Sunkissed (9 page)

The rays from the morning sun made their way across Trista’s bed and onto her face, waking her up. Lazily, she stretched her arms and legs and inhaled the aroma of coffee. Even three floors up, she could smell the delicious breakfast blend that her sister was brewing. Glancing at her bedside clock, she saw it was almost seven thirty. They didn’t get in from their flight until after midnight. Trista was surprised that her sister was up this early. She usually wasn’t an early riser. Grabbing her robe from the bathroom, Trista plodded downstairs to see what Nicolette was up to.

“Are you ready to go?” Nicolette asked, pouring fat-free milk into a huge bowl of Rice Krispies cereal.

“Go where?” Trista mumbled, still not quite awake. She headed straight for the Keurig and started to brew her own cup of coffee. Selecting a K-cup of Jet Fuel, appropriately named for its amount of caffeine, she popped it into the machine and waited.

“I’m looking for a new place today,” Nicolette reminded her.

“Oh yeah.” Trista looked in the fridge for the coffee creamer, hoping Lupe remembered to buy some. She found a large bottle of French Vanilla creamer and wrapped her fingers around it. “I didn’t know we were getting started this early.”

“Early bird catches the worm. Or in this case, gets the best deal on a piece of property.”

“You sound just like Dad.” Trista caught the look on her sister’s face. “Okay, okay. Can I at least get dressed and drink my coffee?”

“Sure. Make it snappy.”

After throwing on a pair of jeans and a black crochet tunic, Trista met her sister downstairs forty-five minutes later. Nicolette was waiting impatiently, briefcase in one hand and iPhone in the other. Trista opened the door that led to the garage and pushed the button for the garage door to open.

“You know you don’t have to do this,” Trista said for the third time as she scooted in to the passenger seat of her sister’s Range Rover.

“I want to do this. It’s long overdue.” Nicolette carefully pulled out of the driveway.

“So what are we looking at?” Trista took a sip of her coffee, trying to clear the morning cobwebs from her brain. It was her second cup of the morning. She still had vacation brain, and all she wanted to do was sleep.

Nicolette handed her a sheaf of papers from a folder that was hidden between the driver’s seat and console. “Three condos and a townhome. Shouldn’t take too long. They are all located in Alys Beach.”

Alys Beach was a quick fifteen-minute drive from Blue Mountain Beach. Located on the same beach highway, it was known to locals and tourists as “30-A,” a thirty-mile stretch of beach highway that started in Dune Allen Beach and ended at Inlet Beach, with over fourteen beach towns in between, including Blue Mountain Beach and Alys Beach.

“Does Dad know?”

“That I’m moving out? Yeah, we talked about it a few days ago.” Nicolette gave a quick look at her sister. “Actually, it was his idea.”

Trista kept a smile on her face, despite the obvious zinger that Nicolette just threw at her. Nicolette didn’t tell her that when they were in the Bahamas. This being her dad’s idea was a shocker. She wished her dad would’ve talked to her about this as well.

Nicolette pulled into a complex called Palm Dunes Villas. It was a small row of beachfront townhomes that were off-white stucco with pale-blue roofs. A swimming pool and tennis court were situated to the left of the complex and surrounded by a tall, white fence.

“This is the only townhome complex nearby that has a tennis court. Plus it’s a short drive to my office.” Nicolette took the file from her sister and exited the car. Trista followed suit. “I know the listing agent. She’s a big bitch and is still sore with me for selling a beachfront parcel to one of her former clients, but I think I can get them down on the price a bit. It’s been listed for over four months with no offers.”

Trista wasn’t surprised about Nicolette taking away someone else’s client. She was known in the local real estate market as a barracuda, like her father. She watched as her sister walked up to the front door, entered a code in the lockbox and retrieved a key. They walked into the villa.

“This unit has views of the gulf from all three levels. The bottom has a guest bedroom and bath. Also a rec room, but I think I’m going to gut it and make it an office.” Nicolette turned to face her sister. “What do you think?”

Trista looked at the worn furniture, the pool table, and foosball game in the center of the rec room. “What about all the furniture?”

