Page 20
Chapter
Twenty
Mandy gave her hotel room one final sweep, making sure she hadn't forgotten anything. Bach and Mozart watched from their carriers, clearly unimpressed with their temporary confinement. The luggage cart stood ready by the door, loaded with her carefully packed bags, and the cats' carriers and supplies.
Smoothing her hands down the slim jeans she wore, she still marveled at how different they felt on her transformed body. The pretty white cotton blouse with colorful embroidery around the neckline felt cheerful and attractive, and made her feel pretty. Who said seniors couldn't feel pretty? Her midnight Walmart expedition was surprisingly successful - the store had been practically empty except for stockers methodically filling shelves and a few bleary-eyed clerks. It seemed the wee hours of the morning were the best time to shop at Walmart. Who knew?
She'd spent a long time in the fitting room trying on different sizes. The discovery that she now wore a size twelve had made her head spin. She'd grabbed just the essentials - this outfit, an extra top, a simple white bra, and a package of pretty lace-trimmed underwear to get her through today.
Mandy did one final twirl in front of the mirror. Even in basic Walmart clothes, she looked... transformed. Not just physically - though that was dramatic enough - but something in her expression, in the way she carried herself, had changed. The constant tension of pain management had melted away, leaving her face more open, more relaxed. And oh!!! To not be hurting was… well. There were no words.
Bach meowed impatiently from his carrier, clearly unimpressed with her admiration of the simple outfit. Mozart joined the chorus, expressing his opinion of continued confinement.
"Yes, yes, your majesties," Mandy laughed, gathering her things. "We're heading to our mountain paradise right now. Just think - this afternoon, we shop! Well," she amended, "I shop, but you two will have a whole house to check out, and maybe even some dustbunnies to chase."
The cats' unimpressed stares suggested they cared far more about getting out of their carriers than her planned shopping expedition. But Mandy's excitement couldn't be dampened. A whole new wardrobe awaited - clothes that suited her, that matched her magical transformation.
The next phase of her adventure awaited - the Airbnb, a perfect mountain retreat that would be her home for the next few weeks.
A crisp knock at the door interrupted her thoughts. Mandy opened it to find a man in an immaculate dark suit, his conservative tie perfectly knotted, and black shoes polished to mirror brightness. His professional demeanor reminded her of high-end hotel staff she'd encountered in Europe, though she hadn't expected that level of service here.
"Miss Dupont?" His voice matched his appearance - polished and professional.
"Yes?" Mandy blinked at him, a little startled.
"I'll take your luggage down while you check out at the front desk." He gestured toward the loaded cart with a practiced smile.
Mandy hesitated for a moment, as she hadn't expected any assistance with her luggage, and he looked the farthest thing from a bellboy. Still… it was a five-star hotel, so who knew? She exited the room, and followed the man to the elevator as he pushed the luggage cart.
Making her way to the front desk, she paid attention to how she felt. Her legs swung in an easy, smooth stride, and she all but buzzed with energy. The checkout process went smoothly.
When Mandy stepped through the hotel's automatic doors into the late morning heat, however, she stopped short. A sleek black limousine waited under the covered entrance, its polished surface gleaming in the golden light. The uniformed man who'd collected her luggage efficiently transferred her bags to the trunk while Bach and Mozart's carriers sat safely on a luggage cart nearby.
As Mandy stood blinking at this unexpected development, the rear passenger door opened smoothly. Kieran emerged, his tall form unfolding gracefully from the vehicle's interior.
" Sabah el khayr ," Kieran's deep voice rolled the Arabic greeting perfectly, the familiar sounds washing over Mandy like desert wind.
Mandy's mind stuttered to a halt as she took in Kieran's appearance. For the second time since meeting him, she saw him in modern clothing rather than his usual formal Djinn attire. The effect was... striking.
