Page 8 of New Day at the Beach House

“Wow, you’re right. It would.” When had Cash gotten so smart about such things? He was talking like a producer now.

“It would really underscore that kind of gritty, back-country thing you’ve got going on.”

A little trill of excitement went through her. “You could play rhythm guitar.”

He shook his head. “I’m not good en—”

“Don’t you dare complete that sentence, Cash.” She knew he was going through a bit of a life crisis, trying to find his way in the world and thinking he could never compare to his parents. But she thought a boost of confidence would help. Playing on stage with her could do just that. “You are absolutely good enough. And you’re my son. I would love to have you on stage with me.”

“That would be pretty fun.” He grinned. “I guess we both have a lot of work to do before open mic night, then. Will you please talk to Jesse about getting you some session players? At least a drummer. Or I can do it. But you should really let him hear this.”

“Billy first. Then I’ll think about sharing it with Jesse. But if I’m doing open mic night with this song, you’re going to be on stage with me. That’s the deal.”

“I don’t know the song yet. I’ve only just heard it. But I guess I can try.”

“That’s all I’m asking. Well, that’s not true. I’m asking you to try but I’m also asking you to be on stage with me. What do you say?”

He pulled out his phone. “I say I need to record a version of it so I can figure out the rhythm guitar part.”

She adjusted her guitar on her lap. “How would you feel about adding your vocals to the bridge?”

“Really?” He picked up his guitar, settling the strap over his body. “We could at least try it. Give me the lyrics one more time.”

“You’d better run, boy, run as fast as you can. There’s a woman on her way with a gun in her hand.”

Cash repeated it, then nodded. “I’ll give it a shot.”

Jules smiled and began to strum.

Having just left the paint and wallpaper store, Willie sat in the backseat of the car with Trina in front of her and Roxie behind the wheel. Roxie was driving them to the lighting place. Ethan was meeting them there to make sure what they’d picked out would work.

Well, that’s what he’d said. She couldn’t see how lights wouldn’t work. That was the whole purpose of them. To be installable, or whatever you called putting new lights in.

It was probably more likely he was meeting them there because he wanted to see Roxie again. Just the thought made Willie a little tingly with happiness. Roxie deserved a good man and Ethan sure seemed like he was that guy. Of course, it was early days, but the same could be said for Willie and Miguel and he’d already offered to marry her if she needed him to.

If that didn’t put a smile on her face, nothing would.

But she didn’t need Miguel to marry her and give her a home. They were safe and secure right where they were, thanks to Bryan doing the right thing and giving Trina one half of the beach house. He’d done right by Roxie, too, making sure she got money from his life insurance.

They were all going to be just fine. It didn’t hurt that Zippy, the last of her five husbands, had left her a little over seven million dollars, either. It was thanks to his amazing generosity that she’d been able to buy the Beachview Shopping Center where Trina would be opening her new salon.

What a dream come true that was, not just for Trina, but for Willie being able to make it happen for her granddaughter. Never would she have thought it possible in a million years, but now it was just a matter of time before the doors opened.

There was so much to do it made Willie’s head spin. Thankfully, Trina, Roxie, and Ethan were on top of things.

And now that Miguel and his son, Danny, were taking over one of the shops to be their new bakery, things were really looking up. That only left the two middle spaces to be rented out. She wondered who’d end up taking over those spots.

Roxie parked at the lighting store, right next to Ethan’s shiny black truck. They all got out and went in.

Willie went over to the coffee area and fixed herself a cup. They had a plate of cookies out, chocolate chip. Willie could tell just by looking at them that they were from a grocery store bakery. Probably Publix. No complaints there. She took two and went to sit down on the little sofa nearby, holding her cup in one hand and putting the second cookie down on the table on a napkin.

The girls didn’t need her for the ordering. And when the time came, she’d put her credit card down and pay the bill. At this rate, she was going to rack up enough Air Miles to go somewhere fancy.

She dunked the first cookie in her coffee and wondered what Miguel would think about a trip back to Puerto Rico, his homeland. She’d bet he’d love to show her around. She already knew they’d have a great time. Just going out to dinner with him had been wonderful.

Could the two of them really take a trip like that? It was something to think about.

“Mimi, don’t you want to see what we’re getting?” Trina called over.

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