“This was a rental, so it’s really worn. I’ll donate everything to Goodwill.” Nicolette ran her hand around the granite countertop that covered a wet bar beneath it. “I’ll keep the small kitchenette down here, but get rid of everything else. New paint, flooring, cabinets, and furniture.”

Trista nodded and followed her sister to the second level. She was impressed by her sister’s ability to take a unit that needed a lot of work like this one and make it into something new and beautiful.

“This level, as you can see, has the kitchen and living room on one end and a master suite on the other. I’m going to gut the kitchen and put in Silestone countertops and a nice tile backsplash. The living room walls need painting. And the master suite I’m going to use as another guest bedroom.”

“What about the other two condos we are seeing? It seems like you have your heart set on this place.”

“This is my first choice. It’s a little out of my price range, but like I said, I think I can get them down some.”

“How much?” Trista asked.

“One point six.”

Trista knew that would probably be a stretch for Nicolette. She didn’t exactly know what her finances were; she knew her sister made good money selling real estate. But she also knew Nicolette put almost all the money she made back into investments. Her money was tied up in real estate, just like their father’s was. Together, they owned several rental houses and apartment complexes.

“I want to pay cash obviously, and I may have to sell some things to do it.” Nicolette started up to the third level. “I think one point one would be a good starting price to negotiate.”

“That’s five hundred off asking. Think they’ll go that low?”

Nicolette smiled at her sister. “I’m a good negotiator.”

The third level held a large open space that had breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. It was not unlike Trista’s bedroom with floor-to-ceiling windows and a sliding glass door that led out onto a balcony. Four pairs of bunk beds lined the walls, and there was a space currently used as play area with a mounted flat-screen television, a Nintendo Wii system, a bookcase filled with children books, video games, and DVDs. Scattered around the floor were several colorful beanbag chairs.

“I’m going to turn this area into a master suite.” Nicolette led her to the bathroom. “The contractor said he could add considerable space to the bath, and we could add a walk-in steam shower, claw foot tub, heated floors, heated towel racks, his and hers vanities, a separate make-up table, and under-cabinet lighting.”

“That would be beautiful,” Trista said. That was almost the exact spa bathroom she had now. “How much would renovations cost you?”

“Around one fifty.”

“One hundred fifty thousand dollars?” Trista asked, balking at the price.

“Right.”

“Furniture?” Trista asked.

“I figure another hundred thousand.”

Trista tried to think of a way she could help without offending her sister. She knew that Nicolette wouldn’t allow any hand-outs from her. “Your birthday is coming up soon. Why don’t I buy the furniture for your gift? Kind of like a housewarming gift plus birthday present?”

“For the whole house?”

“Sure, why not?”

Nicolette chewed on her thumbnail, considering her sister’s generous offering. “How about just the downstairs? I’m not even sure what kind of furniture I want to buy yet.”

Trista thought it was better than nothing. She really wanted to help her sister, and if buying a few pieces of furniture would help, then that is what she would do. “Okay. Just let me know what you decide.”

Nicolette was focused on her iPhone. “There’s one more listing I want to show you.”

“Why are we looking at another condo? This one is obviously perfect for you. We’ll make it happen.”

“I just want another option if this falls through.”

Trista laughed. “It’s not going to fall through. You’re one of the best real estate negotiators around.”

Nicolette looked up from her phone and smiled brightly. “You’re right.” She took another look around at the views from the living room area. “It’s perfect for me.”

“Write it up,” Trista said, following her sister to the front door. “If you need help—”

Nicolette waved her off. “I’m good. How about some lunch?” As soon as Nicolette opened the door, Trista saw a familiar face. Riker was standing by his truck with a tool belt on his waist. He wore a tight white t-shirt that showed every single muscle in his arms and chest. A pair of blue jeans and cowboy boots completed his ensemble. He was sexy without even trying. Their eyes locked immediately.

“James!” Nicolette said, rushing up to him and wrapping her arms around his neck. “What are you doing here? I didn’t think you could make it.”

“What’s going on here?” Trista said, confused.

