15. “A Head Full of Dreams”

15

"A HEAD FULL OF DREAMS"

COLDPLAY

W e sat around the enormous white marble counter in the center of the kitchen. I immediately noticed that my uncle had made some updates, and I was sitting on one of them.

"I am a fan of these new chairs!" I said as I spun on my high-back bamboo barstool. "This palm leaf print is so chic. I approve."

Chris turned from the Viking range (also new) and held his arms out. "Your uncle was so excited for you to see everything he's done. He's too modest to brag, but this kitchen has been short-listed for ELLE Decor's ‘Coastal Chic' 35th Anniversary Edition coming out next spring. He's hoping to hear back in the next couple of weeks."

"Uncle Mike! This is incredible news. I am so, so proud of you. I love the clean white with pops of color." I turned in my chair more slowly to take it all in. My eyes landed on the backsplash that separated the glass-fronted white cabinets and expansive countertops that flowed around the walls of the twenty-by-fifteen-foot kitchen. I could see from where I sat the textured glass tiles were custom—and expensive. A gasp slipped through my lips. "Are these Tiffany blue?"

My uncle had always had an eye for design and had built a successful business using that talent, but never liked to brag about it. He blushed a light pink that perfectly matched the background on the artwork that hung behind him next to the window above the copper farmhouse sink.

"It is. These are just a few ideas I threw together on Pinterest. It's no big deal."

"No big deal? Are you kidding me? Look at this place! This is going in the Yelp review. ‘Ten out of ten. Highly recommend.'"

I had a true gift for making people squirm, but I thought it best to not bite the hand that was literally feeding me, so I changed the subject. Instead, I filled them in on my journey to Florida and the creepy hotel I'd stayed at in Kentucky, and how Roxy had barked at basically nothing in the corner all night and scared the shit out of me.

After lunch, Chris walked around the counter and started picking up our plates.

"Why don't you guys go out and walk the property and chat while I clean all this up?"

"That's a great idea. Lunch was perfect, by the way," Uncle Mike said, then walked around the island to give an unsuspecting Chris a bear hug as he washed our dishes.

Back outside, we spent several quiet moments watching Roxy revel in the sunshine and fresh air. As the three of us passed the fragrant jasmine that climbed the trellis on the side of the house, I raised my arms above my head and turned around in a slow twirl. "This is so beautiful. Every time I come here, I hate to leave."

My uncle paused as I twirled one last time, picked a gardenia bloom from one of the planters that lined the stone walkway, and tucked it behind my ear once I came to a stop. "And now you don't have to for a long time. This is an open-ended invitation and I want you to stay as long as you would like. I was thinking maybe you could get acquainted with some people and make a few friends here. It should help you feel a little more settled. And while I'm on that subject, you living in my house gives you full access to my membership at the country club."

" Squee! I love it there. Do you think we'll have a chance to golf together this week?"

Roxy barked in response to my high-pitched reaction, and Uncle Mike laughed. "We've got a pretty full schedule at the store. New fall apparel is starting to come in; a few collections from a new bespoke brand Chris found last time we went to Chicago Collective at the Merchandise Mart. But I think I can carve out a few hours to golf with you."

"That would be so great! You can introduce me to everyone there, and I won't feel quite so awkward."

"I have a feeling you're going to fit right in there, honey. I actually know a few of the members of the ladies league; a couple of them run businesses by the shop. But let me talk to Chris and see what day I can sneak out for a few hours. I'll call the pro shop tomorrow morning. Actually, I'll call them on my way back to Chris'—whoops. Home. That's going to take some getting used to. Anyway, I'll call the pro shop and let him know you're staying here in case you want to go before you and I have a chance to."

The conversation about the country club membership reminded me of another less-fun topic we needed to address. I looked around to make sure Roxy was still nearby (she was shoulders-deep in a lavender bush along the front porch). I breathed in slowly through my nose to clear my anxiety, then let it out in a rush of words. " Idon'tfeelrightaboutstayinghereforfreewhileyoucoveralltheexpenses ." Uncle Mike stopped short and spun to face me where I stood. Frozen. I took another, more controlled breath and began again. "The electric bill must be through the roof. Please let me at least cover my own utilities. I'll still be working while I'm here, and I have some money in savings. It will help me feel less like an interloper."

His blue eyes crinkled at the corners as he flashed his trademark boyish grin. "Sometimes I forget you're a big girl now. If you think you can handle it, I won't argue with you. I'll leave some past bills on the counter. Take a look and then we'll talk. On that note, let's walk down to the water and then back to the pool. I need to point out a few things you need to keep an eye out for. For starters, the new maintenance guy will be by. He usually cleans up the yard and checks for any damage and wear and tear from the salt water that beats on this house nonstop."

