“Pipe burst,” I say. “They need the rooms cleared out to fix everything before the people flood here.” Okay, that wasn’t the best choice of words.
“What about a hotel?”
“I’ve tried. Everything’s booked or not taking long-term stays.”
She looks at the space again, then back at me. Concern flickers across her face. “Are you sure this is the only option you have?”
I shrug lightly. “At the moment? Pretty much.”
“I’m just not sure how comfortable it will be here, and I don’t know if you really want to stay in a place like this.” She blushes and looks away. “I don’t want anyone to have a terrible experience in Penrose Beach. It’s become an important part of my life.”
There’s something vulnerable in her expression, but it disappears before I can fully place it.
“What are you going to sleep on?” Talia asks.
“I figured I’d find a sporting goods store or something. Maybe grab an air mattress for a while.”
“Are you going to get a sleeping bag too?” Avery asks. “Actually, we have a few blankets you can use.”
“Thank you, ladies.”
Talia crosses her arms. “It’s just…you look like someone who’s used to finer things.”
I frown. “My job pays well, but I’ve camped before. I’ve done plenty of things that weren’t glamorous.”
Avery looks thoughtful at that. “Did your job send you out here until the project is finished? Because it might be worth it to travel in from a neighboring town that does have a hotel with rooms available.”
I let out a small laugh. “Something like that. I think it’s important to make sure this place is done right after all this time. I mean, how long ago was your apartment finished?”
“Not very long ago,” Avery says.
I sigh. “And yet, your pipes are rusted, and the tiles are coming up in the kitchen. I just want to help where I can.”
“Are you sure you really need to do that?” Talia asks. “I’ve got things covered. It will be harder if I’m micromanaged.”
I smile. “I know. That’s why I hired you. But helping now and then won’t hurt. It gives me something to do.”
I catch the smallest hint of amusement on Talia’s face.
“What about that sporting goods store?” I ask. “Do we have one around here?”
Avery turns toward Talia. “Not exactly. It’s more of a surf shop, but I think they’d still have an air mattress in their small camping section. Just head down this road and up toward the north end of town. You’ll see it.”
“Thank you, ladies. I’ll let you get back to work.”
I walk out with a strange lightness in my step.
I’m still not sure what’s keeping me here. Maybe it’s a sense of responsibility to get these apartments finished. Or maybe Ijust enjoy the anonymity and the chance to do something different from what I’ve spent the last ten years doing.
The warmth of the sun stretches across the streets of Penrose Beach as I walk through town. A few people I recognize wave at me, and I wave back automatically.
It’s strange how familiar it feels. I hardly ever run into anyone I know in New York.
Usually, my mind is buried in profit-and-loss statements, meetings, or whatever crisis is happening at the company. I’ve spent so long with blinders on that I barely notice the world around me anymore.
But here?
People actually acknowledge at each other.
