I preferred to meet a guy at a public place, because I never wanted to be trapped in someone’s car. I liked to have an exit strategy.
Always.
I’d met him at the diner last week when I was having lunch with Montana, and the man kept smiling at me before he finally walked over and introduced himself. He was charming enough, and he’d asked where I worked, and he later sent flowers to the Blushing Bride. He asked me to dinner on the card and left his cell number. I’d texted a thank-you message, and we’d chatted a few times over the last few days. I’d agreed to dinner tonight, and we’d go from there.
“Exactly. I hadn’t expected him to keep messaging, but apparently, he’s in town for a couple weeks, and dinner with a good-looking man doesn’t sound like a terrible idea.”
“You’re taking your own car, right?” Montana asked.
“Yes, Mom. I’ll be taking myself to and from dinner.” I laughed. “Unless I feel the need to extend our evening.”
“I want text updates about your whereabouts.” She reached for her phone when it buzzed, and I promised I’d keep her updated before I made my way to my office.
I had a meeting with my stepmother and my sister in an hour and a bunch of paperwork to finish.
Once I’d sat down at my desk and turned on my computer, Charlie’s name was at the top of my email, and I clicked to open his message.
Ms. Beaumont,
I received your lengthy email with the list of things you’d like to add to the job, and I think we can fit them all in and still stay on track with your timeline. We are hanging the chandelier (the one you most recently chose after three changes) in the dining room this afternoon and the kitchen cabinets will be installed today and tomorrow.
Also, thank you for the eggs this morning. Harper refuses to eat eggs, yet she ate all of the eggs you made for us this morning, so whatever you put in them was pure magic. I appreciate it. But if you tell anyone I said that, I’ll deny it.
Mr. Huxley
I chuckled. I’d started going over every morning to make breakfast, and this morning they were running late for school, so I just made extra eggs. It wasn’t a big deal if I scrambled two eggs or six eggs.
Mr. Huxley,
Thank you for the update. I’ll be stopping by later today to check on the progress. That third choice on the chandelier was a real winner. Can’t wait to see it. I’m also very excited about the new cabinets.
As far as the eggs go, I hate to give my trade secrets away, but I used salt and pepper. It’s an old family recipe that I planned to take to the grave, but seeing as you’re so interested, I thought I should share.
Ms. Beaumont
The emails were ridiculous because we also texted throughout the day. Usually about the renovation at my house, or something with the guesthouse. Or sometimes it was just to give one another shit.
I got back to work, typing up a few contracts and updating a few things on QuickBooks before getting ready for my Zoom meeting, when my phone vibrated with a text.
Charles: You were right. It looks great.
Me: Damn. It’s perfect. Thank you for arguing with me and insisting I was wrong.
Charles: My pleasure. It’s what I do best.
Me: I’ll head over as soon as I get out of my meeting.
Charles: No changes, Firefly. We’re cruising now. Everything is ordered and we’re on track.
I chuckled before turning my laptop to face me, and I clicked on the Zoom link. I spent the next forty minutes being insulted by Pissy Missy, who asked me multiple times if I was sure I could handle an event like this.
She also wanted reassurance that Montana would be there as well.
Velveteen was actually more pleasant than usual. I kept my cool, showed them the drawing for the outdoor space with the tents and chandeliers, and finalized the colors of the linens and floral arrangements.
Missy continued to grill me, and I did my best to bite my tongue before ending the call.
I made my way to my house and was thrilled with the progress. The chandelier looked great, as expected from the photo that Charlie had sent. The cabinets were partly installed, and I loved the sage-green color that I’d chosen even more in person.
