Page 50 of Sunsets at the Beach House

Jules called out to them. “Cash, Sierra. Do you know what you want?”

He glanced over. “Just about. Are you guys ready to order?”

She nodded.

“All right. We’ll get in line. We’ll know by the time we get up there.”

Jesse and Jules led the way, with Sierra and Cash behind them. Jesse and Jules ordered, Jules getting a small shake while Jesse got the large.

Sierra went next. “All-American cheeseburger with a small black and white shake.”

Cash finished up. “Mac-n-cheese burger with the large cookies and cream shake.”

Jesse paid, then they got a number on a stand to take to wherever they ended up sitting. They grabbed a table near the window and settled in.

Cash stayed standing. “Anyone want water? There are cups over by the soda machine.”

“Sure,” Jules said. “Thanks.”

“I’d like one, too,” Sierra said.

“Can you handle four cups?” Jesse asked.

Cash nodded. “I got it. Be right back.”

Jules looked at Sierra, who’d sat across from her. “You were a pleasant surprise today. Better than pleasant. You were very good.”

“Thanks,” Sierra said. “I’m thrilled to be included. I kind of can’t believe it.”

“I feel the same way,” Jesse said.

Jules let out a little laugh. “Well, to be honest, it was definitely a combination of right place, right time, right talent. You earned your spot.”

Sierra was all smiles. “I’m really grateful.”

Jules understood. It was incredibly hard for new singers and musicians to break out and make a name for themselves. Being on Jules’s new album would go a long way toward giving Sierra some credentials. “Is music what you want to do with your life?”

She nodded. “A hundred percent. I lead the praise team at church sometimes, which I love, but I really want to do more. Make my own music. Write my own songs. You know?” Then she laughed. “You really do know. I basically want to be you.”

Cash came back, four plastic cups of water carefully held in his hands. “Here you go.” He put them all down on the table and let everyone take one for themselves.

Jules took a sip as a wild idea came into her head. “Maybe you and Cash should start your own band. Or just be a duo.”

For a moment, neither Cash nor Sierra said anything. Sierra glanced at Cash, smiling shyly. “I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it.”

“It’s not a bad idea,” Cash said. “We both sing, although you’re a lot better than me. We both play instruments. If we were going to be a band, we’d need a drummer, probably. Maybe another guitar.”

Jesse nodded. “I like that idea a lot. Sierra, why didn’t you ever tell me you had the kind of musical talent you do?”

“I don’t know,” she said. “I guess I didn’t feel ready.”

Jules snorted. “You felt ready enough to audition for me.”

Cash raised his hand. “That was my fault. I pushed her to do it after I heard her.”

Sierra smiled. “And I’m glad you did. It was a good lesson that I’ll probably never think I’m ready and I just need to put myself out there.”

Jesse tapped his finger on the table. “Why don’t you two work on something for the open mic night?”

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