“Your sister asked me to take a look at this place.”

“You’re the contractor?” Trista asked, looking at Nicolette. She didn’t even realize that Nicolette was speaking to Riker again after their last heartfelt dinner, where Nicolette had returned home crying. Apparently everything was kosher between them now.

“Well, I’m…” Riker looked between the sisters, not sure what he had gotten himself into.

“I just asked him to take a look at structure. See if everything is sound. With houses on the beach, you never know,” Nicolette explained. She gave Riker a quick kiss on the cheek. “We’re going to use some of his friends who are subcontractors to fix up the place.”

Riker had once told Trista that he was a licensed general contractor, but he’d mentioned that the work wasn’t really his cup of tea. He really enjoyed bartending at the Liar’s Club. Less stressful, he’d said. But he never said he was helping her sister with renovations.

Riker smiled while patting his tool belt. “Is the door unlocked?”

“Yeah, we were just going to lunch. Let me know what you find out?”

Riker nodded. He looked over at Trista. She felt his eyes running over her body, and a shiver went through her. Why she let him get under her skin, she didn’t know. “Nice seeing you again, Riker,” she said curtly and turned her attention back to Nicolette. “Let’s go.”

After lunch, Trista headed over to the theatre company for rehearsal with the kids. The play was coming along well, and she was having a lot of fun working with the children and the whole crew. It made her realize just how much she missed working on Broadway. Being on television was very different. Unless you were doing live TV, it didn’t matter if you messed up or forgot your lines. There were plenty of retakes. And more retakes. It could get tiring after a while. But being on Broadway was exhilarating. There was an adrenaline rush she felt every time she walked on stage to perform. Butterflies in her stomach while she was in the dressing room getting ready to make her appearance. Would she screw up her lines? What if she forgot her cue? Of course she never did, but there was always the possibility. The best thing of all? The applause after a great performance. The final bow after a great show. It couldn’t be beat. Working with the children on the play was bringing back all the happy memories of her being in New York.

“The children really love working with you,” Brent Glover said to her as they took a break. Brent was one of the investors of the Blue Mountain Beach Children’s Theatre and came by once a week to watch rehearsals. He was an attractive man in his late thirties. Trista noticed that Brent was always dressed nice in pressed khakis and a button-down shirt, no tie. Tassel loafers with no socks. Typical office attire for Florida professionals. Trista learned through their frequent chats that Brent was newly single, worked as a vice president at a local private bank, and lived in a gated neighborhood in Alys Beach—the same neighborhood where Nicolette was considering moving. He was average height, dark hair with flecks of grey and a nice smile. Trista thought he was perfect for her sister.

“These kids are amazing,” Trista agreed.

“Are you thinking about sticking around for a while? You know we have the Christmas play that is always a big hit. It would be nice for you to continue working with everyone.” Waiting for an answer, Brent leaned against the railing.

“I’m just taking it one day at a time.”

“Would it be forward of me to ask what you are doing tonight?” he asked.

“I was going to ask you the same thing.” Trista winked, trying to put him at ease. He was obviously nervous. “How about a home-cooked meal at my place?”

Brent smiled widely. “Sure. What time?”

“Let’s say seven?”

“Want me to bring anything?”

“How about a bottle of wine?”

“It’s a date.”

“I gotta get back in there. See ya tonight.” Trista returned to the stage to finish rehearsals. She thought about what Nicolette’s reaction was going to be when she brought home a blind date for her. She didn’t want it to be awkward for either of them so she had to convince Nicolette that it wasn’t an elaborate set-up. Trista slipped out of rehearsals a few minutes early and stopped at the Modica Market in Seaside to get the fixings for seafood paella, strawberry cheesecake, and a fresh bouquet of spring flowers.

“You’re home early,” Nicolette said as Trista walked in the door carrying several grocery bags.

“I’m making dinner tonight.” Trista set the bags on the kitchen counter with a thud. “Seafood paella.”

“Sounds yummy. Too bad I have plans.”

Trista put the vegetables in the refrigerator crisper. “Oh yeah? What’s up?”