He wore crisp black slacks and a deep blue button-down shirt, the sleeves rolled precisely to his forearms. The fabric looked impossibly fine, probably some ridiculously expensive designer brand she couldn't pronounce. Even in the growing Arizona heat, he maintained an air of cool sophistication.
The overall effect was casual by his standards, but still screamed "aristocrat at leisure" rather than truly relaxed. Mandy doubted Kieran could ever completely shed his innate princely bearing, even if he tried. Every movement, every gesture carried that indefinable air of authority that came from centuries of commanding respect.
His pure white hair caught the morning sunlight, creating an almost ethereal effect against the dark clothing. Those piercing ice-blue eyes regarded her with their usual intensity, though she caught a hint of amusement in their depths as he observed her obvious surprise.
She managed to stammer, " S-sabah el noor ." Astonishment made the words feel clumsy on her tongue.
Kieran's eyes crinkled slightly at the corners - not quite a smile, but close. "I thought perhaps you would permit me to deliver you personally to the next phase of your adventure." He gestured toward the waiting limousine with an elegant motion.
Mandy blinked at him. His unexpected thoughtfulness left her momentarily speechless - and, it must be admitted, a little bit giddy. The kindness touched her deeply, warmth spreading through her chest. She hadn't expected anything like this.
"I..." Mandy's voice trailed off as she struggled to form a coherent response. "Thank you," she managed finally, meaning it with every fiber of her being. "This is incredibly kind of you."
The uniformed driver carefully secured Bach and Mozart's carriers in the spacious back seat. Her cats seemed completely unfazed by this development, settling into their temporary accommodations with typical feline adaptability.
"Oh! My car!"
Kieran held up one elegant hand, a rare twinkle dancing in his eyes. "Your vehicle is already at the Airbnb."
She stared at him for a moment, then burst out laughing. "Of course it is!"
The sheer absurdity of worrying about mundane logistics when dealing with a Djinn prince struck her as hilarious. Here she stood, in a completely transformed body, being offered a ride in a luxury limousine, and her car had been teleported to her destination!
Kieran's ice-blue gaze swept over her, lingering on the cheerful embroidered blouse, making her skin tingle with unexpected warmth. "That suits you well," he said, his usual stern expression softening by a fraction - so brief she might have imagined it.
Mandy brightened, unable to contain her smile. "Thank you."
A glow spread through her chest at his approval. Her pulse quickened, and she immediately scolded herself. Honestly, what was she thinking? She might suddenly feel pretty, and younger, but she was still sixty-seven years old. Far too old to get flustered over a handsome man's compliment like some starry-eyed teenager. Even if that man happened to be a devastatingly attractive Djinn prince with eyes like arctic glaciers and a voice that could melt steel.
Mandy firmly squashed the flutter in her stomach. She was being ridiculous. Completely and utterly ridiculous.
The limousine glided through Tucson's streets, its smooth motion unlike anything Mandy had experienced in her decades of driving. Bach and Mozart lounged regally in their carriers, apparently deciding this mode of transport met their exacting standards.
As she watched the familiar streets of the city roll past, she was very aware of Kieran sitting across from her, his tall form somehow managing to look completely at ease. His presence filled the back of the limo with that subtle thrum of magic she'd come to associate with him.
As they headed northeast, the urban sprawl gradually gave way to more natural desert landscape. Saguaros stood sentinel against the late afternoon sky, their arms reaching toward heaven. The Catalina Mountains loomed ahead, their rugged peaks painted in shades of purple and gold by the late morning sun. Mandy admired the way the light played across the craggy ridges, creating deep shadows in the canyons between them. She'd seen these peaks a thousand times, yet their wild beauty never failed to stir something in her soul, especially now as wisps of clouds drifted across their ancient faces.
The limo turned onto a smaller road, winding its way up into the foothills. Mandy's breath caught in growing anticipation as the elevation increased, offering increasingly spectacular views of the city spread out below.
