the kitchen was a door that lead to a utility room containing an old an old fashioned larder, as well as a tall standing freezer and a washer/dryer.

In the middle of the kitchen was an old farmhouse style oak table, as well as a breakfast bar, with a wine fridge underneath.

He offered Andrea a chair before asking

"Tea or coffee? Either is easy for me."

He sipped his own coffee, finishing the drink as he looked at her again, young cute and pretty, not in a stunning sense but an alluring girl next door sort of manner.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"Oh, I'd love a coffee, please!" she replied, sitting at the large table and facing her future landlord.

He looked very confident and sure of himself, and despite his casual clothes he had that look of a successful man. There was something about the mix of relaxed assurance, cleanliness, nice looks, and maturity that made Andrea warm to Adrian, want to live in his house.

By the time she had looked out onto the paved garden area and conservatory, Andrea knew she wanted to live here. It was so proper she knew she'd be safe here and able to study undisturbed.

"Wow! You have a lovely house!" Andrea commented from her seat as she glanced round the impressive kitchen area. "I can't wait to see the Room!"

She'd admired the photo portraits along the hallway, and asked, "Those pictures are of you; and is that Mrs ... ? You found a good photographer!"

Andrea wasn't the world's best negotiator, but she still hoped to show a positive interest in the Room while leaving open the possibility of discussing the rent.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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"Yes, those are photos of my wife or my wife and I....." his voice was matter of fact yet quiet, subdued as if he was hiding something, as he clearly still wore the band on his finger.

He ground some fresh coffee beans, and was soon making two lattes using the latte machine, steaming the milk before pouring it onto the espresso, leaving a little pattern on the top; before offering Andrea hers.

"So research Masters... are you hoping to progress onto a PhD?: he enquired before sipping on his coffee, licking the milk from his top lip.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

Hm, Andrea felt she'd said something wrong, but couldn't pu her finger on what it was ... very frustrating! But she was trying to make a good impression here, so quickly answered his question.

"Oh, that all depends on funding; I just about have enough to cover a one year Masters ... any more ... " and she shrugged, " it all depends. Hopefully I'll say something brilliant, and sponsors will be falling over themselves for a piece of me!"

She sipped her coffee, which was excellent, and wondered when she'd see the Room. Andrea got the feeling that she was being interviewed, and that she'd have to pass to make it upstairs.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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"Oh, that all depends on funding; I just about have enough to cover a one year Masters ... any more ... " and she shrugged, " it all depends. Hopefully I'll say something brilliant, and sponsors will be falling over themselves for a piece of me!"

"Well science funding is rather tight these days with these austerity cuts... but I never understand why during times of austerity funding for our future is the first to be cut!"

They chatted for a while making some small talk until their cups were both empty, he rinsed them and placed them in the sink before leading her onto a guided tour.

As they chatted he made a few comments about the kitchen.

"Your room doesn't have an oven, just a dual microwave combi oven, but you are more than welcome to use the small oven in here. Through the back is the utility/laundry room with a chest freezer which will have space for you to store stuff in should you wish to. There is also space to keep a push bike should you want to, I ride regularly at weekends and in the summer months some evenings if I can... "

Adrian started the guided tour, showing her the back dining room, with a large table set for 6 people, but clearly large enough for 8 or possibly ten if they are close friends. The dining room itself back out onto a conservatory, which had patio doors opening onto the garden and decking area. Looking up would reveal a small outcrop from the first floor made with glass bricks. As he led her into the conservatory, a camera tripod could be seen.

“This room gets the afternoon sun.” he offered and so gets lovely and hot in the summer as does the garden.

He led her back into the hall way and showed her the door to the basement as he opened it, and led her down a set of stairs, a motion sensor turning on the lights. As you descend down the stairs, there is a matted area and a flat screen and a rowing machine. “Happy for you to use the gym area if you wish. You can watch Youtube fitness-blender videos if you want to or anything else like that!”

At the base of the stairs on the other side was a door, clerly locked.

Adrian led her back up to the stairs into the hallway and the front room, one length fitted with bespoke furniture, a large flat screen TV mounted as if a cinema screen. There was leather covered furniture and again more photos of Adrian and Jane, as well as his own photos printed onto canvas blocks.

He led her up to the first floor…

“Out of bounds” please. “This is my floor.” Looking around, there was a door over the kitchen area which was ajar and looked like it led into an office. There was another door over the door to the living room; and another door leading to a small room over the front door and hallway. The door was clearly blocked by a piece of furniture.

