Re: Carriage House: Atticus & Billy
Atticus had spent most of his life in the city. Deadbolts and chains were second nature, but he was glad to leave them behind. Reminded him a little of the years between 11 and 17, when he lived a small fishing town. Life had been craggy rocks, salt water, wood worn from waves, and air that was always damp. As a kid, it had taken him nearly a year to really understand the accent of the region. He missed it. He was still city at heart, but he missed the seaside. This place had that same aggressive and yet neighborly feel. Atticus didn't worry about leaving the door open. Atticus wasn't worried about living people.
"In here." Atticus' voice carried over Jim Morrison's.
He looked Billy over, allowing himself a little grin at youth and how it put itself together. Atticus had never been bold, even as a teenager. He dressed frumpy and sedately then, as now. Atticus didn't like being noticed, not if he could help it. Had always been safer to be unnoticed, and he'd managed it until 10. With recognition came a life turned upside down. No, Atticus was never the type for tattoos or loud clothing. "First one you got?" he asked of the tattoos, a jerk of chin accompanying the question.
He rubbed at his messy curls, and his hand passed over the sweaty nape of his neck as he considered. He motioned to the ice bucket he had out for the wine. Was just a tin bucket filled with ice alongside the fan, but it would do. "Lived in a place smaller than this from 11 to 17. Remember how it works, and no one's going to come here to steal." No one would get away with any harm in the Carriage House. Where Billy lived, though, Atticus supposed that was a different story. "Place isn't big enough for entertaining. Take a seat." He motioned to a span of empty counter beside the fan. "You live in a bad neighborhood?"
Inside the B&B, the kitchen was enormous. They served buffets every morning, and there were tables for residents and town people alike. Sundays filled up, especially after church, but Atticus preferred cooking in his own space.