Page 91 of New Day at the Beach House

“Thanks.”

The living room, dining area, and kitchen were one big space that faced the water, which was easy to see, because the entire back wall of his house was glass, floor to ceiling. Those panels of glass were currently open, allowing easy access to the partially-covered big back deck that overlooked his pool below and the beach beyond.

On the shaded part of the deck, there was a glass-topped table with four chairs. On the other side, there was an elevated dog bed with a ragged stuffed animal on it. Further out in the sun, the deck held two lounge chairs and a few spiky potted plants that added a bright spot of green.

His place was more than nice. It was magazine worthy.

She had to ask. “Did you decorate this place yourself?”

“A little bit, but my mom helped a lot. It’s sort of what she does. More as a hobby than as a job, but it keeps her busy.”

“She’s really good. I might need to hire her when I buy my place.”

“No promises, but I can probably get you the friends-and-family discount.”

She laughed. “Thanks.”

“Come on this way and I’ll show my office and the guest room.”

“Okay.” She followed him through the living room and past the dining room. Naturally, Shiloh tagged along, tail wagging the whole time.

He pointed toward the left side of the small hall. “That’s the guest room. Then there’s a bathroom, then my office.”

She looked in the open door. The guest room had a guitar mounted on the wall over the bed, Fifties-looking wallpaper featuring old vinyl records, and nightstands made from antique speakers. Framed posters from several Elvis movies decorated the other walls. “I love the music theme.”

“Thanks. Again, my mom helped with that.” He pushed the bathroom door open and turned on the light. “Bathroom looks old, but it’s completely new. You’d be amazed at the companies making reproductions these days.”

She grinned at the blue and white color scheme, tiles, fixtures, and accessories that could have been straight out of a 1960s home. “It’s really fun. I like it a lot.”

“And then my office.” He opened that door next.

It was a pretty simple setup. An L-shaped desk ran along two walls and held dual computer monitors, some speakers, and a keyboard. But the walls were covered with framed gold and silver records, some signed, along with other music memorabilia, like concert posters complete with tickets, autographed album covers, and headshots, most of them signed, too. The room had another dog bed.

“This looks like the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.” She pointed. “Is that Willie Nelson picture signed?”

“It is.” Jesse smiled. “What can I say? I love music.”

She nodded at the keyboard. “Do you play, too?”

“A little. Just enough to embarrass myself.”

She chuckled. “I love how much you love music. I mean, you really own your appreciation for music and, as a musician, I find that very appealing.”

He looked pleased. “Thanks. Music really has gotten me through some hard times. Let me put the bacon on some paper towels to drain and I’ll show you the upstairs.”

“Okay.”

A couple of minutes later, they were following Shiloh up the steps to an open area with a big comfortable couch and a massive TV setup with some kind of gaming system. A blanket on the couch had dog hair on it. Small, square Bose speakers were everywhere.

He laughed softly. “Welcome to the man cave.”

“You play video games?”

He nodded sort of sheepishly. “I do. I hope that doesn’t change your opinion of me.”

She chuckled. “Not at all. Just don’t tell Cash or he’ll be begging to come over.”

Jesse’s brows lifted. He patted Shiloh’s side as she leaned against his legs. “Yeah? Because I would love to have someone to game with. I have a couple of groups I play with online, but it’s different than having someone actually hanging out with you. Do think he’d like to play sometime?”

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