Page 43

FIFTEEN
Humble abode? There was nothing humble about it. The foyer alone was nearly the same footprint as his entire house. And they hadn’t even moved into the main living area yet. He swallowed hard as he walked through. This was where she grew up? He couldn’t imagine. Just like he couldn’t imagine hopping on a private jet whenever he felt like it.
Still, there was a warmth about it that felt friendly and inviting. While the space was open and bright with off-white walls, the Oriental rugs in shades of red, pink, and blue, covering the light hardwood floors, made the space feel homey.
“I’m going to get my things. Feel free to explore,” Adelia said as she headed up a set of stairs.
Oliver took her up on that, wandering through the kitchen, the living area, and out the sliding doors to the large backyard space that gave way to an infinity pool. To one side of the pool was a small guest house. And beyond was the breathtaking beauty of the Pacific Ocean in all its glory with the sun sitting just above the horizon. The sky was colored in streaks of orange and gold, fading up into violets and blues. It was one of the prettiest sunsets he’d ever seen.
He wasn’t sure how long he stood there looking at it. He could’ve stayed there for hours, watching the colors deepen after the sun disappeared for the day.
This was his first time seeing the Pacific Ocean. The largest body of water he’d seen before now was the Atlantic Ocean once when he was a kid on a trip to Myrtle Beach. That was the last vacation his family took before their world was torn apart. And he hadn’t traveled much since.
He felt Adelia’s presence before she made herself known. It was funny how that happened with her.
“What do you think?” she asked.
He glanced over at her then back at the ocean. “It’s awe-inspiring.”
“I meant my house,” she said with a cute laugh.
He smiled over at her. “That too.”
She smacked his arm playfully. “Whatever.”
“It’s a great house, Adelia. I can’t imagine growing up here, though.”
“We split our time between here and the house in Beverly Hills.”
Two houses? He could barely afford one.
“I wish we could stay here, but I have a feeling we would wake up with paparazzi outside the gate. I don’t want to put you through that.”
“I can handle it if this is where you want to be.”
“You’re the sweetest, Olly, but we’ll be better off at Gus’s.”
Oliver turned back toward the house and noticed a bag inside the sliding door. “Can I help you with this?” He walked over and took the bag before she had a chance to reply.
“It looks like you can.”
He smiled and bumped her with his elbow as she walked past him.
They made their way to the car and went to Gus’s, where the gate was already open for them.
Merritt came running out of the house to greet them. “You’re here! I’m so happy!”
Gus came out then to help with their bags while the girls hugged and chattered.
The Schultz’s Malibu home was one-story and looked to have at least four or five bedrooms by the area it took up. It was an open concept, like Adelia’s, with a large kitchen, dining area, living area, and a patio outside with a pool and another amazing view of the ocean.
“Great place,” Oliver commented as he followed Gus down the hallway.
“Thanks. We like it.” He chuckled. “You’ll be in here, and Adelia will be in there.” He pointed to rooms across the hall from each other. “We’re across the house in the master.”
“Cool. This is great. Thanks for letting us stay,” he said as he put his bags just inside the door of his room and Adelia’s in hers.
“Hey, no problem,” Gus replied. “I’m just glad you came. Not that I really think this creep is after more than her money, but you never know these days, and I’d rather she has you around, just in case.” Gus grabbed his shoulder and squeezed. “You’re a good friend to our family, Oliver. I don’t know if I can ever thank you for all you’ve done over the past couple years.”