Once we stepped inside, I realized just how big a star Trent really was… As beautiful as the home was from the driveway, the interior was on a whole different level. I’d never seen a house like this… Hell, I’d never been in the same county as a house like this!
For the generous den area, a massive 81-inch television screen dominated the space with ample sectional seating for a dozen people or more. One hell of an interior designer must have come through at some point, because nothing about Trent exactly screamed tasteful stone paneling or expensive, modern lighting.
A few entire bedrooms on both floors were closed off, collecting dust from disuse. He kept two – one for himself, and another as a practice room, with a few instruments around and a sound recording chamber.
I didn’t even know that he could play, but these guitars, drums, and other assorted instruments were clearly not just for display. As I thought about this, I remembered that his fingers were slightly rougher than the rest of his hands. Once I’d put two and two together, I came to have a deeper appreciation for his talents.
Trent’s small fortress of a kitchen featured top-of-the-line appliances, enough counter space to feed a full party, and cookery that would make a professional chef weep. For a girl used to a hot plate and a microwave, it was like stepping into heaven.
“HOW,” I muttered breathlessly as I took it all in. “HOW CAN YOU AFFORD ALL OF THIS.”
“Friend of mine in the industry got it up his ass that he wanted to leave the country. Head somewhere exotic, like Hong Kong or something. I wound up getting a pretty killer deal...” He grinned self-importantly, carefully watching for my reaction.
“Still,” I murmured. My hands ran along the sectional couch. It was plush, comfortable, and looked like it had been barely used at all. “This thing probably cost more than I made all year…”
“This is the kind of money you wind up with when you’re smart, negotiate a good contract, and happen to strike it lucky with a few big singles,” he shrugged. “It doesn’t hurt that I got a competent lawyer involved at the start… or that we’ve been touring pretty much nonstop.”
Trent glanced around for a moment, lost in thought. “I think this is the first time I’ve actually stepped foot in this place in months. That’s kind of strange to think about, now that it’s all over and I can finally kick my feet up…”
“It looks like it. You could probably put most of this stuff back in the boxes, they look so new.”
“Yeah, well…material possessions were never really my thing,” he shrugged. “Just sort of weigh you down, you know? All I ever really needed was myself.”
“For someone who says that, you have a lot of it.”
“Look around,” he retorted.
I did, and I saw his point.
There was barely anything in the way of decorations. I could see now that on a couple of bookcases, he had some books…and a few awards, but a lot of empty space. There weren’t any paintings on the walls; he didn’t have the patience for extraneous pieces of décor on his countertops. Hell, the only thing that kept his coffee table company was the TV remote.
I flipped through living room cabinets, expecting a sea of blu-ray films or DVDs. That’s what guys like, right? Collecting up a sea of barely-watched multimedia to show off to their guests? Instead, they were almost all completely empty.
“My accountant basically forced me to buy this place. Said I couldn’t just leave my money sitting in the bank with the low interest rates… All this shit? It came with the house. Give me a ten by twenty hotel room and my guitar and I’m happy…”
“So… We’re supposed to live here? In a place like this?” Angel asked quietly, taking it all in.
“That’s the plan. We’re going to need to shop for some groceries,” he answered as he watched me peer around. “No point in stocking up prior to a tour, you know. Unless you have a problem with that…”
I almost burst into laughter.
“What did you want to do for dinner?” I asked.
“Don’t know,” he smiled cockily. “I was thinking something nice, tender, and juicy. Maybe you. Serve you up on a plate, your legs spread wide for me… nothing juicer than that.”
I lightly slapped at his wrist as he reached for the hem of my shirt. “There’s time for that… but I’m actually really hungry. Can we order take-out? Is it too late for that?”
“Nah,” he chuckled, immediately fishing out his phone. “What’re you in the mood for? Anything in particular?”