That wasn’t quite as strong as “we’re not selling” but Tessa clung to the words even though she very much doubted they would come true.
“What?” Vivien asked, narrowing her eyes at Tessa. “What’s that look for?”
Tessa let out a sigh. “I think that when push comes to shove, you all might realize the power of that kind of money.”
“Power, shmower, Tess,” Vivien said lightly. “I love it here. There’s a ton of work for me if I can get it, and I would love to live here. And you?—”
“Cannot be the world’s most fun squatter forever.”
Vivien grabbed her shoulders. “You’re not squatting.”
“I ain’t payin’ rent, honey.”
Vivien flicked her hand. “We’ll figure something out. You’ve given my daughter—who was lost in her career search—a job she loves. She practically danced out of here this morning to go see the florist, so happy you’ve trusted her with that meeting.”
“I’d trust her with anything,” Tessa said, and meant it. “I adore that girl and plan to steal her from you and make her mine.”
Vivien smiled at their ongoing joke. “I’m serious, Tess. You’ve also given Nolie a real chance of getting into third grade and that will change Crista’s life.”
Tessa managed a shrug.
“And now you’re saving my Belgian linen pants!” Vivien exclaimed. “The rent is paid, my friend.”
Laughing, she gave Vivien a hug, loving her for the sentiment. It didn’t change the fact that Tessa was freeloading. And that was fine for a summer, but beyond that?
“Tessa!” Nolie came blasting through the hall, her dark eyes lit up. “It’s Flyer Day!”
“What’s that?” Vivien asked, smiling at the child.
“The day we make Flyers, Aunt Vivien,” she said with a touch of exasperation. Like, who didn’t know what Flyer Day was?
Tessa laughed. “The fashion show is open to the public, though I don’t expect a stampede on the beach. Still, we’re doing old-school flyers to take to any wedding-related businesses, and the hotels that host bachelorette parties and such. Nolie’s helping me make them. And,” she added, remembering her promise to Crista, “we’re working on an event layout, which will be lots of pictures and numbers.”
Nolie gave a shadow of a grimace at the word “numbers” but it was gone in an instant, and so was she.
“I’ll be in our office, Tessa!”
“Just need my coffee, Figsworth!” She turned to Vivien. “The office is?—”
“The dining room table, I know.”
“Yeah, sorry about that.”
“Don’t be,” Vivien said, then leaned in. “We’re not showing the place.”
Yet, Tessa thought as she shared a smile with Vivien.
“Tessa! I’m ready to work!”
“You better go, boss.” Vivien gave her a nudge. “Or your Junior Joy Coordinator will fire you.”
Laughing at that, Tessa headed toward the dining room “office” by way of the coffee pot.
They’d likely come to their senses soon, and Tessa…well, she needed a backup plan for life.
* * *
“Can we dance the letters, Tessa?”Nolie asked, bouncing lightly on the balls of her feet, watching the screen intently. “You say the letter and I dance it?”