Page 61 of Hibiscus Heights

Deb stepped through the entrance of the beach house, following the clicks of Kitty’s low-heeled sandals.

Kitty paused in the central entertaining room with her arms spread wide and her eyes bright with delight. “Don’t you love it? In a few days, it’s all mine.”

Deb walked around with a critical eye. Sunlight streamed through salt-stained windows, casting whimsical patterns across her path. The furnishings were rattan, serviceable, but dated and worn. “You sure acted fast.”

Kitty turned in a slow circle. “Sometimes you just know, don’t you?”

Deb nodded, though her chest tightened. She knew that feeling, the certainty that seized you before common sense ruined it.

Like her evening with Grant. Was her emotion still etched on her face?

“Let’s see the rest of it,” Deb said.

“This way.” Kitty gestured for her to follow.

They walked through the kitchen, which had been renovated only a few years ago with weathered, white-washed wooden planks. A large, white enameled stove anchored the work area, and a rustic table and fireplace added warmth to the space.

Gazing around, Kitty clasped her hands. “I love the kitchen’s brightness and simplicity. I can’t imagine changing much, although I’d like to make it my own.”

“We can do that. What sort of style do you have in mind?”

“Relaxed ease. I want a beach house my grandchildren can play in.”

They moved through the rest of the house on that level, where a large bedroom opened to a private patio and spa area with a pool.

Kitty swept her hand across the area. “This will need patio furniture and lots of plants.”

“I can transform this into a lush, restful oasis for you,” Deb said, making mental notes.

Next, they climbed the stairs to the second level, where more bedrooms opened off a central hallway. They chatted about the furnishings needed for each guest room.

“I’d like one room decorated for Jen and her husband when they come to stay. And these two for Grant and the boys. Unless I can talk them into staying,” she added airily. “Wouldn’t that be fun?”

Deb could only nod, wondering what Kitty had in mind.

The other woman started up another flight. “The crow’s nest is my favorite part.”

The top level was full of windows and light, offering a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Deb stood by the railing, watching waves roll toward the shoreline in endless repetition.

Not unlike her dating life.

“What would you suggest up here?” Kitty asked.

Deb turned from the windows. “I can imagine small gatherings with groups of comfortable lounging chairs for sunsets and whale-watching. Or we go with sisal rugs and Adirondack chairs.”

Kitty inclined her head and smiled. “I like that last idea.”

“Structurally, it’s sound,” Deb said. “The layout works well for entertaining.” She paused, studying Kitty’s face. “Aside from style and appearance, how do you want your home to feel? How will you live in it?”

Kitty turned her gaze toward the ocean. “My other home is more formal. Heavy furniture, antiques, photos from Jock’s family. It’s beautiful, but it no longer suits my taste. I want a home that’s comfortable and easy to care for. One that feels welcoming, even when I’m alone. It should be bright and happy for my new phase of life. I can hardly wait to invite friends to stay.”

Deb knew what she meant. “And you probably want it ready fairly soon.”

“New beds and fresh linens, of course. Grant and the boys and I can make do with what’s here for the rest of the summer. But I’d love to have the new look ready by the winter holidays for my family and snowbird friends to visit.”

Deb walked to another window, this one facing in the opposite direction toward the Majestic Hotel. The red roof was a beacon in the distance.

She turned back to the ocean. “If you want to keep the soft turquoise exterior, then with this ocean view, I’d bring those colors inside. Use turquoise and white as your base shades, with pops of pink and daffodil yellow.”

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