AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“No, thanks. I have plans with Morgan,” he said.
Charlotte hid her surprise. Was this a favor for Granny Liz, or had Morgan finally convinced him she wasn’t as difficult as they sometimes thought?
“You’re welcome to come with us now to do an inventory of the artwork in the Inn,” Charlotte said. “I noticed that you have some nice paintings in your condo.”
“Thanks anyway. And, Charlie, I can’t get together with you tonight as I’d mentioned.”
“All right,” said Charlotte. “Maybe another time.”
As Shane walked away, she turned to Dylan. “After reviewing the interior, you’re invited for margaritas with Brooke, Livy, and me. We can discuss it then.” Shane stopped, glanced back at them, and then trotted away.
“I didn’t know you were seeing Shane,” Dylan said to her.
“I’m not. I’m helping Granny Liz by driving him back and forth to Miami when he needs to go there. That’s it,” said Charlotte realizing it was all too true.
Once she and Dylan entered the Inn, all her attention was on Dylan and his suggestions. Listening to him talk about the colors, shapes, and textures in the paintings, Charlotte was impressed with not only his knowledge but how quickly he understood what she had in mind.
The Inn had an old-fashioned look with furniture that, while in excellent condition, seemed outdated. With a few pieces reupholstered or replaced, mixing classic with contemporary looks, the interior living areas would be given a fresh look.
Dylan, with his art training, agreed.
She made notes on the changes for the dining room, including changing the wall color from a pale yellow to a crisp white to offset the artwork and the deep turquoise carpet that was too new to replace. Besides the rug's color was perfect, reminding guests of the Gulf waters outside. A wall of windows lined the dining room, giving guests a view of a palm-shaded side garden where small events were sometimes held, lending a tropical feel to the interior. The room worked well with the ability to change from a relaxed atmosphere at breakfast to something more upscale for dinner and other events.
The gathering room was more difficult. As an interior space, it needed both warmth and coziness in a tropical setting. The walls were painted a soft green that both Charlotte and Dylan agreed was suitable. But the furnishings were dark.
“Paint or replace some pieces in the room with white,” Dylan suggested.
Charlotte gave him a thoughtful look. “I like that idea. The couches are fine as they are, but the bookshelves, cupboards, and sideboard would look better white. I bet we can get Amby to paint them for us.” She gave Dylan a high-five. “Thanks for all your ideas.”
“No problem. Each room is like canvas, you know?” he said quietly.
“You’re brilliant,” said Charlotte, impulsively throwing her arms around him. “C’mon, let’s go find the others.”
They walked over to Gran’s house and into the kitchen.
Livy grinned and held up a blender full of margaritas. “We’ve been waiting for you.”
“What have the two of you cooked up?” Brooke said, smiling at them.
“Lots of interesting ideas,” said Charlotte. “Let’s grab our drinks and go out to the porch. Dylan has been terrific about helping us.”
Livy poured the drinks, and they carried them out to the porch. An onshore breeze cooled the air and carried with it the smell of saltwater and the sound of the waves hitting the shore.
They pulled chairs into a circle, and after taking a sip of her drink, Charlotte began to talk, checking her notes from time to time.
“Fantastic” said Livy.
“And not too expensive,” Brooke added.
“I know,” Charlotte said proudly. She smiled at him. “As Dylan says, each room is like a canvas.”
“First of all, the Inn is beautiful and well designed. That makes it easy,” said Dylan. “But like Charlie says, changing things up a bit will make a big difference.”
“Once the paintings get mounted on the walls, we can coordinate dining room linens with some of them,” said Charlotte. “I’ve already made a deal with the supplier.”
“What about the meeting room?” Brooke asked. “Any major changes there?”
Charlotte shook her head.
