Now there are people buzzing around my once tranquil world like it’s Dansboro Crossing’s newest attraction.
Peter sent over the plans two days after they saw the barn. There were a few tweaks here and there, but for the most part,they were perfect. Construction began the same week I approved them.
I guess it never occurred to me how many guys from town had pretty decent construction skills. Reed has been here since the beginning splitting his time between installing a few low-maintenance flowerbeds and Sheet rocking. He’s very chatty also. I might have been signed up for a softball team too without realizing it.
Travis and Trace showed up again having taken my “emergency only” credit card to the home store in Austin. I’m now the proud owner of a new duvet and sheet set. I drew the line on throw pillows for the bed however. Why would I want to constantly be removing pillows from the bed before I get in it at night?
I did relent and keep the ones they bought for the couch. I’m also the new owner of matching wine glasses. As if I’m suddenly going to develop a wine habit.
I’m contemplating the cheery welcome mat that showed up on my doorstep when I wasn’t paying attention when I hear footsteps behind me.
“Hey,” Reed says.
I turn around to find him and Rand standing at the bottom of the steps.
“We’re officially done. Ready for the unveiling.”
I roll my eyes, but they just laugh.
“Does that mean you want to forgo the blindfold?”
“You can try,” I growl. They both laugh again. I follow them across the yard to the barn. From the outside you can’t really tell much was done, except for the new windows on top.
“Drum roll, please.”
“Just open the door.”
Reed obliges, and damn! This is definitely not the same barn I started with.
“Holy shit,” I whisper, looking around.
“So, I take it you approve so far?” Rand says.
I ignore him as I step farther into the first room. It’s larger than I thought possible. There’s a recording booth, an area they can practice as a band, and even couches to lounge on.
Luke helped me with the design and recording equipment. I didn’t even have to threaten him not to tell Harmony. He understood immediately that I wanted all of this to be a surprise.
On the other side of the window is my studio. It’s filled with my art supplies, canvases, and even a place to work in other mediums. I’ve been debating trying my hand at sculpting, so I needed plenty of room. There’s also a couch and chairs in this room, but they’re covered so I don’t have to worry about charcoal or paint smudges.
“Stop gaping and come upstairs,” Geneva says from the stairway. I like her more and more. It’s probably the award-winning personality. It matches mine. I leave the studio space to climb the stairs behind her.
Brontë’s done an amazing job designing the space. They managed to carve three small bedrooms and two bathrooms out of the loft. It also has a small kitchenette and living area. Perfect for the band.
“Well?” Geneva asks when I return from looking around. Reed and Rand have joined her, all waiting for my approval.
“It’s fucking brilliant,” I answer. They have my approval in spades.
“I knew I liked you.”
“What’s not to like?” She raises an eyebrow at me. “I mean the place, not me.”
“Whatever you have to tell yourself.” She pulls a chair out and sits at the table. “Now to settle the bill.” I close my eyes as she sets the paperwork in front of me. When I open them again,Rand is sitting next to her. Reed seems to have disappeared. My eyes stare down at the final figure. Hold on.
“This is like half of what I thought it would be,” I say.
“This covers materials and outside labor. We’ve already explained the design costs were waved in lieu of advertising. Saying we designed the studio for Harmony Ellis is enough. Don’t think we won’t come knocking on your door, though, looking for an endorsement later.” She takes my check with a wink. It’s both a promise and a threat. If I didn’t know better, I’d say we were twins separated at birth.
I don’t rise from the table until I hear the last vehicle pull off down the road. Taking one last look around, I climb down the steps to the music room. Reacher is stretched out on the couch.
