Page 5 of Mister Curb Appeal
“You’re the best, Lexi. Thank you.”
“I’m not sure I’m the best, but I’m the only one with no life.”
“You know, my friend has a son?—”
“Goodbye, Alison.”
Chapter Three
JOSHUA
I close my eyes and inhale. Even the air out here is different. It’s clean and fresh, not like the thick smog hanging over LA like a dark cloud. There are trees everywhere: oak, willow and California black walnut. I’ve never seen so many trees. Maybe I don’t get out a lot, but Lake Haven really is like some kind of paradise.
I don’t think I’ve ever been in the wilderness, without people around, in my entire life.
Dad took us camping when we were kids, and I’ve always enjoyed the outdoors. But this puts a whole new meaning behind rest and relaxation.
When Dad had to cancel staying the weekend because Alison was sick, he stayed home to look after her, and he offered me the cabin. It isn’t often I manage a weekend off, but it seemed like a waste of good money. Plus, I can do some networking while I’m here.
The small cabin sits right above the banks of Lake Haven; a quaint little town east of LA. It’s opulent, referred to as California’s ‘Hamptons’ but strangely unassuming.
I think I could retire here, or maybe get a place. I’ve only been in the cabin for an hour and I feel the stress weighing on myshoulders diminishing by the second. Yeah, I could see myself here on weekends, not that I get many of those.
I pad barefoot across the wooden floorboards, the cool feel of the resurfaced wood caressing my feet as I walk, and out to the screened-in porch. There’s not another soul for miles.
The lake looks like glass and spans for as far as the eye can see.
Every now and again a small boat passes by, causing a ripple effect in the cool, gray water, but it’s not Downtown or anything out here. Peace and quiet. This is what people come out here for. A perfect escape from the world.
There’s no noise except for the swooshing of the wind amongst the trees, birds tweeting a gentle melody from the treetops, and the lapping of the water.
I set my coffee down on the table, deciding to take a jog around the lake and then get my bearings. Not that it’ll be hard. Lake Haven is small; hence why property here is so rare and hardly ever comes up for sale. I can see why. The long drive out here is worth it.
The log cabin I’m staying in isn’t anything to write home about, but it’s cozy. There’s a fireplace set around the most amazing stonework I’ve ever seen, reflecting soft beiges and grays in the detail. It's almost begging for me to light the fire so I can admire its beauty. The high ceilings make the small space seem bigger, and the refurbished hardwood floors add cozy charm, plus a small but neat kitchen. With a couple of updates, and some newer appliances, it could really shine. Something about the rustic, uninhabited cabin has me feeling nostalgic. I guess I really am a sucker at heart.
Dad insisted I come out here. He knows I’ve been working my ass off for the last few years. I haven’t taken a vacation in four years, and I definitely sleep more with my cell phone than I do with an actual woman. The idea of having someone to comehome to seems like a far-off dream. While I’ve no shortage of women throwing themselves at me, I’ve never been arrogant with it. Not like my younger brother, Brad, who revels in women by the truckload. He says it’s the Lucas brothers’ charm, but I’m not so sure. More like he enjoys the attention. I’d be fine with just one woman, if I could find one who could put up with my schedule, and — according to my brothers — my overweening ego. They just don’t get it. I’ve had to work hard. Things don’t come to me as fast as they do Brad, or as easy as they do Noah. I’m meticulous in all that I do because of my personality. Maybe I’m a little over the top, but I like things how I like them. I’ve always strived to be the best version of myself, but I worry sometimes I’ve thrown myself into work so much that I’ve missed the simple things.
I’ve always wanted to make my dad proud.
Being his eldest child, there has always been an expectation on my shoulders. Taking over the family business one day is something that will happen, but I’m happy to share the load with Brad and Noah. We work better in a team, even if Brad thinks he’s all that.
Speaking of which, my phone pings with a text. The coverage out here is spotty, but Mason said he wouldn’t bother me unless it was an emergency. My dad, Brad and Noah are all still in LA, both of my brothers are holding the fort.
Brad
Yo dick. Having a swell vacay?
I scratch my chin, fighting a smile.
Me
First vacation weekend in four years
Brad
How are the mosquitoes?
Me