The driver made a graceful turn onto a narrow, private drive lined with mature desert landscaping. Ocotillo branches waved their crimson blooms in the breeze as the vehicle climbed higher, finally cresting a small rise.
Mandy gasped as the house came into view. The home, done in the old Spanish style, sprawled across its hilltop perch, its cream-colored walls glowing warmly in the late afternoon light. Red clay roof tiles caught the sun's rays, and a meticulously maintained desert garden flanked either side of the front walkway. Barrel cacti stood like rotund guardians among flowing masses of lantana and yellow bells, their bright blooms drawing the eye toward massive wooden doors.
Mandy shook her head in wonder as she took in the sprawling Spanish-style home. "The pictures on the Airbnb website didn't even begin to do this justice," she murmured, drinking in every detail of the desert landscaping and architectural features. Her heart swelled with an emotion she couldn't quite name - something between joy and longing. This home was beautiful, something she'd have yearned to have, in her younger life.
Conscious of the driver's presence up front, Mandy lowered her voice. "This is exactly the kind of home I was telling you and Jacinth about," she whispered to Kieran, her words barely audible. "The one I described with the swimming pool..." She trailed off, remembering their conversation about her dream house.
The limo rolled to a graceful stop in front of the sweeping walkway. Mandy's heart fluttered as she took in the magnificent wooden doors up close, their carved surfaces rich with detail.
"I'll get Bach's carrier if you'll take Mozart," Mandy offered, reaching back into the vehicle. Bach gave her his most dignified look through the carrier's mesh front as she lifted him carefully.
Kieran retrieved Mozart's carrier with effortless ease. The uniformed driver began efficiently unloading her luggage from the trunk.
Mandy shifted Bach's carrier to her left hand, freeing her right to punch in the security code she'd received via email. The keypad's soft beep was followed by a solid click as the lock disengaged.
"Here we go," she murmured, more to herself than anyone else, as she reached for the ornate handle. The massive wooden door swung open smoothly, revealing the entrance to her home for the next month.
Mandy stepped into the entry hall, her breath catching at the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern comfort. The cream-colored walls stretched upward to the high ceiling, while terra cotta floor tiles in that distinctive southwestern red created a warm welcome. Wrought iron sconces promised to cast a gentle glow against the walls at night time, their craftsmanship speaking to the home's heritage.
The entry hall opened into a spacious living room, where wide windows overlooked a small courtyard. Beyond that were the shimmering waters of the swimming pool, and in the distance, the silhouette of downtown Tucson. Late morning sunlight streamed through the glass, painting golden patterns across the tiles.
The house wrapped around in a U-shape; to her left an open doorway led to the wing with the dining room and kitchen, and to the right a hallway led to what she assumed were the bedrooms. The courtyard nestled between the wings, creating a private outdoor sanctuary.
"This is perfect," she whispered, drinking in the architectural details - the carved wooden beams crossing the ceiling, the arched doorways, the built-in niches waiting to display artwork or treasures, the way the layout flowed, each room leading naturally into the next in that graceful way of older homes.. Every element spoke of careful maintenance while preserving the home's original character.
Bach meowed impatiently from his carrier, reminding Mandy that her cats would need to inspect their temporary domain. She knelt beside the carriers, her fingers working the latches with practiced ease. "Okay, your majesties, freedom awaits."
Bach emerged first, his dignified strut suggesting he'd merely been humoring her with his confinement. Mozart bounded out next, immediately darting toward the nearest doorway to begin his inspection of their temporary kingdom.
The uniformed driver appeared with the first load of cat supplies, setting them carefully in the entry hall. "Where would you like these, Miss?"
"Oh! I'll take care of those," Mandy said, gathering the bags of cat food and dishes. She followed Bach's meandering path toward the kitchen. The space was a perfect blend of modern amenities and old-world charm, with gleaming appliances nestled among traditional Spanish tile work. A small alcove near the back door seemed perfect for the cats' dining area.