We walked the rest of the property and chatted here and there, interspersed with me calling for Roxy when her exploration took her beyond my line of vision and Uncle Mike pointing out things I needed to be aware of. This plant needed coffee grounds and frequent pep talks. That board at the end of the pier was getting loose. Those bushes hid the most lizards, and the herons knew it. "And from the looks of it, Roxy knows it too." Uncle Mike wheezed as he propped his hands on his knees and bent over with laughter. I didn't need to search long for what had set him off; a blonde streak of fur passed us by, in hot pursuit of an iguana whose afternoon nap had been disturbed by a black snuffling nose.

We followed their trail around the pool and sank down into the plush lounge chairs along its edge.

I kicked off my flip flops and laid back with my arms behind my head. "I will definitely be enjoying this pool."

"That is a huge benefit of living in the South. You get a lot more use out of things like pools and country club memberships." My uncle threw caution to the wind and swung his Louboutin-clad feet onto his cushion and sat back.

As we sat there listening to the fountain trickle into the pool, Chris came out.

"Are you ready to go home?"

Uncle Mike looked at me. "Are you ready for me to leave you alone here? Maybe you can get your stuff unpacked. We'll help you carry everything up to the master bedroom, then we'll be out of your hair."

"You'd never be in my hair, but yes, I'll be fine here. I'll probably order some dinner and head to the grocery store later."

Uncle Mike stood and stretched. "Ok, sweetheart. Can I just say how happy I am to see you sitting here with me, knowing you're staying for a long, long while?"

I shielded my eyes from the sun as I looked up at him. He was positively beaming, and his joy fell all around me.

"I am thrilled to be here."

From a bush next to the garage, Roxy barked.

"Sounds like Roxy is thrilled as well. Let's get your bags upstairs so you two can get settled."

Uncle Mike and Chris left for Dash of Flair, but not before carrying all three of my sixty-pound suitcases upstairs and leaving the number for the country club and a few utility bills on the counter.

With nothing but time on my hands, I headed upstairs to get myself unpacked. The closet, bureau, and chest of drawers were all empty, and I didn't even want to think about how long it must have taken my uncle to move his extensive wardrobe. While Roxy dashed around in a haphazard figure eight, investigating every corner, I took a moment to appreciate all the changes to the main bedroom.

It was apparent that Uncle Mike's redecorating had extended beyond the kitchen; the bedroom that had once been a vibrant salmon color with splashes of white and green against white rattan furniture now gave off a ‘den of relaxation' vibe. The tall windows that met in the corner of the room were covered in heavy navy blue velvet curtains, pulled back to expose pristine, bright white sheers. Beyond the window directly across from me was a veranda that comfortably held a bistro table and two chairs. The impossibly tall mattress on the ornately carved dark mahogany four-poster bed was topped with a plush sand-colored linen duvet. The bed was clearly hand-constructed and perfectly matched the heavy wooden desk, dresser, and chest of drawers. The walls were painted a shade of blue so dark the night itself could disappear into them.

Avoiding the temptation to curl up on the bed and bury myself in the sea of navy, light blue, and white pillows that beckoned me like lazy early-morning waves rolling onto an empty beach, I was able to get myself unpacked and organized without much fuss. Within thirty minutes, I was back in the kitchen, going through the fridge and pantry to see what I needed from the store.

I looked around and found a list on the counter with nearby places I might need, such as the libraries (yay!), a few independent book sellers in town, and the grocery stores. I'd seen one of the names on the list plastered all over the reusable shopping bags in the pantry, which made my decision a lot easier.

After a quick trip to the store for the essentials, I unpacked everything into the fridge and pantry, loaded my golf clubs back into the Jeep, put the country club into my GPS, and off I went.

As soon as I walked into the pro shop, I knew exactly why my uncle had chosen this club. Rather than the typical ‘Aunt Gertrude's couch' patterned carpeting, the floors were mahogany, waxed to a high shine. Each breath carried with it a whisper of orange, and modern, copper light fixtures shone down on tables of well-merchandised, branded golf apparel. I was thrilled to see a large section for the ladies (which any female golfer knows is a rarity).

After a quick spin through the racks, I walked up to the pro behind the counter. He was about my age with salt and pepper hair covered in a navy Titleist hat that matched his polo. It was clear he took full advantage of his employee discount.

"Hi, I'm Mike Turner's niece, Paige. I'm staying at his house, and he mentioned he'd called to add me to his membership."

A flash of recognition and a smile passed over his face and settled in his denim blue eyes. "Nice to meet you, Paige. I'm Dan, the assistant pro here." He reached across the counter and shook my hand. "Yes, I spoke to your uncle myself. Welcome to the club! If you have a few minutes, I can show you around the facilities, the women's locker room, and the grill." He walked around the counter and beckoned to a young man to take over for him. "How long have you been playing?"

"About twenty years and am very active in my ladies' league. Do you have many female golfers here?"

"First, remind me to get you a card for range balls. Feel free to come by anytime to hit a bucket of balls. And to answer your question, we do have a very active ladies' league. Actually, our Tuesday league plays at seven a.m. tomorrow. Interested?"

