"Ooh, yeah, that is cool," Sam said. "And we wouldn't be forcing people out of their home. But we need to feel comfortable in here," he said, gesturing to the space around himself. "Half of the movie is going to be in the living room."
"It'd be fine with some paint and floors," Ash said. He walked through the kitchen and toward the back patio, which they could partially see through the glass door. He could see more of it as he got closer. There was debris in the pool, and it was a little green, but it was still inviting. It was nice outside, and that was something Ash rarely experienced in February. He opened the door and stepped out into the sunshine. The house was U-shaped, and the back of it was fenced with a lot of greenery. It was a private courtyard.
Ash loved it. He tested a nearby chair by shaking it before he sat down. It was made of iron, looked like leaves, and was painted white. It was heavier than he thought it would be, but he still gave it a little shake before sitting in it. Sam did the same with his, and they both settled in, gazing at the pool.
"Not bad once it's cleaned up," Sam said.
"No, it's really not. And it wouldn't take a lot inside either. I liked that other back yard, but this is a vibe with the bricks, and the pool, and the… what are those, some kind of banana tree?"
"I think so," Sam said, glancing at the greenery. "Yeah, those are banana trees. They're kind of shabby right now. I'm sure they'd do a good job cleaning it up back here."
"It's not bad," Ash said. "I could see those guys starting their band in this house."
Sam nodded. "Me too. And I think Luke was sort of hoping we'd like this one."
"Why didn't you tell me that?" Ash said.
"I didn't want to sway you."
"Well, you were swayed if you knew."
Sam smiled and shook his head. "You've got a bigger role in this. And you're a big fat rookie."
They laughed, and Ash said, "I'm about to be the opposite of fat."
Sam laughed even harder because he knew Ash had been tasked with losing forty-five pounds by October. Ash weighed right at two hundred pounds as of now, and the director wanted him to get as close to one-fifty as he could by the time they started filming. "I'm not starting my diet until later in the summer," Ash said, sprawling out. "And Luke said we could hang out here as long as we like. Do you want to get some food delivered?"
"Yeah, I think we should," Sam agreed. "I figured we'd have lunch together. Ty's touring a couple of venues. She won't be home till later this afternoon."
"How does it feel to be a married man?"
"Amazing," Sam said.
"It must be in the water over here with Alex and Josie getting engaged."
"I know," Sam said. "And they got a dog. I think they're going to take a while to plan the wedding, though."
"That is what most people do," Ash said, giving Sam a hard time.
Sam shrugged. "Ty would have moved with me even if we didn't get married, but I have no regrets, and neither does she. We love it."
"Do you miss anything?" Ash asked.
"Like what?"
Ash shrugged. "Hanging out with the boys."
"You hung out with the boys last night," Sam said.
"I sure did."
"How was it?"
Ash shook his head and shrugged. "It was fine. Fun. Judd'll be hurtin' a little this morning."
"What about you?" Sam asked. "Are you hurting?"
"Do you mean am I hungover? No."