The litter box proved more challenging. She explored the laundry room off the kitchen, considering the space. "What do you think, Bach?" she asked as he wound around her ankles. "Private enough for your refined sensibilities?"
Bach's indifferent swish of his tail amused her. She positioned the litter box carefully, making sure it was easily accessible but out of the way.
The driver made several more trips, efficiently transferring her luggage from the limo to the entry hall. Kieran observed the process with his usual quiet intensity, his tall form somehow making the spacious entry seem more intimate.
"That will be all," Kieran dismissed the driver with a subtle gesture.
"Yes, thank you so much," Mandy said to him, wondering if she should be tipping him. Before she could reach for her purse, the limo driver nodded respectfully and departed, closing the massive wooden door behind him with a gentle click.
Mozart reappeared from his exploration, weaving between Kieran's legs as if the ancient Djinn prince was simply another piece of furniture. Mandy had to bite back a smile as she watched.
"I'll leave you to settle in," Kieran said, his deep voice filling the entry hall, resonating through her bones like distant thunder. His cool blue eyes seemed to warm as they lingered on her face a moment longer than strictly necessary. "If you need me, simply touch the pendant and say my name, and I will come." The words held both reassurance and command, reminding her of the ancient power contained in his elegant form.
Before Mandy could respond, he vanished with that distinctive magical zing that still made her skin tingle, leaving her to stare at the space where he'd stood moments before.
Mandy shook herself from her contemplation of Kieran's dramatic exit and headed out to her car, which sat exactly where she'd expected to find it in the curved driveway. She surveyed it warily, but it didn't seem to have come to any harm from its magical travels. She popped the trunk, revealing the carefully packed box of kitchen essentials she'd brought from home.
Her beloved Mr Coffee Iced Tea Maker sat right on top - there was no way she could survive a month without fresh-brewed iced tea. Beside it, her trusty George Foreman grill nestled in its original box. She'd learned long ago that having familiar cooking equipment made any temporary living situation feel more like home.
She was able to lift the box easily in her arms. No careful positioning, no bracing against her spine - just a simple, fluid movement that still amazed her with its effortlessness.
Bach leapt onto the kitchen counter to supervise as she unpacked the box, his orange tail swishing with casual interest. She found the perfect spot near the refrigerator for her iced tea maker and Foreman grill.
Mandy filled the tea maker with fresh water and measured out her favorite loose-leaf black tea leaves. The familiar routine grounded her as she got everything set up just right, and soon the gentle burble of brewing tea filled the kitchen.
Her collection of essential spices came next - the drawers with carefully labeled containers that would ensure her food tasted like home, no matter where she cooked. She placed them within easy reach, arranging everything just so.
Mozart wandered in from his travels to inspect her progress, winding between her legs as she worked. The pendant's warmth seemed to pulse in harmony with her contentment as she created this small corner of familiarity in her temporary paradise.
Done with that, the tea still brewing, Mandy began exploring the house more thoroughly. The master bedroom suite occupied the far end of the right wing, offering stunning views of the mountains through wide windows.
She took the time to unpack her clothes into the spacious walk-in closet, the only other blouse she'd bought that morning hanging in lonely splendor, making her laugh. The vast empty space beckoned with possibility - she could hardly wait to fill these racks with clothes that actually fit, clothes that would complement her restored form. For the first time in decades, shopping would be a pleasure rather than an ordeal.
Bach had followed her, and made himself comfortable on the king-sized bed, his orange fur contrasting beautifully with the duvet done in attractive southwestern patterns. Mozart was nowhere to be seen, no doubt conducting his own thorough inspection of their new domain.
As she wandered through the house, each room revealed new delights. But when she opened the double doors to what she assumed was the study mentioned on the website, her breath caught. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves lined three walls, their dark wood gleaming in the late afternoon light. A massive stone fireplace dominated the fourth wall, its rustic elegance perfectly complementing the room's scholarly atmosphere.
