Prologue
It was the Holy Smokes Bar and Grill downtown where Drew Walker was meeting his friends for lunch. The big news he had to share was about the beach bungalow he had inherited from his late grandmother. At twenty-eight years of age, he was quite young to be inheriting something like that and he knew just how lucky he was to receive such a gift. His parents hadn't wanted it given the rest of the items that made up his grandmother's estate. Drew's parents took the large sum of money offered, as well as the penthouse apartment in the city instead of the bungalow, because it had a stipulation attached. The stipulation was that the bungalow had to stay in the family, it couldn't be sold. Ever. Drew didn't care that much about the stipulation and was happy to honour his grandmother's wishes. That and the fact he now had a beach side place to relax in, was all he could think about. Sure, he would still live in his two-bedroom apartment and work at the software development firm, but now he felt like he had an escape on weekends and holidays. Plus, the beach bungalow held many happy memories for him and he couldn't wait to make more now that he had inherited it.
The bungalow was a two-hour drive from the city, well placed on the coast and set back from the beach, with its own private beach access. While the city where he lived only had two seasons, hot and stinking hot, the bungalow wasn't quite the same, with the sea breezes making it more enjoyable. Over the years the trips to the beach were few and far between, with work and commitments often getting in the way of such things. But not anymore, Drew was keen to make some changes in his life and start living again.
He couldn't wait to share fun times with friends and family at the beach, watch the sun go down and the waves roll in or just breathe in the wonderful sea air. That's what he remembered from his childhood trips to the seaside with his loving grandmother, Gwen. She was always so kind and caring to him, her smile making his day brighter, often lifting him out of any foul mood he might be feeling. Drew was very fond of her and would always hold in his heart how loving she was, her arms always open to hug him 'hello' and 'goodbye'. It was a pity he couldn't take Gwen back there as she got older but that was how it had worked out for all of them. Still, she was always upbeat and positive right until the end. Drew was certain she was his guardian angel, always looking out for him while growing up, and even now as he got older. While her declining health was hard to watch, she was pragmatic about it all and helped Drew deal with her impending death the only way she knew how. With love and understanding. That was why Drew could feel so at peace with everything, his grandmother had made it so.
Kurt Willington and his girlfriend Samantha Jones were the first to arrive at the bar and grill. Kurt was the same height as Drew, six feet, three inches tall, but Kurt had packed on the muscle and always had broader shoulders, a lot like a lumberjack. He and Drew looked similar, same dark brown hair, same brown eyes and body shape, though when Kurt wanted to, he could look menacing. He was a scary guy if you crossed him, having pounded a few bullies into the ground during their formative years. Drew and Kurt had each other's backs and were best of mates, often getting into mischief together while also covering for one another when needed. Kurt had gone into plumbing with his family's business, and they were expanding into commercial construction which kept him very busy as of late.
Samantha was a gorgeous blonde and was quite intelligent, breaking the usual stereotype. She's a few years younger than Kurt and also Kurt's sister Miranda's best friend. She worked in payroll at the family business with Kurt and it was there that they decided to start dating, after many attempts by Kurt, to ask her out. Samantha had also done a few swimwear and lingerie modelling shoots with Miranda in the past, but made it clear it wasn't her full-time ambition. That was because while she liked modelling, she wanted to be known for her brains more than her body, something Miranda could understand as well.
"My boy," Kurt said embracing Drew as he stood. The handshake coupled with the half hug was their usual greeting.
"Big Willy," Drew said with a smirk causing Samantha to laugh. They all knew Drew was the only one to call him that. "And the ever-gorgeous Sam."
She hugged and kissed him on the lips, which was their standard greeting, before sitting down at the table.
"How are you, Drew? How are you holding up?" Samantha asked kindly.
"Good, good. It's been a few weeks, but I'm okay," Drew replied referring to his grandmother's passing.
