Callie Endicott - That Summer at the Shore

“And a shop at the resort.”

“Thanks, but I’ll stick to something less grandiose. I’m sure the shop caters to your high-toned guests, not ordinary jarheads.”

“Hey, those high-toned guests pay the bills,” Zack reminded him jokingly. “But it is mostly golf gear and leisure stuff, so it may not suit you. Feel free to borrow from my closet if you can’t find what you want.”

They stopped for the duffel bag. Zack carried it easily and slowed his steps to Brad’s pace.

Brad whistled when he saw the Mercedes. “Pricey vehicle.”

“We have to provide an atmosphere of luxury. It’s part of the aura that keeps visitors returning. They come to be pampered.”

“You’re the expert.”

Settling into the passenger seat, Brad eyed him. “You seem okay. But what’s going on? Mom hasn’t gotten any emails from you for a week and she says that’s odd.”

“It’s nothing to worry about,” Zack said calmly, and realized he should send a note so it didn’t appear as if anything was wrong; his folks didn’t need to lose any more sleep. “A woman is squatting on my land next door. She has a deplorable trailer and thinks she’s going to use it to sell fruits and vegetables. Kim is here, attending to the situation.”

“What about the police?”

“Ms. Conroe claims she owns the property, and the sheriff insists it’s a civil matter. She has this way of verbally twisting things. Kim actually seems to enjoy her,” he ended in disgust.

“What’s she like?” Brad asked.

“Long brunette hair, stubborn chin...smart mouth.”

“Hmm. She’s made quite an impression on you. I’ll have to meet her.”

“It won’t be on my beachfront land if you do.”

Brad chuckled, at the same time sending him an odd look. Zack wasn’t sure how to react, so he remained silent as his brother tilted his seat back and went to sleep.

Quite an impression.

True. Jamie Conroe had done that, dragging her ugly trailer to the site and putting up those signs. He’d remembered that she was pretty, but still had thought of her as a rugged farmer type in overalls. This morning the sun had gleamed on shining, sleep-rumpled hair, and her worn pink bathrobe had sagged, revealing soft skin that sloped into very sweet curves. Not that he’d seen much. Nor was he interested.

Ten minutes passed and Brad stirred restlessly. “Sorry for flaking out.”

“Go ahead. Sleep.”

“I’m a master of cat naps. We had to grab them whenever we could in Iraq and be alert at an instant’s notice.”

“Do you want to talk about it?”

Brad shifted and massaged his left leg. “I appreciate the offer. Mom and Dad try, but I can see it bugs the hell out of them.”

“What about post-traumatic stress. Is that a problem?” Zack probed. The frank question was a risk, yet he and Brad had always been honest with each other, and Dad had said to be himself.

“Some. I’ve spoken with the counselors, and they think I’m handling it.”

“I’m here if you want to talk about anything.”

“I know,” Brad agreed. “Right now I’d rather focus on something different. Tell me more about this woman who’s got you so bothered. Is she attractive?”

Jamie Conroe wasn’t on Zack’s list of favorite topics, but he couldn’t refuse after offering his brother his choice of subjects.

“If I’m being honest, she’s very...attractive,” he said, picturing the woman he’d seen earlier. “Mid to late twenties. A delicate complexion, particularly for someone who works outside. And she’s got gorgeous blue eyes.” It was strange that he recalled so many details.

“You mentioned she had a smart mouth. What kinds of things does she say?”

As Zack reluctantly described some of the conversations he’d had with his neighbor, Brad smiled, finally laughing so hard that he started coughing.

“My God, bro.” Brad caught his breath in his damaged chest. “This woman really has your number.”

“I guess she knows what buttons to push. Maybe she’s a con artist.”

“Kim will deal with it. How’s she doing, anyway?”

“She’s high profile now, really in demand.”

“But how is she personally?”

“Terrific,” Zack said. “Stunning as ever. And you know Kim—she’s unflappable. The perfect attorney.”

Brad scratched his ankle. “Is she spending the night?”

“Trudy assigned her a guest room. I’d invite her to stay with us, but she draws a distinct professional line. I’m her client. She’s my lawyer.”

“That’s Kim’s style.”

“She’s looking forward to seeing you.”

Brad didn’t respond. He stared at the passing scenery and Zack wondered what he was thinking. Did it upset him to be with people who’d known him before he was injured? Zack almost asked, then saw Brad was asleep again.

As the SUV approached the resort’s entrance, Brad roused himself.

“Are we here?”

“This is it,” Zack said, hearing the pride that crept into his voice. He slowed to prolong the moment; none of the family had visited until today.

He’d spent a hefty sum on the stone entry to establish a defined border between the outside world and the place he’d created. The words Mar Vista were fastened to the stone arch in bold bronze letters. The coastal air was already putting a subtle patina on the metal.

“Mar Vista?” Brad questioned.

“It means ‘Sea View,’” he explained. “We’re in California, so it seemed fitting to have a Spanish name—something catchy and easy to remember.”

“I thought your name would go on the thing.”

“The corporation is Denning Enterprises, but a resort should have a gracious title.”

The road curved through a grove of evergreen trees and then opened to the buildings nestled on the gentle slope. Care had been taken during construction to preserve as many of the trees as possible, and the buildings were reminiscent of the great lodges built in the Edwardian era. To the north occupants had a view of the coastline; to the west was the golf course and the brilliant blue ocean.

“Lord, Zack,” Brad said, staring at the vista. “You’ve done a damn fine job.”

“I’m glad you like it. Every penny I have is riding on this, and money from the folks, too. I’m going to make it a success.”

“That’s what you’d say when we were kids and the teacher declared something couldn’t be done.”

“And I never failed to pull it off.” Zack parked in his private space and gestured. “My apartment is above the offices. You can rest or do whatever you want. There’s a garden with reclining chaises, or a pool if that appeals— Oh, and a hot tub and sauna. In the meantime, I should go to—”

“Work?” Brad finished.

“I can free up some hours later this afternoon.”

“Don’t change your routine. I’m sick of people tiptoeing around me and making special arrangements. Mom and Dad haven’t had a normal life since I came home.”

Yeah, Brad would hate that. Zack was the bullheaded son, determined to win no matter what, while his brother was the easygoing one. Few things had surprised Zack more than when Brad entered the Marine Corps. Yet he’d done well, rising in the ranks and becoming highly respected by the soldiers under his command.

He showed Brad the apartment, urged him to order from room service or one of the Mar Vista restaurants and trotted downstairs.

It was time to locate Kim and find out how soon Jamie Conroe and the Little Blue Fruit Stand would be gone.

CHAPTER THREE

THE SURVEYORS ARRIVED with their gear the following Thursday morning. Jamie had a steady stream of customers the first hour, and soon the surveyors drifted over. They bought three baskets of strawberries and ate them on the spot.