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“Yes. Ellie Stillwell, the woman who built this center, put a great deal of thought into it. Not just a place for artists but also how to operate efficiently.”
“I would like to meet this Ellie Stillwell.”
“You most likely will. She is in and out during the day. If you see two German shepherd dogs, then you will know she is in the building.”
“Dogs?” Abeo looked perplexed.
“Yes. Dogs. We have a dog park outside as well. And there is a young man on doggie patrol. He supervises when people drop off their pets. He is responsible for keeping it clean and making sure that the dogs behave themselves. He was a veterinary student but decided he enjoyed doing this much more.”
“Is this a day-care center for dogs?” Abeo’s eyes widened.
“Not exactly.” Chi-Chi explained about the service the center provided for tenants and guests with dogs.
“And no cats?” Abeo joked.
“No, dear brother.”
A few minutes later, Lucy strolled into the shop. “Hello, Lucy. This is my brother, Abeo.”
Lucy held out her hand. “Nice to meet you.”
“Likewise.”
“We’ll be getting some sandwiches and taking them to the patio if you need me.”
“No problem,” Lucy chimed.
Chi-Chi and Luna often joked that “No problem” was a standard answer from the pages. Chi-Chi and Abeo walked across the atrium and into the Blonde Shallot. Chi-Chi introduced her brother to Rita and picked two of the day’s specials, then signed the check. As they were heading toward the patio, they bumped into Luna rushing past them with pastry boxes.
“Hey!” Luna said with a surprised look on her face.
“Luna, this is my brother, Abeo. He arrived two days early.” Chi-Chi rolled her eyes.
“Nice to meet you, Abeo. Chi-Chi has told me so much about you!” Luna was trying to do a Jedi mind trick to see if Chi-Chi and Cullen’s plans were still on track.
“I told Abeo he would be on his own tonight. He wasn’t very happy.”
Voila. It worked. Luna chuckled. “I am sure you will find something interesting to do. The center is open tonight for a music ensemble. A string quartet. Sorry I am going to miss it. Listen, I have to dash. I am already running behind. Enjoy your dinner. See you Sunday. Bye!” Luna raised her one free finger, waved, and scooted away.
“She seems interesting.” Abeo watched the whirling dervish exit the atrium.
“Yes, she is. Very. Come, we don’t have a lot of time, and I want to enjoy my lunch.”
They walked through the beautifully landscaped atrium. Abeo looked around in awe. “I can understand why you like it here. The creativity, the openness, the landscaping inside and out. It is a haven for artists.”
“And visitors alike.” Chi-Chi unwrapped her roast beef, cheddar, bacon, and horseradish sandwich. “Ellie wanted it to be a destination point for people to see artists work but also for people to congregate. We have monthly events. Some artists hold workshops. It is truly a work of art in itself.”
“And so is this sandwich.” Abeo grinned with delight.
During the next half hour, they chatted about Abeo’s trip and their parents. Neither of them were married and they commiserated about the underlying pressure they would get from their mother and father. Abeo mentioned that their mother had tried to match him up with the daughter of one of her friends, but Abeo said the woman was spoiled and demanding. “More than usual,” he joked.
Chi-Chi looked up and saw Cullen walking in their direction. He hesitated for a minute, then Chi-Chi waved him over. “This is my brother, Abeo. He was supposed to arrive on Monday, but here he is.”
Cullen was just about to say something when Chi-Chi continued, “But I told him that I had plans for this evening, and he would have to entertain himself.” Now it was her turn to try to flash a message to Cullen:Do not ask him to join us.
Cullen got the message loud and clear. “There is a wonderful string quartet playing here tonight. There will be wine and cheese, and the Blonde Shallot will be serving petit fours.”
“Ah. Those little sandwiches?” Abeo asked.
