“Why not? You’re doing me a favor by prioritizing this, so the least I can do is bring you coffee. Is that even actually coffee?”
“Barely. That’s what makes it so good.”
I will not look at her lips as they suck on the straw. I will not look at her lips as they—
“So, where should we start?” she asks.
“I think we should just get a feel for what’s here, so we can get an idea of what to feature and how to lay it out. We don’t want the website to look like an online version of the catalog, so it’s important to get an idea of how to organize it. Daryl said the stuff up front is all new and will be in the spring catalog, so we need to make sure it’s prominently featured on the web.”
“Excellent. Let’s start there. And, I know web design is your thing, and clearly not mine, but I did have some thoughts on color scheme and layout. We never really delineated responsibilities, but I thought—if you don’t mind—I’d share my ideas. I’m hell on laptops, but I have a decent eye for color and design.”
“Yea, absolutely. Listen... what I said about doing all this on my own? That was total bullshit. I was pissed, you know? So, yea, I’d welcome your input. I can do the actual setup in my sleep, but as for design skills? You’ve seen my apartment, Elaine. Design is clearly not my forte.”
There’s that smile again. I like to think it’s one she reserves just for me. I’m probably wrong, but whatever.
“Yeah, um, you have some interesting choices going on at your place. The floral motif was a bit of a surprise, but I can totally respect—”
“Stop. You’re being so nice right now, but let’s be honest. You don’t have to sugarcoat it. My apartment is ugly as hell. I’ll totally defer to you on colors and fonts and scheme. Sound good?
“That sounds lovely, though, I’m a bit curious why Daryl picked me for this project. I’ve never done any designing here at work before. And I would think my copy-editing skills would only really be necessary in the final stages.”
I was thinking the same thing, but I don’t say a word. Because, yeah, it’s an atypical choice, but the fact is that Elaine is probably the most talented person here. Her copy is stellar. Her editing is unparalleled, and she has way more skill than she gives herself credit for.
“Daryl picked you because you’re the best at what you do. And not just editing. You used to write copy, too, right?” She nods, and I walk over to a box and begin to rifle through it. “See this?” I hold up a giant brass anchor.
“Yeah.”
“What the hell is it and why do we sell it?”
Her laugh is musical. She rolls her eyes at my ignorance.“It’s a paperweight. And it’s the perfect gift for the busy professional who wants to showcase her love of the shore while spending long days in the office. It can be engraved to add that personal touch to home or office.”
“See? You just wrote the perfect description, and I had no idea what it even was. And I think my sister Meg needs one for Christmas. Unless Daryl already got her one...no, he’s a last-minute shopper and the king of gift cards, so I’m good.” I set the anchor aside—and damn, it’s heavier than it looks.
“Um...why would Daryl buy your sister a Christmas gift?”
Oops.
“Because he’s her uncle. Also, my uncle.”
“Daryl’s your uncle?”
“Yep. Last spring, my nana took a really nasty fall and broke her hip. I was in D.C. and I was coming home on weekends to visit and help out, but it wasn’t enough. And, honestly, I was pretty burnt out. So, when Daryl offered me a job and asked me to manage the IT department, I jumped at the chance to move home. But, hey, keep this little fact to yourself, ok? Daryl doesn’t want anyone to treat me differently just because we’re related, so we keep it quiet.”
“You do a really good job of it—I had no idea. And I can’t imagine anyone would guess you’re related. You and Daryl look nothing alike. You’ve got nearly a foot on him.”
“Yeah. Daryl is my mom’s older brother and that whole side of the family is sort of elfin-sized. My sister Bets barely tops 5 feet. Same with Meg. But Katie and Charlie and I all take after my dad.” We’re sorting through boxes now and categorizing as we go.
“Your eyes,” she says, definitively, and out of nowhere.
“My eyes?”
“You have kind eyes. So does Daryl. His are blue and yours are green, but there’s a kindness in both of them. It makes sense now. “
I smile, because I’m not so sure my eyes are especially kind (brooding and sexy, I like to think), but Daryl’s definitely are. “You’re right. He does have kind eyes. He’s a really good guy. I know he’s goofy and a little ridiculous, but he’s a really good person.”
“He is. I just can’t believe you two have kept this secret all this time. Secrets don’t generally last at Chesapeake Shores. And I don’t have my finger on the pulse of office gossip, but Molly does. And as soon as she hears it, she shares it with me.”
“Uh, yeah...then please let this be the one thing you don’t tell her, okay?”