Mandy crossed to the windows. The view stopped her in her tracks. The Catalina Mountains rose majestically before her, their rugged peaks catching the sun's rays. The perfect writer's retreat.
Her laptop would look right at home on the massive desk positioned to take advantage of both the mountain view and the fireplace's warmth. She could already picture herself working here, drawing inspiration from the dramatic landscape.
"Well," she announced to Mozart, who had materialized on the window seat, "I think we've found our workspace."
Mandy retrieved her laptop from her luggage, marveling at how easily she could bend and lift without calculating every movement. She set up her workspace in the library with precise attention to detail, creating her perfect writing sanctuary.
Back in the kitchen, she opened cupboards and the refrigerator, mentally cataloging what she'd need. She pulled out her phone and opened up OneNote to start a shopping list.
"Okay," she murmured to Bach, who'd followed her into the kitchen. "Let's be smart about this."
Mandy had no intention of repeating the mistakes of her younger years, but at the same time, she wasn't going to restrict herself to a particular diet, and set herself up for failure. She needed to be conscientious about her food choices, and intentional.
But tonight... tonight called for celebration. Her mouth watered at the thought of a special dinner - she'd splurge and get some salmon.
"What do you think?" she asked Mozart, who'd materialized on the kitchen counter. "Want to share some salmon with me? Should we add some fresh herbs too?" He meowed at her, which she took as assent, and added that to her list, along with ingredients for a fabulous salad. The list grew longer as she considered her needs: olive oil, balsamic vinegar, fresh garlic. She wanted to stock this kitchen properly, create meals that would nourish this gift she'd been given.
Deep in contemplation of her grocery list, Mandy turned and let out a startled yelp. Jacinth stood there, her dark eyes scanning Mandy's transformed appearance with obvious interest. The Djinn's sudden appearances never failed to startle her, no matter how many times it happened. She pressed a hand to her racing heart, willing it to slow down.
"You could warn a person," Mandy gave Jacinth a stern look, then glanced at Mozart, still perched on the counter, who merely yawned at Jacinth's sudden appearance. "I'm starting to think cats can sense magic better than humans. Neither of them seems surprised when you or Kieran pop in."
Jacinth laughed, the sound like silver bells. "Of course they can. Cats have always walked between worlds." She circled Mandy with a critical eye, nodding approvingly. "The magic worked perfectly. Your body remembers its younger form, but keeps the wisdom of your years. Exactly as it should be."
"It's incredible." Mandy couldn't keep the wonder from her voice. "I keep doing things without thinking - bending over, reaching up, walking normally - and only then realizing what I've done. No pain, no careful planning, no mental calculations of cost versus benefit." She gestured at her slender curves. "And this! I mean, I knew the magic would change me, but I never expected..."
"To look exactly as you did before the pain began stealing pieces of you?" Jacinth's dark eyes softened with understanding. "That was the point. The magic didn't make you younger - it simply restored your body to what it would have been, absent the pain. Your essence remains unchanged."
"Yes!" Mandy beamed at her. "That's it, exactly."
Bach chose that moment to assert himself, and wound between their legs. Jacinth bent to pet him, her silky black hair falling forward like a curtain. She straightened, her dark eyes twinkling. "So, what comes next?"
"Shopping," Mandy said decisively. "I need a whole new wardrobe. This and one other blouse are literally all I have that fits now…. and I bought these last night at WalMart."
Jacinth's face lit up as she rose from petting Bach. "Shopping? Oh, I love shopping!" She practically bounced on her toes, reminding Mandy that despite being centuries old, the Djinn woman often displayed an infectious enthusiasm for life's simple pleasures. "Can I come with you? Please?"
"I'd love the company," Mandy said, touched by the offer. "Though I should warn you, I'm completely out of practice at this. The last time I really went clothes shopping, Clinton was president."
