My wife had recently passed away and my son made the offer for me to move in with his family. Since I could work remotely it seemed like the time to move closer to our kids. He has a large house, and they could easily make room for me.
It didn't take long to get comfortable, I had my own space in the basement with a door that provided privacy when needed. I put in a small kitchenette, bedroom, and a living room. I'd go upstairs for larger meals but overall kept to myself and gave his family space.
However, we were about a year into the arrangement when I decided I needed to find my own place. Things were working out, don't get me wrong, but you miss a lot of independence when you live in someone else's house. I decided I would take my time and find some place close though. I was going go look at a few open houses and went upstairs to ask my daughter in-law to come with me.
As I walked upstairs I hollard out "Hey Nancy, I'm going to go look at a few places and thought it would be great to get your opinion" Reaching the top of the stairs I quickly realized we were not alone.
"Sorry I can't, my sister came over to visit and the kids will be home soon"
"Oh, I forgot about the kids coming home early and didn't realize Krystal was up" giving Krystal a customary hello. Krystal was a nice girl with a great sense of humor.
Krystal stood up in an excited jump "Why don't I go with you?"
"Umm sure." I stammered out.
"Unless you'd prefer to reschedule for Nancy?" She put this funny pout on and quickly sat down.
"No, no, that's great, please, come along and provide me some advice."
I had spent lots of time with Krystal this past year as she was over often. She was a couple of years older than Nancy and recently divorced. About 5'7 150lbs, Auburn hair and what looked like a solid C cup. It seemed a bit awkward on the drive to the first place as this was the first time we were alone outside of the house. But we engaged in idle chat as we drove and soon arrived.
As we entered the open house the agent greeted us and started into his pitch:
"Welcome, this property is a 3-bedroom bungalow on city serviced lot"
He got that far, I put my hand up to cut him off: "Thanks we will take a look around and let you know if we have any questions."
"Oh, ok, your daughter may enjoy the backyard with inground swimming pool."
Krystal was quick to correct him.
"Oh no, this isn't my father" She looked at him, then me, and gave a wink "This is my daddy." a big smile on her face as she locked arms with me. "Let's go see the pool daddy."
As we moved off to the backyard I looked back at the shocked agent and shrugged my shoulders to him as if to say, 'what can I do.'
"What the hell Krystal?" as I gave a chuckle. She laughed as well "Whatever. it gives him a good story to tell at the office."
We continued to look through the house but anytime she caught the agent looking our way she would flirt it up with me. You know, hand on my arm, a quick hug an excited bounce, that sort of thing.
We had just walked into the kitchen as he approached.
"So, how do you like the house?" he said.
"It's nice, not sure it's for me though."
"You mean us don't you daddy?" Krystal said.
"Of course, sweety." as I opened my arms to hug her. Krystal moved over accepting the hug, I leaned into her ear and whispered, "You started this ruse, better play it up."
Krystal hugged back and stayed in the crook of my arm, her hand on my chest and spoke. "The master bedroom is a little small and it needs updating, I don't think this is the right place either."
"Well, you're the boss." I replied.
She was quick to add "Outside of the bedroom you mean!" She smiled, grabbed my hand, and started to walk away.
I was a bit taken aback but responded more to the agent than her "Yes, in the bedroom you do as your told. Guess she has decided for us." and with that we left.
As we headed to the car, still arm in arm we both started laughing, "Well that was unexpected fun." I said as I got into the car.
"Yes, it was!" she put her hand on my thigh, "The look on his face when you said I did as I was told in the bedroom, priceless."
"Good job we didn't have to stay too long I couldn't have kept a straight face"
"Please." she scoffed, "You're glad we got out of there quick so there wasn't a physical reaction." Her hand still on my thigh gave a little squeeze and rub before she lifted it.
Playing along, I think, "Ha, take more than that to get a physical reaction from me."
"Oh really? that's almost a challenge I'd take up." She replied with a half chuckle
I decided to change the subject "Ok, let's not go there shall we, next up we have a place just down the street"
There was, what I would consider to be a different awkward silence as we drove to the next open house. It was only about 2 minutes, but Krystal leaned against her door staring out the window. I parked and as we got out of the car, I broke what I thought was tension. "We must be the only ones here the agent is on the front steps."
Krystal met me in front of the car, her hand moved down my arm, grabbed my hand moving it up to her lips. A grin on her face she kissed the back of my hand lightly, making sure the agent saw.
"Shall we go take a look daddy?"
"Oh, this isn't going to be good, is it?" I said as we walked towards the house.
"You threw out the challenge." she responded
I stopped walking but still holding her hand. "No, I didn't."
She looked at me with a sly smile "Come on, it's just us here, I consider it a challenge so either skip the house or let's go see what control you have"
With that I turned and walked towards the agent.