The second floor is a guest floor with two bedrooms and a smaller dump room over the front of the house. Over the kitchen was a large bathroom, nicely fitted out with a bath and a shower leading into the bath.

“Happy for you to use this bath, I have my own on my floor. Also if you have friends or parents staying, as long as you let me know, I am more than happy for them to use these rooms as long as you wash and tidy up afterwards.”


Finally he led her up to the final floor, a door at the top of the stairs with a lock. He led her inside to show her a studio flat, with a small ensuite bathroom over the lower bathroom, with a shower, sink and toilet. The main room had a double bed, a simple iron affair, and fitted wardrobe units around the bed; together with fitted units along one wall which included a long, deep desk. At the other end was a small kitchen with a kettle a small fridge and an electric hob.

Along the wall with the units was also a desk area and book shelves. There were also power sockets, including a couple with inbuilt USB ports. There was also a cable for the network point.

“So what do you think?” as he leant against the desk area watching Andrea as she walked around the room, opening the doors as all viewers do.

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[AndreaSubbie]

"I love it!" she admitted, without trying to play any games with him. no hard-to-get, just her honest reaction.

The tour just reinforced everything that Andrea had already concluded. The house was perfect, and she was quite comfortable with the no-go areas that Adrian indicated.

And he even raised the possibility of her having people over to stay! Of course, that was unlikely, but just the offer was pretty good.

The more Adrian talked, thw more obvious it qas that the place was hers if she could afford it. And that was the problem.

"I really love it, and want to take it, but there's just one thing. " She screwed up her face unconsciously, before continuing, "I'm going to struggle to make the rent. Your ad said 550, negotiable in part? I dont think I can manage more than about 400?"

Andrea cringed inside, waiting to be thrown out. Or would he come back with a compromise? She reckoned she might manage as much as 450 with certain sacrifices, like wine, and that was assuming she found a part time job.

Holding her breath in anticipation, she looked into his face trying to read his reaction.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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"I'm going to struggle to make the rent. Your ad said 550, negotiable in part? I don't think I can manage more than about 400?"



He looked at her, and could see the anger in her face as she spoke, clearly telling the truth. The truth be told, he didn't really need the money, his accounting work paid him sufficiently to have a good quality of life.

"Well as you said Andrea, it is negotiable in part... based on an idea that a previous lodger suggested.."

He paused...

"Another coffee?"

 

[AndreaSubbie]

So he hadn't dismissed her out of hand; there must be some room for manoeuvre?

"Yes, thank you, another coffee would be great," she replied, trying to conceal her relief.

"So what was this idea?" Andrea asked casually. After all, if it had been suggested by a previous lodger the chances were that it was some kind of payment-in-kind, maybe chores round the house.

As long as it didn't interfere with her Masters, or get in the way of a part time job, or wasn't weird, Andrea was pretty much ready to agree ... as long as it was nothing she couldn't admit to her mother.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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Adrian led Andrea down the stairs, to the second floor, and then down towards the ground floor. Moments later they were back in the kitchen as he started to grind fresh coffee beans, and make their coffees.

As he made the coffees he explained the proposition.

"Well, as I mentioned, a previous lodger also had financial constraints, and so as he had been a cleaner during her time as an undergrad, she offered to clean for me."

He paused as the kitchen was filled with the sound of milk being steamed.

"She was paid around £7.50 and hour. So we agreed around £10 an hour reduction in rent. And so she used to do three to four hours a week cleaning the communal areas such as the ground floor, the stairs. and the second floor. Nothing major, I still do the deep cleaning of the oven etc... So that would bring your rent down to £400 a month plus four hours a week when convenient to suit you?"


After he passed her her coffee, he reached to the side and handed Andrea a sheet of paper with a list of jobs. As Andrea read the list, there was nothing untoward, and apart from the stairs, nothing was mentioned on his floor.

He sat at the table whilst she read the list.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

Andrea scanned through the list while the aroma of the fresh coffee filled the kitchen. It was all quite reasonable, more than reasonable, and it allowed her the flexibility she needed for her work and a job.

"Well, Adrian, I'm happy if you are."

Again, she looked into his eyes, and read only comfortable, reassuring signs.

"If there's nothing else you need to know or tell me, do we have an agreement?" and Andrea leaned across the big table holding out her hand, the black t shirt straining across her chest, the neck gaping in that position.

