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“That after this weekend, you’ll see me in such a bad light.”
That was exactly what Eli thought he’d say. Instead of answering him back with empty platitudes, he took Lee’s hand, holding it between both of his own. Lee nodded, understanding. Sure, Eli might hate him, that was par for the course with them. It wouldn’t last, he knew.
The Madison beach house was impressive and stood out from the others only because of its size. It had the classic wood slat siding, painted a majestic stark white, blue trim stood out like a slice of sky on a cloudy day.
There was a wraparound porch on the left that rounded the half-turret of the eastern wall, and then straightened to the glass paned front doors. It was a bit longer than the rest and as they drove into the right side of the property, he saw it was much wider too.
The back that looked out on the ocean not two hundred feet from the back, was mostly lawn and patio. There was a huge gazebo there, perfectly matching the house, and a second, smaller house near it.
“That small house there? It’s the pool house, but it’s where I usually stay. This time, however, we have guests in there.”
“Pity. That could have been a sexy getaway for us.”
“Insatiable.”
“You should talk!”
The chauffer got out quickly once they’d parked and opened their doors for them, then got their luggage into the back door while Eli and Lee went to the front. “He used to drop me off and go to the back, but my mother got mad that he was using too much gas.”
“No!”
“Yes. She is a miser. She’s pinched every penny she’s ever had.”
Into the front they went, and he saw shiny bamboo floors right off, with soft white and tan rugs here and there. There was a sitting area right through the front doors, and to the side was a larger one.
Everything was done in beige and white, the furnishings and the wood trim around the arched doorways and the windows. On tables were thick crystal bowls of seashells, wooden balls and in vases were white roses and pink peony flowers.
It was beautiful and he felt like he was in a beach house, which of course, was the purpose.
“The stairs are past the living room there, and the kitchen is in the back of the house.”
“Kitchen. I could eat.”
Before Lee could say another word, a beautiful older woman was coming through from the back of the house, dressed in a very light pink dress with a sweater draped over her shoulders.
She didn’t look old enough to be Lee’s mother, with smooth skin, hair in a loose bun, blonde and thick. She was a pretty woman, and he saw Lee’s eyes on her face. “Lee, darling, you’re here,” she said to him, heading right for him.
They kissed one another’s cheeks and he saw that there was love there, but it was stiffer than he ever kissed his own mother. “Mother, you look radiant.”
“It’s the sea. It does bring a glow to one’s cheeks.” She turned to Eli, smiling thinly. “And who is this?”
“This is my assistant, Mother. His name is Eli.”
“Oh, well, how are you, Eli?”
He shook her hand and said, “I’m fine, Mrs. Madison. Thank you. You have a lovely home. You must have a wonderful decorator.”
“No, dear boy, I find it therapeutic to do the job myself. Thank you for the compliment.”
“He’s kissing up, Mother.”
“Not half as much as you do, Lee.”
They laughed and she told Eli, “I’ll have your things sent to your room. I do hope you don’t mind a small room down by the kitchen. All my guest rooms are filled this weekend. We’re having a get together with a few close friends.”
“A few?” Lee was chuckling as he added, “Two or three hundred?”
“We’re popular people, Lee. Now stop your shenanigans and go clean up after your trip. And, bringing your assistant is fine, but don’t bury yourself in work the whole visit, please.”
