But her mindset had shifted. She’d been planning this like it was a chore or a replacement for the things Shelly had.
Now, this was going to be lovely and its own unique space.
Stone left her alone for most of the afternoon, and she promised that she wasn’t going to try to get bargains. It was strange not to think of price, but then again, Dean had said the same to her regarding his tools and materials.
“Bargains aren’t always a bargain,” he’d say. “Best be honest up front, get the best quality, then you don’t have me coming out to fix it later.” She’d heard him say that more than once. But then he’d kept costs down by undercharging for all the work he did.
Stone was right. This space was a jewel that deserved to sparkle.
She had a late dinner planned with the Sandbar Sisters and was so lost in her new plans that she almost forgot!
* * *
She rushed over to the Hope’s. For once, Hope was going to eat with them.
J.J. sat down next to Viv. She was actually hoping to show Viv some of her drawings and pictures. Viv had impeccable design taste.
Goldie was in California for a few days, making her latest deal. She’d purchased the rights to some witchy book series and was close to getting it turned into a TV series to be shot in Michigan. So, it was a table for four.
“Libby is on the way,” Viv said. And J.J. handed her the sketches and catalogs.
“Just give me your opinion. Are we in the wheelhouse of classy?”
Viv laughed and started flipping through the materials.
“I ordered for everyone,” Hope said. It was clear she was beat, but she also couldn’t stop scanning the room to be sure her staff was living up to her standards. Of course, they were, and J.J. had never had a meal directed by Hope that wasn’t perfection. But she could see Hope needed to stop and just relax. They all did. Where was the fun?
“Hope, you’re tired. You need downtime, some serious rest and relaxation.”
J.J. realized she hadn’t been there to remind them all to slow down and have a cocktail once in a while. She was Julie McCoy, Cruise Director of their little troop…or used to be.
“I know. I know.” Hope waived her off, though. She was married to the restaurant, it appeared. “There’s Libby.”
Libby made her way to them and sat down in the empty chair. She, too, looked a bit harried. The work of saving Irish Hills was likely never done. Though that appeared to be just the way Libby liked it. The town had given her solace in a time of need, and now she made sure the town had what it needed to thrive.
Looking at her friends, J.J. realized she’d missed her role as the fun friend. She couldn’t bear to be fun in the wake of Dean’s death, but maybe she’d find that again. Certainly, this lot needed a little good giggle time. She did, too, but she held back. It just didn’t feel right for her to be exactly who she was before. She was different and needed to find her new way of being in this world. Still, these women were in need of a little pre-widow J.J.
“Really, I go away for a few months, and you all forget self-care and root maintenance?”
“Yeah, it’s bad.” Libby ran her fingers through the auburn sprinkled with gray at the temples.
J.J. had just the root touch-up she wanted to try on her. She made a mental note to add it to their list of salon supplies. Libby wasn’t the only one who needed her roots done in this town. There were plenty of mid-life lovelies in Irish Hills that needed the same!
“I’ve had a day,” Libby said.
“What’s up?” Viv asked.
“Well, I just had a lot to handle. The tile guy came today, and D.J. was helping J.J. at the cottage. Totally needed, I get ya. But it was just extra today. You know how it goes.” Libby smiled and took a sip of the wine that Hope had slid in front of her.
J.J. thought back to the conversation with her son. He’d said he was running an errand for Libby. But Libby said D.J. begged off of work to help her.
J.J. swallowed a sip of her wine. She felt a heat rise on her neck.
“What’s he working on?” Viv asked her.
J.J.’s mind was quick. And before analyzing or thinking about the implications, her inner Mama Bear took over. “Uh, helped me get the dock in. And, uh, a leak in the kitchen sink. Thanks for parting with him today, Libby.”
“No worries! He’s in demand.”
