Page 15 of Spotted at Lighthouse Bay
“I’ve got a sleeping bag,” he said, walking to the trunk.
Her brows shot up. “That can’t be comfortable. Sleeping on the ground?”
“On the ground, under the stars.” He paused. At least he had a view then, being up all night. “Depends how you look at it.”
“Optimistic.” She touched her pointer finger to her nose. “I like that, Rick. We can always use more positive attitudes around here.”
The last time he’d been optimistic was when he’d signed up for the army at eighteen. Rick kept it to himself. Life was a game of knowing when to speak up – or, more aptly, knowing how often silence was the right choice.
“Sure.”
He opened the back and pulled out two duffel bags. Normally he traveled lighter than this, but they’d told him to be ready to stay a while.
Adelaide stared at him for a moment, then walked to the front door. “Hopefully this will be more comfortable, even if you can’t watch the stars. In exchange you’ll get a toilet, and heat, and mandatory games of charades every night.”
If she was kidding, she didn’t betray a smile. He followed her, eyeing the property.
She pushed the front door and he walked into the open space. The kitchen was clean lines and granite. Straight ahead was a wall of glass with a view of the sea. A telescope and soft couches framed the view.
Rick had never wanted anything to do with fame. It seemed to seep into people’s minds and destroy whatever humanity they had, one ego burst at a time.
But this? Was there a way to get something like this without selling out?
Sheila and Russell sat at the kitchen island, Sheila’s face lighting up when she saw them. “You’re finally back! What took you so long?”
Adelaide smiled. “You know how it goes. Mom was hungry. She needed groceries. Then she wanted to know how the bus worked, in case we can’t drive her where she needs to go. And she needed to know the price of a manicure.”
“Uh huh,” Sheila said. “Then she wanted to tell you about her horoscope?”
It had actually been about a dream she kept having, but close enough.
Adelaide laughed. “Pretty much.”
“Terrific.” Sheila shook her head. “I almost felt guilty I wasn’t nicer to her.Almost.”
“That’s the cycle,” Adelaide said with a sigh. “I managed not to snap at her, so I’ll take that as a win.”
“Incredible. Let me get you a glass of wine.”
Russell stood, arm outstretched. “Can I help you with your bags, Rick?”
“I’m all right, thanks,” Rick said. “You have a beautiful home. I appreciate you letting me stay here.”
Russell waved a hand. “Please. You’re more than welcome. As long as Adelaide is in trouble, you’re the guest of honor.”
“I’m not in trouble,” Adelaide called out, empty wine glass in hand. “I’m indanger. Allegedly.”
“In danger,” Russell corrected. He frowned. “Thinking about it, I’m not going to kick you out if you manage to keep Addy away from danger, though, so…”
“What he’s trying to say is that you’re a welcome guest, Rick,” Sheila shouted over her shoulder. “Can I get you something to drink?”
Rick shook his head. “I’m all right, thanks.”
“Would you like the tour?” Russell asked.
“I would, yes.” Rick scanned the room. A bowl of oranges on the counter. Family pictures on the walls. Not nearly gaudy enough for a Hollywood star. “Do you have a security system?”
“I do, but to be honest, I never figured out how to use it.”