A thought flickered through her mind about how he just happened to have the sheet of paper so handy, but she dismissed the doubt quickly. After all, he had mentioned the negotiable part in the advert to begin with.

She stayed leaning over, hand outstretched, ready to seal the agreement.

 

[CFMB_fan]

."Before we shake on the deal and sign the contract, I just want to clarify a few points. Firstly did you bring your reference and proof of studentship at the uni?" he paused as he inhaled.

"I'm More than happy for you to have study partners and fuck buddies around, but please no loud partying, I am a light sleeper... And I have been woken up before... and if; If you wake me up, it will make me rather short tempered and angry. If you wake me up frequently, you will be homeless as that is considered as anti social behaviour! Or if you annoy my good neighbours, that will also tend to be asking you to leave for obvious reasons. Talking of which it is the usual 28 days notice either way, unless we both agree something sooner."

"Another pet hate is unnecessary uncleanliness... If you use the main kitchen, please clear up with in a sensible time frame, and leave it as you found the room... If you choose to use the bath, I am happy for you to keep bath foam etc in there but keep it tidy..."

He inhaled deeply..

"Cleaning duties, I do not expect you to break your back, but there will be a tick list for you to do as and when you undertake your duties as you have seen. But every week will be the laundry room, the hall and stairs, the living room etc. And then rotated will be the spare bedrooms on the second floor.... Hope this makes sense? "

As he spoke he retrieved an A4 plastic pocket containing a contract and offered it to Andrea

"In there is the contract, - how long do you want to sign up for?" There are also my bank details for you to pay around the 5th of the month. Once you have signed I will give you the keys.... Oh and Please no frequenting of torrent downloading sites or strong porn. Most illegal downloading sites I have blocked as well as notorious Porn sites.... I cant afford to hav a reputation, and a previous lodger was taking advantage of my decent internet speed, as I found out when I received a warning from Virgin Media.

Adrian inhaled before sipping on his coffee.

"Sorry if it seems a lot but most of it is basic good manners and common sense; I am sure we will get on fine together Andrea."
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[AndreaSubbie]

Andrea rested her offered hand on the table as Adrian outlined the small print details of their arrangement.

It was all fairly straightforward, though she did blush when he mentioned fuck buddies and strong porn.

That was a curious one. What did he mean by strong porn? And what was that about notorious porn sites? Andrea had no idea what might qualify, but she guessed that pintrest, tumblr and literotica would probably be ok ... not that she often did porn ... or had had many fuck buddies!

Andrea shook her head to clear the unbidden images forming in her mind.

She took the offered folder and pulled out the contract, just skimming over it without reading it. She trusted him, and anyway she'd read somewhere that illegal clauses in contracts got overturned by the courts.

So she signed.

"How does six months initially, sound?" she asked as she handed the paperwork back to Adrian, a thrill inside at securing this lovely place to rent at such a reasonable amount.

"Oh, and I'm a clean girl, and tidy up after myself, and I'm quiet, so you won't have any trouble there, and we'll soon work out a cleaning schedule that works for both of us," Andrea smilied happily up at Adrian.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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"How does six months initially, sound?" she asked as she handed the paperwork back to Adrian, a thrill inside at securing this lovely place to rent at such a reasonable amount.

"Oh, and I'm a clean girl, and tidy up after myself, and I'm quiet, so you won't have any trouble there, and we'll soon work out a cleaning schedule that works for both of us."


He just nodded as she signed the contract, it had been cleared by the Uni's accommodation office, and he had re-iterated his concerns that would encourage him to ask her to move on.

"Glad to hear it" he replied to her cleanlinesses statement. He aslo offered her the set of keys, and the code to the burglary alarm, as he led her to the hallway and gave her a few demonstrations.


Finally he turned to face her...

"So when should I anticiapte you moving in Andrea?"

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"I'd like to start moving stuff in tomorrow, if that's ok?" Andrea replied, already planning the move of the few things she'd need.

Most of her car space would be taken up wirh books and files, and then her clothes and shoes.

"I think two trips should do it, maybe one if I'm lucky,"

Andrea was keen to get started, and the idea of browsing porn sites without her mother breathing down her neck flitted across her mind.

She put the keys carefully onto her own key ring and into her bag, and turned for the door.

"So is that everything, for now?" she asked, hoping they hadn't forgotten anything.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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"So is that everything, for now?"

He nodded.... "I think so.... Oh do you have any food allergies? I am happy to cook for us tomorrow if that helps? Just a simple pasta dish - seafood if that is okay?"