Before they could continue Miranda Willington strolled in like a breath of fresh air. She was Kurt's little sister, who wasn't so little. She was an Amazonian goddess, tall at six feet even, with long flowing brown hair and a smile that stunned those who hadn't seen it before. She was three years younger than Kurt and Drew, but they all grew up together and were very close. With her modelling, Miranda was always impeccably dressed and today was no different. The tight, blue dress that stopped halfway down her thighs fitted her like a glove, highlighting her God given assets.
"Hey," Miranda said with a warmth that she radiated all the time. She moved straight to Drew. "Hey you."
She kissed his cheek, but closer to his lips than normal and pulled him in for a tight hug. These hugs had been going on since the news of Gwen's passing, but Drew wasn't complaining since he enjoyed her touch.
"Hey, yourself," Drew said as they held on a little long causing Kurt to clear his throat. He was rather protective of his little siter. Or should one say, overprotective?
"Cut it out, Kurt," Miranda said as she sat down next to Drew. Before anything else could be said, the last three of their friendship circle showed up. The seven of them were a very close-knit group of friends.
Laura Simpson, Amanda Bromfelder and Reggie Jones. Laura was of medium height and medium build, except for her enormous chest. The pale woman had light brown hair and a lovely personality. She was an accountant by day and a singer by night, dressing modestly most of the time. She loved to sing at local bars when life didn't get in the way, and had a really good voice often drawing a large crowd. She never wanted to be professional though, given she liked to sing just for fun.
"Hi everyone," Laura said with her lovely tone. With kisses and hugs she settled in next to Drew while Amanda said her greetings. Laura enjoyed spending time with them and was often sitting next to Drew who she got on quite well with throughout the years. He was always kind and leant his ear when something was bothering her. Plus, it didn't hurt they liked the same movies and shared similar tastes in music.
"Come on, give us a kiss," Amanda said cheekily getting practically a peck on the lips from everyone. She sat in between Laura and Kurt rounding out that side of the table.
Amanda was tiny compared to most, barely over five feet tall, but outgoing, and a fitness junky, always competing in CrossFit events and triathlons. If she wasn't wearing spandex, it was certain she was wearing tight fitting jeans and shirts which highlighted her toned physique. Her blonde hair had dark roots and was cut above her shoulders often left hanging to frame her pixie like face. The only thing was that her mouth was slightly bigger in proportion to her head, but no one ever commented. After all Amanda was fun to hang around and spend time with. She worked at the same software development firm as Drew, but she was in Human Resources and was doing quite well there.
Then there was Reggie, who was on the same football team in high school with Drew and Kurt. He was over six feet tall, still shorter than Drew and Kurt whilst also in between body wise. He kept fit, always opting for the shredded appearance, and the ladies loved his chocolate skin, plus he always dressed to impress. He was a top salesman at one of the car dealerships nearby, gaining a lot of good praise for his friendly personality and work ethic. The unsaid joke was that Reggie wasn't ready to settle down yet, often having a different female companion practically every month. Almost like changing his underwear.
"Hello to all the lovely peoples," Reggie said in his usually charming way. He hugged, kissed and shook hands before sitting down in between Samantha and Miranda.
Having grown up together and attended the same schools, there was a mutual respect and love there, knowing they could count on each other in times of need. The group quickly ordered some drinks and meals so they could get back to work at a reasonable time. After some chit chat, and their food had arrived things got quiet before Kurt posed the question on everyone's lips.
"So, what's going on son? Why did you call us here?" Kurt asked whilst cutting his huge steak.
"I'm glad you asked Big Willy... It's nothing bad... it's just that, you see, I've inherited a beach bungalow, two hours away on the coast," Drew said before taking a quick sip of his beverage. They all looked at him waiting. "Three bedrooms, but small kitchen, lounge area and its own private access to the beach."
"It's on the beach?" Reggie asked to which Drew nodded. Drew looked at Kurt and Miranda.
