Page 70 of Smuggler's Cove
Olivia joined in with a “Wow. It is beautiful.”
“Come. Wait until you see the rest of the place.” She opened the lockbox and then the double doors. “Please.” She ushered them inside.
From where they stood, they could see the view from the large windows and patio doors on the lower level. Madison immediately took the short flight down. “This is a great space.” An up-to-date, modern kitchen with a large island facing toward a large living area. Sliding doors and windows ran across the back that led to a large patio, partially covered by the balcony above. A tricked-out, outdoor kitchen was on the side surrounded by a slate counter and barstools. The pool was a few yards ahead, and the jacuzzi sat between the pool and the pool house.
Madison was in awe. “This is incredible,” she spoke softly, hoping it was not a dream and she would wake herself up.
Irene stepped aside as the three family members stood in silence, taking in the amenities, and of course, the view.
Before anyone could say anything, Madison proclaimed, “We’ll take it!”
“You haven’t seen the rest of the house,” Irene said easily. She knew it was secondary to the living space.
“Right.” Madison smiled from ear to ear. She motioned to one of the teak lounge chairs. “I can sleep out here.”
“Just so I can tell my boss I showed you everything, come on inside.”
Irene led the way back to the kitchen and living area. “There’s a laundry room at the far end, and the rest of the utilities are downstairs.”
“You mean we must bring our laundry down a flight of stairs? I am out of here,” Madison joked.
Irene wasn’t accustomed to Madison’s dry humor and gulped.
“Kidding.” Madison rested her hand on Irene’s arm. “I am serious. I mean about taking the place. But, if you insist, we will see the rest.”
Irene felt relieved. “Follow me.” The four went up the first flight to the level where they entered, then up another short flight to the three bedrooms. They were not particularly large, but big enough for one room to hold twin beds and two dressers, and the other two had queen-size beds. Two of the bedrooms shared a bath that had a long white marble vanity with two undermounted sinks, a separate shower and tub, and a private water closet for the toilet that also opened to the hallway. The master bedroom was equally appointed with a slate vanity, two vessel sinks, a large shower with several shower heads, and a private toilet area.
Each room had sliding doors with screens, which led to a long balcony that ran the entire length of the house.
“Who wouldn’t want to live here?” Madison said, as she opened the doors to two large walk-in closets.
Lincoln and Olivia looked at Madison with glee. They, too, fell in love with the house the minute they walked in the door.
Irene remained quiet as they perused the remaining rooms of the house. It was a perfect weekend or vacation home.
Lincoln stepped in. He knew they would have to get a move on if they wanted to refurbish the marina. The sooner they could get a base to begin their operation, the better. The room on the entry-level floor could serve as an office. “Irene? How soon do you think we could move in?”
“The place is yours, but the owners will want an additional month’s rent.”
“Of course. And a deposit, I assume,” Lincoln continued.
“Give me a minute.” She excused herself and went outside to make a call.
Madison could not believe how much things had changed in such a few short days. “This is great. We will have so much fun here.”
“And also relax,” Olivia tossed in.
“Indeed. This is the perfect place for parties, and no parties.” Madison’s face was pink with delight.
Irene returned with some information. “If you can pay four months upfront, they will waive the deposit. That’s a good deal. Normally they want two months’ worth. But I told them you were very respectable.”
“Thank you, Irene,” Lincoln said. “I left my attaché in the car. I will be right back.”
Irene ran down all the local summer activities. “Of course, we kick it off with the seafood festival. I hear they are honoring Kirby.”
News really did travel fast.
“Yes, and so are we.” Madison leaned closer. “Lincoln is going to meet with Charlie in a few days to discuss renovating the marina. Then we are going to rename it.”