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"No, I'm not allergic to anything, and that's really kind of you. I'll be here mid morning, I expect, to bring my stuff in. See you tomorrow, Landlord!"

And smiling again, Andrea offered her hand ready to leave.

She didn't have a huge amount to do, just carry her clothes and books to her car, tell mum the good news, have dinner and a good sleep, then start the next chapter of her life.

"I wonder what I'll learn over the next year?" she mused to herself.

 

[CFMB_fan]

Tuesday Morning

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"No, I'm not allergic to anything, and that's really kind of you. I'll be here mid morning, I expect, to bring my stuff in. See you tomorrow, Landlord!"

"It will be my pleasure, as I enjoy cooking. Besides, it is just as easy to cook for two some nights as it is for one....."

He shook her hand and watched her walk down the steps onto the street, watching her bum swing elegantly from side to side.

He closed the door and resumed his Monday, heading to his office and work. The afternoon was uneventful, and before he knew it it was Tuesday morning as he woke up.

It wasn't long before he was gently jogging down to Priestgate's Park that sat at one end of the road. Originally it was a Church of England clergy collage, before it was merged into part of the university. The grounds are maintained by the council in conjunction with the university, and so were open to the public.

He returned and was soon clean and refreshed before heading to the kitchen for breakfast. He was in the office on the first floor when he heard the front door open.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

And so here she was walking up to her new front door, using her new key to let herself into her new flat, her home.

Once the door was open, she went back to the car for her first box, quickly returning and putting it down near the stairs.

She'd dressed casually and scruffily for moving, just a pair of pink shorts and an old off-the-shoulder loose cream sweater, her black bra strap showing and the cups hinting through the sweater which hugged her chest. Even her trainers were scruffy.

After a few trips she had all the boxes in, and decided to leave the clothes in the car for now. Next it was the first of a series of ascents to get the boxes to her room. Tucking a loose strand of hair behind her right ear, she picked up the first box and started up the stairs.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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As he heard the door, he quickly saved his spreadsheet, and ventured down the stairs, to see a couple of bags in the hallway. He quickly headed to the kitchen and filled the kettle, and turned it on together with the Espresso machine - in case she only drank coffee. Returning to the hallway, he saw another box had appeared.

And so in his shorts and polo-shirt, he started to carry the bags and boxes up to the top floor, placing them on the floor of Andrea's room, before returning for another load. On his second return, he briefly saw Andrea and smiled.

"Good morning!" he offered; "I trust you had a good trip, Would you like a Tea or coffee?"

As she stopped mid step to smile and acknowledge him, Adrian saw her exposed shoulder and smiled to himself. She was wearing a 'look' that he found alluring on females. But he didn't look for long as he picked up another box, and headed up the stairs. On his way down, he went to make a pot of tea, he was starting to feel thirsty, and wanted a refreshing tea as opposed to a coffee.


.

 

[AndreaSubbie]

"I don't suppose you have Earl Grey? I've got some teabags in one of these boxes if not," she replied, one foot on the stair, her sweater slipping down her right arm baring her shoulder.

Adrian was being a star, helping carry things up to her room, and then offering to make the drinks.

On Andrea's next return trip downstairs she popped her head into the kitchen.

"I really will make my share of drinks, Adrian! I'm not all Take, honest!" and she flashed a brilliant smile at him before grabbing the last load for now, and wearily climbing the stairs yet again.

Up in her room she stood over the neat stack they'd made in the middle of her floor, and admired her new home. It was very cosy, and Andrea knew she'd be happy here.

"Time for a tea break!" she announced to the empty room, and hurried back down to the kitchen.

"Just my clothes left," she said as she entered the kitchen and sat at the big table.

 

[CFMB_fan]

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He smiled at the request of Earl Grey, and reached into the cupboard, and made a pot of Earl Grey. As the tea stewed in the pot, Adrian carrie done more load, before returning to the kitchen and poured two cups of tea.

He added a drop of mild to his, but left Andrea's black - many Earl Grey drinkers prefer it black (or a light grey). He also opened a packet of Fox's quality cookies and placed them on a plate.

It wasn't long before Andrea returned, and collapsed on a chair; her shoulder becoming exposed as her cream jumper slid from the shoulder.

"Just my clothes left,"

"Let me know if you need a hand, otherwise I will leave you alone to unpack. How does seafood Linguine sound this evening? I will have to pop out to Waitrose if you need anything urgent."


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