“Arf.” Odin barked.
“Looks like we found our new home.”
“Arf. Arf.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure I pack your bed and all of your toys.” Nick plopped down on the couch, and Odin immediately jumped into his lap.
“Arf.” The little dog licked his face.
“And your treats. Don’t worry, buddy. We got this.”
The next morning, Nick loaded his and Odin’s personal belonging into his Tahoe and said good-bye to his shitty apartment and life.
“Let’s do this, Odin,” he said, pulling away from the curb.
“Arf.”
* * *
Nine hoursand hundreds of miles later, including three stops for him and Odin to stretch their legs, Nick drove past the “Welcome to Misfit Bay” sign and let out a sigh of relief. He didn’t know why, but the weight that had been sitting on his chest lifted the instant he crossed the town line.
From what he could see, Main Street was what he would call cute and quaint. Picturesque even, since he was in a generous mood. Several people milled around slowly in the midday heat, which seemed to be, no joke, hot as fuck. His balls were going to melt if he didn’t get out of his jeans and into a pair of shorts as soon as he found the one and only hotel in town.
Taking the next left and a quick right, he turned onto an even smaller, narrower road and found the Saint Laurent Hotel. Its red brick exterior had seen better days. Live oaks draped in Spanish Moss stood proudly in front of the building and lined the long drive. He felt as if he’d been transported back in time. The only thing that it seemed to have going for it was its excellent view of the bay. It would work for his stay until he could find something a bit more permanent … and a job.
Stepping into the lobby was a bit of a surprise. He expected drab wallpaper and unimpressive décor, complete with dark hardwoods that were popular around the turn of the century, but that wasn’t what he found.
The lobby was fresh and bright, with large scenic murals covering two of the walls. The reception area was bright and welcoming, as was the perky blonde who stood behind the counter.
“Welcome to the Saint Laurent. How can I help you?” Her southern drawl was thick and almost unintelligible for a northerner.
Tucking Odin closer to his chest, he approached her. “I’d like a room. I’m new to town and hoping you have something available long-term. Well, until I can find something permanent.”
“Great! Will anyone be joining you?” She eyed him up like he was a fresh piece of meat ready to toss on the grill
“It’s just Odin and me. I hope pets aren’t a problem.”
“Arf.” Odin popped his head up to greet the girl.
“Not at all. As long as he’s a good boy and stays out of trouble.” She smiled at him and Odin, but mostly Odin. “He’s adorable. Does he like people?” she asked.
“Some.” Nick held Odin out, and he jumped out of his arms and ran across the counter to the blonde, quickly hopping into her hands. “He certainly likes you.”
Odin snuggled against her
Nick wondered for the umpteenth time what it was with Odin and blondes. Not that he minded, he was almost jealous of the dog. He would have been if the woman were closer to his age and not quite so perky. He found women like that to be completely exhausting. He wanted someone who knew what chill meant. He and hyper people did not mix well. Ever. It set his animal off … quickly. Neither of them had the patience for it.
“I’m Makayla, and this little guy is awesome. I think we’ll get along just fine,” she said with a babyish voice.
Another nonstarter for him. Baby voices … yeah. No. He didn’t do baby voices or people who spoke in them.
“Nice to meet you, Makayla. I’m Nick, and you already met Odin.”
“Sorry.” She handed Odin back to him. “What kind of room are you looking for? We have pretty much everything available right now. It’s off-season for the tourists.”
“It’s just Odin and me, so whatever you have works. Do you have a bar or restaurant in the hotel?” he asked, thinking that a nice cool drink and a hot meal would be perfect.
“I’m sorry, but the bar and hotel have been closed for months. I haven’t been able to find anyone to run it. I keep hoping the right person will walk through the door with the skills it takes to get the job done, but so far. Nada. There are a couple of decent diners in town you can hit up. There’s also a new place just down the street called Wicked Brew. They are great for breakfast and lunch.”