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“Talon Monroe?” John said.
“That’s right.”
“People come in and ask how they can replicate your fixtures, and I just shake my head. I can teach a lot of things but not that.” John’s voice was booming. He filled the spaces of our house in a way we couldn’t before.
“They’re not exactly a DIY thing,” Talon agreed.
“Everyone thinks they can handle home renovations themselves, thanks to all the rehab shows on TV. And it’s good business for me. But I tell them there’s no way they can create what you do. It’s not for everyone. They’re better off just buying them. But you don’t commission much work.”
Talon nodded. “I only do a few items a year.”
John tipped his head to the side. “You’ve never wanted to streamline your process, make simpler fixtures but mass produce them?”
Talon’s face screwed up. “No.”
“It was just a thought.”
“I like my business model. It’s done well for me.”
John waved a hand in his direction. “I’m not saying it isn’t. But it’s an opportunity to make things bigger.”
“I have no interest in making things bigger. I like things just the way they are.” The way Talon looked at me with affection in his gaze warmed me all over.
“There’s interest. That’s all I’m saying. It’s like those big designers who make a cheaper version to sell at the bargain box stores. It would be like that.”
Talon stiffened next to me, but he didn’t respond.
“We’re happy with how things are for now,” I finally said, wanting to make an effort with Mom’s new boyfriend.
“We’ve always been so proud of Talon. He was talented even in high school,” Mom said, ever the people pleaser. She must have sensed the underlying tension.
John took a big swig of his water. “Your designs are so unique. There’s nothing that can compare.”
“That’s why I don’t worry about anyone out there doing something similar,” Talon said.
“So, you own a hardware store?” I asked John, hoping to get the conversation off Talon’s work.
John’s shoulders relaxed. “For twenty years now. I love being my own boss.”
“We enjoy that, too,” I said of me and Talon.
“More and more box stores are moving closer. I lose business to them. I just can’t compete with online distributors or the bigger stores. But I hope that enough people want to shop small or local.”
“I think there’s always a market for that,” Mom said.
John dipped his head. “Local contractors give me business, too.”
“It’s good you’re doing well.” Mom always worked an office job. I assumed it was for the steady pay and benefits. She’d never mentioned doing anything else. I wonder if she had other dreams that she’d let go of to care for me.
“Is there anything else you wanted to do, Mom?”
Mom thought about it for a minute. “I’m happy where I am. I’d like to travel more, though.”
I wondered if she’d forgone travel because it was too expensive for a single mom. “Do you have any immediate plans?”
Mom’s eyes brightened as she exchanged a look with John. “We’re looking at a few things for February.”
“That’s when Talon’s brother is getting married on the farm. Valentine’s Day.”