"Perfect!" Jacinth clapped her hands together. "That means you need everything. Absolutely everything!" Her dark eyes sparkled with mischief. "We can start fresh, build you a whole new wardrobe. Oh, this is going to be so much fun!"
The sun painted the western sky in brilliant shades of orange and purple as Mandy staggered through the front door, her arms laden with shopping bags. She dropped them unceremoniously in the entryway and made her way to the nearest sofa, collapsing onto its soft cushions with a dramatic groan.
"You," she pointed an accusing finger at Jacinth, "are a slave driver. I haven't walked this much since I was in Cairo - and that was when I was in my twenties!"
Jacinth's musical laughter filled the room as she followed Mandy inside, somehow managing to look graceful despite carrying twice as many bags. "But look at everything we found! And besides, now you can walk as far as you want, for as long as you want - isn't it wonderful?"
"Wonderful wasn't exactly the word I was thinking of," Mandy muttered, but she couldn't keep the smile from her face. Her feet might be tired, but there was no pain in her back or knees - just the pleasant exhaustion of a productive shopping expedition.
Jacinth settled beside her on the sofa, the shopping bags rustling as she set them down. With an elegant wave of her hand, two tall glasses materialized on the coffee table, filled with lemonade. Condensation beaded on the crystal surfaces, promising sweet relief from the Arizona heat.
"Oh, thank goodness," Mandy said, reaching gratefully for her glass.
"I was going to offer you some of my iced tea," Mandy said, taking another long sip of the perfectly chilled lemonade. "I got it brewed and into the fridge before we left." She sank deeper into the sofa's cushions, relishing the cool drink and the way her body settled naturally without having to shift and adjust for pain. "But this is much better since I plan to never have to move again. I'll just live out the rest of my life, sitting right here!"
Jacinth snickered. "Or until you have to feed the cats."
"There is that," Mandy admitted with a grin. She extended her foot, wiggling her toes as she inspected her brand new Chucks, all glittery pink, and she'd replaced the plain white laces with rainbow colored curling shoelaces.
"My back may not hurt like it used to, but my feet sure do," Mandy groaned, wiggling her toes inside the roomy shoes. "I think we walked every square inch of that mall. Twice." She gestured at the mountain of shopping bags visible in the entry hall. "Though I have to admit, it was worth it."
Jacinth's eyes danced as she sipped her own lemonade. Her eyes sparkled with fun. "Oh, admit it - you loved every minute of today!"
Mandy couldn't suppress her grin. "Fine, okay. Yes, I did. In fact, I had a blast! It was amazing being able to try things on without worrying about pain or fatigue. And finding clothes that not only fit, but that I actually loved, as well!" She shook her head in wonder. "I'd forgotten how much fun that could be."
"Let's see everything properly!" With an elegant wave of Jacinth's hand, the bags Mandy had dropped in the entryway materialized around them, joining the others. Jacinth reached for the nearest bag with enthusiasm.
Mandy laughed and joined in, pulling out a silky emerald green blouse. She carefully removed the price tag, smoothing the fabric before laying it across the coffee table. "This color is gorgeous. I haven't worn anything this vibrant in years."
"And look at these!" Jacinth held up a pair of perfectly fitted jeans. "Remember how amazing your legs looked in these?"
They worked their way through the bags, creating organized piles - blouses and dresses to be hung up spread carefully across the coffee table, while folded items formed neat stacks on the vacant cushions beside Mandy. Each new piece brought fresh exclamations and shared laughter.
"Oh, this one!" Mandy pulled out a flowing maxi dress in shades of blue and purple. "I still can't believe you talked me into it."
"Because it's perfect on you!" Jacinth insisted, helping her spread it out. "The way the colors shift when you move is fabulous."
Mandy shivered in delight as she pulled out the one-piece bathing suit. The fabric shimmered in shades of turquoise and deep purple, with subtle touches of gold that would catch the sunlight. She'd never have dreamed of wearing something so eye-catching before, but when she'd tried it on in the store, the way it hugged her transformed curves had given her a rush of confidence.
