Total pages in book: 76
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 73010 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 365(@200wpm)___ 292(@250wpm)___ 243(@300wpm)
Frank rolls his eyes. “Think you’re funny, huh?”
“Frank will do great,” Aaron says. “And the customers will appreciate the new amenities.”
“What sort of amenities?” I ask as we enter the main bedroom that Aaron staged with neutral bedding and walls so it would appeal to most buyers. And even without the planned artwork he was going to install, it obviously worked for Rocco.
“An actual snack counter, fresh coffee, and vending machines that carry more than water.”
I snicker, wondering how Jack feels about that. “It’s a good idea.”
“Right?” Rocco tugs the lapels on his blazer. “I’m glad he listened to me.”
“Excuse me? I suggested it first,” Aaron retorts, and Rocco smiles warmly at his friend. I can only imagine the bickering that went down when Aaron told him he planned to live in Aqua Vista.
It makes me yearn for John to be here right now to provide backup. For what exactly, I’m not sure. Considering this is my life and mess to deal with, it’s a good thing he’s not.
My bedroom door is closed, the clutter behind it off-limits since Aaron hadn’t finished staging before Rocco decided to throw his hat in the ring. Since it’s the same size as the empty guest room, Rocco doesn’t complain. By the time I leave town, I’ll have the last of the stuff on the floor packed and ready to donate or keep.
“Where do you stay now when you come into town?”
“Either with Aaron or Frank,” Rocco replies as he opens the closet, which is on the smaller side due to the period the house was built. “I’m sure they’ll be glad to be rid of me.”
I smile blandly, another question niggling at my gut, inspired by John’s inquiry the other night. “Not that it’s any of my business, but what do you plan on doing with the place when you’re not in town?”
“Not exactly sure.” He glances at Aaron, who’s standing near the window. “Maybe it can be turned into an Airbnb, so it brings in extra income.”
“The old-timers will love that idea,” Frank teases. “But it’s not unheard of.”
“I mean, imagine the draw.” Rocco’s gaze is trained toward the foothills. “The ocean one way, the mountains the other.”
“Do you hike or surf?” I ask, suddenly curious what Rocco does for recreation.
“Hell no,” Rocco replies, and we all laugh. “I enjoy seeing the sights by car. I’m more of a spectator, if you will.”
“Nothing wrong with that,” Frank adds, and I realize he has similar tendencies. Another thing they have in common. “Besides, the way you were downing those drafts last night, you’d never last in the mountains.”
“Not fair,” Rocco pouts. “I was thirsty.”
“I’m sure there’s water in beer,” Aaron quips.
“In wine too,” Frank adds with a wink.
“Okay, I get the message loud and clear. I need healthier habits.”
I can’t help smirking at their banter. It makes me ache for easy companionship, the kind I had as a kid.
“You’re right. Aqua Vista does have quite the appeal.” I motion for him to follow me to the balcony, where I throw open the French doors and breathe in the fresh air. For the first time, the house and surrounding landscape don’t make my stomach tighten. Instead, I feel nostalgic. After all, it’s not Aqua Vista’s fault that I had such a crappy upbringing and brought loads of baggage with me.
Rocco watches me closely as he steps toward the railing. “Are you having second thoughts about selling?”
“Not at all. My life is in LA.” I blow out a breath. “I think I just never fully appreciated the town, or this property for that matter.”
“Neither did I, at first.” Rocco thumps Aaron’s shoulder. “He had to convince me, and now I see the beauty.”
“Hey, not only Aaron,” Frank says with a pout. “I swayed you too.”
Aaron throws me an amused glance. “You two bicker like an old married couple.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Rocco’s face flushes and Frank gets busy scrutinizing the wrought-iron chair I’ve fallen asleep in countless times.
Aaron barks out a laugh. “I’m only messing with you.”
I try to break the awkwardness with another pressing question. “Any chance you’re interested in adding a used boat to the sale of the house?”
“A boat?” Rocco looks around the yard below.
“My grandpa left it to me. He worked on a fishing boat, and I helped sometimes.”
Rocco glances at Aaron. “Chuck didn’t mention it. Neither did Aaron.”
“That’s because I’m hearing about it now,” Aaron tells him.
“I would have no clue what to do with a boat.” He winces. “And I also don’t need any added stress.”
“No worries.” It was foolish to upset the apple cart. The boat sale will have to remain separate. “I only thought of it since you mentioned traveling and being a spectator. Nothing like being out on the water during the sunrise or sunset.”