I couldn't believe my luck! Golfing with the ladies' league on my first full day in Florida. "Absolutely. Sign me up."

We continued the tour, and Dan stopped occassionally to introduce me to a few members and employees of the club. By the time we made it back to the pro shop, I was ecstatic. "What do I need to do to play with the league tomorrow?"

"There are some forms you'll need to fill out," Dan explained. "They're all online, so if you give me your email address, I can get them over to you. Here's your range card." He handed me an emerald green plastic card with an ornate palm- tree-themed logo on the front. "I hope we see you tomorrow. It's a great group of women. You're going to fit in perfectly."

"I will definitely be here tomorrow. I'll get the forms filled out as soon as I get home, but I'm going to hit the range first."

"Absolutely. Have fun out there, and I'll see you tomorrow morning."

After writing my email address down on a notepad he handed me, I thanked Dan for his helpfulness and headed out to hit some balls.

As I set my golf bag against the rack behind my station at the range, excitement quivered low in my belly. Less than twenty-four hours into this little adventure and I already had something to add to my dance card.

The rest of the day was relatively uneventful. I took Roxy for another walk, then flipped through the utility bills my uncle had left for me on the counter. Once I had a good idea of what I would need to cover every month, the afternoon stretched endlessly in front of me. The call of the pool was growing louder, but it was almost five o'clock. In the spirit of bucking tradition, I decided I would turn the tables and call Kari. I needed to catch her up.

" Hey there, " I practically shouted when she answered the phone.

" Well, hey there, yourself ," she shouted back with equal enthusiasm. "I was just sitting down to call you. I almost forgot you're in a different time zone. How are you, new Floridian?"

"I'm mostly settled in. I unpacked, went to the grocery store, and stopped by the golf course."

"Wow! It sounds like you're all set then. Did the grocery store have Pop Tarts and Hot Pockets?"

"Har de har har. I actually bought some of these weird green leafy things. And cheese. But, yeah, it's been pretty smooth so far. I'm thinking I'll spend the next few days trying to get acclimated and hopefully meet some people. I don't have to work for the rest of the week, and the ladies' league meets tomorrow, so I think I'm going to join them. How are things going on your end?"

"First, let me say I'm so proud of you for jumping in with both feet. You'll have to let me know how things go with the league tomorrow. As for what's going on here, we've gotten a few estimates, and the insurance company is just waiting for us to choose a contractor. The timeline they've given me is two to three months, but we all know what that means."

"Two to three years?"

"Pretty much. I don't know how long we're going to be here, though, Paige. That's what I'm most worried about."

"Honestly, it doesn't really matter. You stay there as long as you need to, and if I decide to come back from Florida before they're finished, I'll be more than happy to just slide right into the spare bedroom. With the boys leaving for school soon, it'll just be you, me, and Nick anyway, so I wouldn't even worry about it."

"Okay, well, I do worry about it, but thank you for everything you're doing for us right now. Allstate will be covering the cost of our interim housing, so I'll send you that money every month. And no, it's not up for debate."

"Whatever makes you feel better, but you're my best friend. This is what we do. And besides, I feel a little responsible for teaching the boys all those pranks. Who knew my mischievous nature would transfer over with my eggs?"

"If only we'd known…" Kari quipped, but I knew it wouldn't have made a difference. "No, this is not your fault. These are two seventeen-year-old boys who let something go a little bit too far, and that's just how seventeen-year-old boys are. Their frontal lobes aren't quite developed yet, and we all have to suffer the consequences. They're going to be busy paying off the deductible on this insurance claim, as well as the difference in our new premium. It's going to take them a while to do that, but we gave them through next summer to pay it back because right now, we want them to concentrate on school."

"When are they leaving?"

"Twelve days. I can't even believe it. It's going to be so quiet around here once they go."

"You're preaching to the choir. I am staying in a house hundreds of miles away because of how quiet my own house was."

"Who knows. Maybe you'll decide to stay, and I'll pack us up and follow you."

"I wouldn't complain about that."

I felt a nudge on the back of my leg and looked down to see Roxy's sweet little face looking back up at me. "I'm going to take Roxy for a walk. She's giving me the eye, and I'm sure there are a few salamanders she'd like to chase outside, so let me know if you need anything, and I will talk to you soon."

We hung up and after convincing Roxy everything she'd found to chase would still be here when we returned, I took her for a long walk down our road and back. We came back hot and sweaty, and unable to wait for one more minute, I rinsed off under the outdoor shower and dove into the deep end of the pool, shorts and all. I rolled onto my back and with my arms leading the way, kicked to the other end of the pool. When my fingertips touched the edge, I let my lower body sink until my feet touched bottom and only my head remained above the water. I rubbed my arms, the salt slick under my hands. I breathed in.

Low tide was coming.