"This is still my favorite purchase of the day," she said, running her fingers over the silky material. The suit's design was both elegant and practical - a sweetheart neckline that flattered without being revealing, ruching along the sides that created beautiful lines, and a built-in shelf bra that provided perfect support.
The colors reminded her of a tropical sea at sunset, deep and mysterious. The fabric felt cool and smooth as she held it up, admiring how the room's lighting caught the subtle metallic threads woven through the material.
"It's like it was made for you," Jacinth approved. "It goes perfectly with the maxi dress, too. You could use that as a cover-up."
Mandy nodded, still captivated by the play of colors. The suit managed to be both sophisticated and playful - exactly what she needed for this new chapter of her life.
She exchanged grins with Jacinth. She'd forgotten how much fun it could be to go shopping with someone… forgotten how it felt to wear beautiful things, to choose clothing that made her feel confident and attractive instead of just focusing on what would accommodate her size and limitations.
A loud, demanding meow interrupted their clothing review. Bach sat in the doorway, tail twitching with clear displeasure. Mozart joined his brother's protest from the kitchen, his voice even more insistent.
"Oh my goodness, I'm so sorry!" Mandy jumped up, glancing at her phone. "It's past their dinner time. No wonder they're upset."
She hurried to the kitchen, her new Chucks squeaking slightly on the terra cotta tiles. The cats raced ahead of her, positioning themselves by their empty bowls with accusatory stares.
"Yes, yes, I know, I'm a terrible cat mom," Mandy told them as she measured out their portions. "How dare I let shopping interfere with your dinner time?"
Once the cats settled into their meals, Mandy returned to find Jacinth examining the swimming pool through the glass doors.
"Would you like a tour?" Mandy offered.
Jacinth nodded eagerly, her enthusiasm bubbling over. "Lead on!"
Mandy guided her through each room, sharing her first impressions. The Spanish tile work in the kitchen was echoed in the two full bathrooms. In the dining room, a crystal-hung chandelier cast rainbow prisms across its walls. The master bedroom proved to have exquisite mountain views on one side, the other overlooking the courtyard and swimming pool. There was a guest room, too, smaller, also overlooking the courtyard.
When they reached the library, Mandy couldn't contain her excitement. "This is my favorite room so far," she said, gesturing to the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. "Can't you just imagine curling up here with a good book on a rainy day?"
Their tour ended at the double glass doors leading to the pool area. The setting sun painted the water in shades of gold and purple, while the city lights began twinkling in the distance. The Catalina Mountains loomed majestically behind the roof's silhouette, their peaks still catching the last rays of daylight.
"It's perfect," Jacinth said softly, her hand resting on the glass. "The whole house - it's exactly what you needed."
Mandy turned away from the view, a puzzled frown creasing her forehead. "You know what's strange? When I was booking this place, I barely looked at the photos. I just wanted somewhere clean and private, and with a pool." She gestured at the expansive space around them. "But this house... it's exactly what I described to you and Kieran that day when we were talking about my dream of a mermaid pool. The Spanish style, the red tile roof, even the layout with the courtyard between wings of the house."
She walked to the edge of the pool, the soles of her new shoes silent on the decorative tiles. "The only thing missing is that underwater viewing window I talked about - you know, cut into the hillside on the far side." She laughed softly. "I guess that was a bit too fantastical, even for an Airbnb."
Jacinth's dark eyes sparkled with something that might have been amusement, but she remained uncharacteristically quiet as Mandy continued her inspection of the pool area.
"It's uncanny, really," Mandy mused, bending down to run her hand along the smooth stone coping that edged the pool. "The cream-colored walls, the red tiles, even the wrought iron details - it's like someone pulled the image straight from my imagination." She shook her head in wonder. "What are the odds of finding exactly the house I dreamed up, just when I needed it?"
"What are the odds," Jacinth murmured beside her.