Page 35 of New Day at the Beach House

“Surprisingly well. I’m happy with it.” Margo didn’t mention she was going to look at a house tomorrow. It was far too early. The house might not be for her at all. No point in getting anyone excited about it. Including herself.

The kettle whistled, so they fixed their tea and took a plate of cookies over to the living room area.

Margo found a good show, Hot Cold Cases, and they settled in to watch. She tried one of the cookies, the smallest one. It was drizzled with a little icing. Too sweet for her taste, but very good all the same.

She was blessed to have two talented daughters, and now with Kat and this new job, Margo’s pride knew no bounds.

She glanced over at Kat, who was glued to the show. Margo smiled. This was just as good as being with Conrad. Different. But just as good.

Jesse was waiting for Jules and Cash when they came through the doors at the Dolphin Club.

“Hi,” Jules said. “Thanks for making time for me.”

He made a face. “Like I wouldn’t?” He bent and kissed her cheek. “Anytime.” Then he shook Cash’s hand. “I’d ask if you’ve made it to the beach yet, but you look like you got some sun.”

“Yeah,” Cash said. “I’ve been getting some time in on the skim board.”

“Cool.” Jesse put his hands on his hips. “Ready to talk business?”

Jules nodded. “Very.”

“Come on back.”

They walked with him to his office, the noise of the club ebbing and flowing as they passed different areas. It was quiet in his office, though. He closed the door after they came in. “So, you need to record a demo.”

Jules and Cash sat on the couch. “That’s right,” she said. “What did you mean by, ‘We can handle that’?” That was all he’d told her on the phone, other than asking her to come by later when he’d be free.

Jesse sat in his desk chair. “We have a studio here. It’s nothing special, but it’ll get the job done. It hasn’t been used much.” He laughed in a self-deprecating way. “I had such big dreams when I remodeled this place. I thought we’d be doing all sorts of things here and I wanted to be ready for them.”

“But you didn’t?” Cash asked.

“Not the way I thought we would.” Jesse smiled. “We’ve done a few recordings in there. Nothing big, though. But it’s operational and it should do the trick.”

Jules let out a sigh of relief. “That’s fantastic. But that’s not all I need.”

“No?” Jesse looked on with interest. “What else?”

“I need some studio musicians. I’d love a drummer, a bass guitarist, and a fiddle player, but anything would be better than just me. I’ve already talked Cash into playing rhythm.”

Jessed looked at him. “Yeah? Cool. I love that.”

Cash shook his head. “I haven’t learned the song yet, but I’m going to do my best.”

Jesse’s brow furrowed. “What song is this, by the way?”

“My new one,” Jules answered.

“Have I heard it?”

She put her hand on her guitar case. “No one has, until today. I played it for Cash, who then persuaded me to play it for my agent and that’s why I need a demo. He wants to get it out there as soon as possible.”

“As a single?”

She nodded. “Yes. But it would be on my new album, too.”

Jesse leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers and looking very curious. “Do I get to hear this new song?”

She laughed. “I had a feeling you’d ask, that’s why I brought my guitar. In case I had to convince you.”

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