Part 89 (2/2)
”Update that old generator, do something with the bas.e.m.e.nt. I haven't figured that out yet. Not a priority. The third floor's more intriguing.”
”New office s.p.a.ce for the novelist.”
He grinned, shook his head. ”First on the list with the elevator-I want to have parties in Bluff House again.”
”Parties?”
”I used to like them. Friends, family, good food, music. I want to see if I still like them.”
The idea made her almost giddy. ”Let's plan one, a big one, for when you sell your book.”
”That's an if.”
”I'm an optimist, so it's when.”
He s.h.i.+fted when the waiter served their salads, waiting until they were alone again. Superst.i.tious or not, he didn't want to plan a party around the book he'd yet to finish much less sell.
Compromise, he thought.
”Why don't we have a welcome-home party when Gran comes back.”
”That's perfect.” She gave his hand a squeeze before she picked up her fork. ”She'd love it. I know a great swing band.”
”Swing?”
”It'll be fun. A little retro. Women in pretty dresses, men in summer suits because I know she'll be back before the end of summer. Chinese lanterns on the terraces, champagne, martinis, flowers everywhere. Silver trays full of pretty food on white tables.”
”You're hired.”
She laughed. ”I do some party planning here and there.”
”Why am I not surprised?”
She tapped the air with her fork. ”I know people who know people.”
”I bet. What about you and plans? Your yoga studio.”
”It's on the slate.”
”I could back you.”
She inched away, just a little. ”I like backing myself.”
”No investors allowed?”
”Not yet anyway. I'd like a good s.p.a.ce, comfortable, serene. Good light. A mirrored wall, maybe a pretty little fountain. A good sound system the way the one at the church is absolutely not. Lighting I could dim. Color-coordinated yoga mats, blankets, blocks, that sort of thing. Eventually establish enough to take on a couple other instructors but nothing too big. And a little treatment room for ma.s.sages. But for now I'm happy doing what I'm doing.”
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