Page 6 of Mr. July

“And Mrs. Carmichael?”

“His twin, Charlie,” my sister snorted, shaking the agent’s hand. I didn’t much care for the agent’s blonde blowout, fake D’s, and faker tan. Or the way she sized me up.

“Let me show you around—”

“I’m quite familiar with the layout,” I had cut her off, striding inside.

“Oh? You’ve been here before?” Her eyes were on my ass as she spoke.

“Yeah. I had a hot summer hook up who rented here one year.”

“Oh…” She clutched the chunky necklace at her throat. I threw her a wink just to fuck with her.

“I’ll take it. Fifty-grand less. Cash. Close in a week.”

“But… the view….”

“It needs work. A lot of work. An updated kitchen and fresh paint. Don’t think I missed the dry rot around the window casings. Who knows what condition the roof’s in? On second thought 100k under asking. Firm.”

“Let me see what I can do.” She walked away pressing her cell to her ear.

“Are you insane?” Char hissed.

“What? I can afford it.”

“Just how much does a hedge fund attorney make?”

“A lot. Especially since Nana left enough money to pay for college through law school. I didn’t use mine on high rents in Manhattan or summer’s in the Hamptons like somebody I know. Besides this place is a moneymaker. I could get 20k a week on Airbnb.”

“A moneymaker or a babymaker? Check out this hot tub. This wasn’t here before.”

I grinned. “Welcome home, Char.”

“Seriously?”

“I won’t even charge you for your stay.”

“But you live three hours away…”

I winced. The drive is a bitch, but the view is worth it. I shrugged. “It’s an investment. I can always flip it or rent it out. Besides, now that I’m partner, I can work remotely, set my own hours… I could drive out on Thursday nights to avoid traffic and return Mondays… we could spend holidays here?”

She threw her arms around me. “Despite all your faults, you are going to make one hell of a Prince Charming someday.”

“Gee, thanks Char. And here I thought I was one already.”

“Well, where’s your princess then?”

“Right here.” I grabbed her into a headlock, giving her a kiss on the top of her head.

Two

DECEMBER

I was dirty. Filthy. Covered in sweat but felt totally satisfied. “Take that you bitch!” I stood back to survey my work. My room was complete. I placed my hammer down. On the long wall of the master bedroom was wall-to-wall shiplap paneling I had cut, measured, and installed myself. One wall down, many more to go.

I never knew working with my hands would be so satisfying. I hadn’t clicked into the dating app in months. I worked my ass off in the office then drove out here every Friday, not leaving until early Monday morning, often going straight back to work. This beach house became my mistress. I loved her when she was ugly and broken. Cherished her back to health. Made her shine. Made her beautiful and whole again. It felt good. Damn, good.

I shuffled down to the kitchen to grab a beer. I never knew winter here was just as beautiful as summer. But the snow never lasts long. The salt dissolving it quickly. I sighed at the doorbell. Another huge box was left on my porch. I had given Charlie a set budget to furnish the rooms. I wanted a beachy theme but not overly feminine since it was going to be a rental. A moneymaker. But Char… she just never listens. I placed my beer down and brought in the box before it was covered in snow and ice.

---