Almost Everything

Chapter 12 - Dead Hearts

Brad parks the truck in front of the four-car garage, and I climb out. I open the backdoor and Meeko finds his spot in the yard, he loves the beach house as much as I do. I punch the security code at the door and open the grand door for Brad to admire.

"Meeko," I call for my puppy and he follows us inside.

My father's house in Malibu is in a gated community with a private beachfront, there wasn't a neighbor for miles. He built the house in 2000, and it was a modern home with many windows to let in the natural light, he loved natural light as much as I did.

The house used to be eclectic décor, but now it was all sleek and contemporary. Something I'm sure Paul helped him create. My mouth hit the floor when I noticed the art around the room. They were my paintings and I loved that he hung them.

The main hall led to the beautiful, open living room but we first pass my dad's office and I watch Brad step inside. The built-ins are covered in old scripts and photos from sets. My dad was a top director back in the day. This room holds all the memories and awards of his glory days in Hollywood.

In the living room, Brad makes fun of the white couches and chairs. All modern and stuffy furniture, none of it is comfortable to relax in, but it's pretty and doesn't take away the view from the windows of an endless ocean.

"Are you trying to impress me with your family money?" He smiles at me.

"Are you?" I joke while laughing.

Brad nod while I pull him outside to the best part of the house. The outdoor space was by far the best part of the house. Nate and I would spend hours in our infinity pool or the hot tub. While my brother would grill our dinner in the evening, I would sit in the lounge chair in front of the large firewall that our dad had custom-built. 

Nate and I would spend hours outside just watching the tide rolling in and out. 

Brad rests his chin on my shoulder and whispers in my ear, "show me your room?"

Grinning, I take his hand and led him to the staircase. We make it to the top level of the house, and I watch him take in the space. It's a wide-open area with a wrap-around landing, the living room is on the opposite side of the staircase. My brother and I had our own entertainment area with a large television and a beautiful fireplace. The couches on this level were much more inviting and comfortable.

"We didn't really spend time together as a family. Our parents would have their friends over and downstairs, we were not supposed to interrupt them. Nate and I were here if we weren't outside. Each of us have our own master suite and then we shared this and the art room. I painted, and he drew." I share.

"Spoiled much?"

"You haven't seen my room yet." I pull him towards the bedroom.

The room is huge and full of furniture. I had a custom four-poster king-size bed right next to my own private terrace. I had my own fireplace and TV at the foot of the bed, with a little sitting area to the side. The closet was a walk-in closet filled with beach wear, so we'd never have to pack luggage.

"I'm trying to picture a teenage Avery in this giant room." He closes his eyes with a smile.

I frown at him and ruin his vision. "She was a lonely little girl that spent most of her time painting on canvas or reading books outside. There wasn't much to do here and we didn't have anyone our age for miles."

I show him Nate's room, the guest bedroom, and our living room space before pulling him back down the stairs to show him the kitchen. My dad loves marble, so it was everywhere in the space. Marble countertops, marble breakfast bar, and stainless-steel appliances. Inside the kitchen was a smaller sitting area with a couch and two chairs. We hardly used this space.