“Zumba at six. Then drinks with some girls at work.”

“That is too bad.” Trista pulled a bag of fresh strawberries out of the grocery sack. “I was making homemade cheesecake with fresh strawberry sauce. And I have a new friend coming over to eat with us.”

Nicolette checked her cell for text messages. “I guess it wouldn’t hurt to miss one class. Who is this new friend?”

Trista smiled triumphantly. She was counting on Nicolette’s sweet tooth and curiosity to close the deal. “Just one of the volunteers at the theatre.”

“Oh. Anyone I know?”

“I don’t think so.” Trista started cleaning the shrimp. “Why don’t you get ready? I’ll make us some drinks.”

“Okay,” Nicolette said, eyeing her sister with suspicion. “I’ll grab a quick shower.”

Trista smiled to herself as she started the main dish. It was one of her go-to specialties. Marla had taught her how to cook. Nicolette had no desire to learn, but Trista loved to spend time in the kitchen with their mom. By the time she had the paella simmering on the stovetop and the cheesecake in the oven, Nicolette had returned from her shower. She was dressed in a long, black maxi dress with her blonde hair piled on top of her head. She wore simple gold hoops in her ears and a diamond necklace. Trista thought her sister looked beautiful and elegant.

“I’m going to freshen up myself. Everything is almost ready.” Trista glanced at the clock. Brent would be here within fifteen minutes.

“Do you want me to do anything?”

Trista handed her sister a margarita. “Just relax. I’ll be back in a few minutes.”

She ran upstairs. After washing up, she opened her walk-in closet. There was no shortage of beautiful dresses that she could wear. Tonight, however, she would be dressing down. She wanted Nicolette to be the focus of Brent’s attention. She chose a plain cotton dress that was yellow and white striped with navy buttons halfway down the chest and on the cuffs. She had bought it during their trip to the Bahamas but never wore it. A pair of navy anchor earrings and matching necklace completed the fashionable, but casual nautical look. She slipped on a pair of Reef flip-flops and threw her hair back into an easy braid. A minimal amount of makeup—just a touch of mascara and a swipe of lip gloss—and she was ready to go. As she was walking downstairs, she heard voices. Brent was early.

“Hello, Trista.” Brent greeted her as she walked into the kitchen. She took a look at the scene in the kitchen. Nicolette stirred the paella while Brent opened a bottle of wine.

“I see you’ve met my sister,” Trista said, accepting a glass of white wine from him.

“Yes, I have,” he replied. “If I would’ve known I was having dinner with two gorgeous women, I would’ve brought more wine.”

Nicolette took in Trista’s outfit and gave a small smirk. Trista took a hearty sip of her wine. She saw that Nicolette had already taken the cheesecake out of the oven, and it was cooling on the counter. All Trista had to do was make the strawberry sauce and pop some bread in the oven.

“Why don’t you take Brent out to the balcony with the appetizers, and I’ll bring some more wine,” Trista suggested. She took out a plate of cheese and crackers from the refrigerator and handed them to her sister. Nicolette leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I see what you’re trying to do. The question is why?”

“Because I love you and want to see you happy.”

“Right,” Nicolette countered. She took the appetizer tray and motioned for Brent to follow her.

Trista quickly chopped the strawberries and added a teaspoon of sugar and a splash of water. After mixing the sugar water together with the fruit, she covered the bowl and put it back in the fridge. She took the seafood paella off the stovetop and put it in a decorative casserole dish, covering it to keep it warm. She slathered a loaf of French bread with garlic butter, covered it in tin foil, and popped it in the oven for a couple of minutes. While she waited for it to warm, she sipped on her wine and peeked around the corner to see Brent and Nicolette talking on the balcony. They were both laughing.
So far so good
, she thought.

Her thoughts turned to Riker. Seeing him today was like a shock to her system. She had mistakenly thought that her trip to the Bahamas would help her forget about him. After seeing him today she knew it was going to take more than just a long weekend trip. She was going to have to make another call to her agent to speed up the process of getting a new job—hopefully in New York City. Far away from Blue Mountain Beach…and Riker.