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“I have pictures of the front elevations on the two projects that requested my services, but I wanted to see if you had already decided to make changes to the exteriors before I order the plants and pavers.”
“Sure, which houses?”
“The Ong house and the Pichetti place.”
“Perfect timing.” She tossed him the tube. “I just printed them up. The Mitchell house is in there, too. In fact, if you’re heading out can you take those to Adrian after you look at them? I need his feedback before I order, too.”
“Are you two still not speaking?”
“I speak to him when I have to. I’m a professional. I’d just thought you could save me a step.”
“Uh-huh. Sure.”
“I need to get back to work. Since the answer to Dad’s question is no, I don’t have payroll done yet, it’s doubtful I’ll get out of here before ten.”
“Sure thing, sis. Don’t worry. It’ll calm down soon. I’ve got to say I like your designs so far. You’ve got a real eye.”
Sofia could feel the blush warming her cheeks. “Thanks, Enzo. That means a lot.”
“What do you think you’ll do after the show?”
“What do you mean?”
“Well, the show won’t run forever, and Dad is going to have to retire sooner or later. Nick and Seth got me thinking.”
“Thinking what?” As usual, pulling ideas from Enzo was like pulling teeth. Painful, and something she tried to avoid until she absolutely needed to.
“Incorporating separately from Valenti Bros. Just something I’m toying with. Thought I’d see what you think.”
“I think that’s a big step. Let me think about it a bit, pull together some data, once things calm down.”
“No rush.”
“No, there never is with you.” Enzo was not known for his impulsive behavior. Always cautious, always wanting to consider all the possibilities, his slowness to action was a long-standing family joke.
“Hey, I resemble that remark.”
Their shared laughter was interrupted by Natalie’s knock at the door. The makeup artist popped her head in without waiting for a reply.
“Oh! I’m so sorry to interrupt.” She blushed a fierce red.
The look on her face as she avoided meeting Enzo’s eye was part embarrassment, part panic, with just a hint of…longing?Interesting.
“I was just on my way out. Sofia, we need to add you for one more scene over at the Mitchell house tomorrow morning. Jake asked me to have you put it on your schedule.”
Almost before she had finished delivering her message, the tiny brunette had backed out of the office.
“Am I that scary?” Enzo’s eyes followed her out of the office.
Very Interesting.“Hmm, maybe to those who don’t know you’re a complete marshmallow on the inside.” Sofia pegged her brother in the arm, and he laughed.
“Very funny. See you tomorrow, sis. Don’t stay too late.”
“I don’t have much of a choice.”
* * *
Adrian glancedup as another truck pulled in the driveway of the Ong house. He’d sent the crew from the Hunter project home already. They’d put in a full day of work pouring a new concrete slab that would serve as the foundation for an outdoor living space. He was dirty and exhausted and beyond done with having a camera in his face. He’d decided to try and squeeze in another inspection, so he could get it to Sofia before she started planning on this one. He refused to let their breakup get in the way of him doing the quality work Dom relied on him for. He was mostly finished, but he wanted another look under the house before it got too dark.
