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“Coming right up.” The bartender gives Zoe a subtle up-and-down glance before getting to work.
And as he leaves, I release a soft snicker.
“What?” Zoe asks, spinning on her stool to face me.
“Having fun?”
“Hey, a little bit of flirting never hurt anyone.” She gives the bartender a nod of gratitude as he sets our drinks before us, then she raises hers in a toast. “To Heidi for catching her first big fish,” she says.
Laughing, I raise my martini glass and tap it lightly against hers, then I take a sip. “Mmm. This really is good.”
“Try mine.”
Zoe swaps our glasses and steals a sip of mine while I try her Cosmo.
“Now, tell me exactly what you have in mind for our new clients’ Painted Lady.”
I lay out in detail the decor I discussed during the home visit today, and as Zoe and I talk furnishings and upholstery, the alcohol slowly starts to set in, allowing me to relax and let loose like I rarely have time for anymore.
“And they’ve given you free rein to spend as much as you want?”
“Their exact words were, ‘After seeing what you did with the Russels’ home, we have full confidence in your abilities. At the end of the day, we want a place that feels like home but looks like it’s straight from a magazine’,” I quote.
Zoe gives another excited squeal and leans in for a hug. “I think you’ve really made it,” she gushes. “Just like your mom always knew you would. If Evelyn could see you now.”
“I miss her so much,” I admit, my heart aching with the loss that feels as fresh as ever. “I wish she were here to celebrate with us.”
“Me too,” Zoe agrees, her smile nostalgic and sympathetic all at once. “Evelyn was the best. But she must be looking out for you from heaven if you’re landing deals like the one you did today.”
That makes me smile, the thought of my mom putting in a good word, supporting me even after her last breath.
“How are those drinks treating you ladies?” the bartender asks, coming around to check on us.
“They’re amazing,” I admit, my slight buzz from my martini increasing my enthusiasm.
His gaze shifts to Zoe, waiting for her vote of confidence, and she props her chin in her palm as she meets his eyes.
“Positively delicious,” she agrees, her voice indulgent.
“Well, whenever you’re ready for another round, just holler.” He gives Zoe a wink and moves on to the patron waving him down at the far end.
“Man, you’re a hot commodity tonight, aren’t you?” I tease.
“Pfft.” Zoe leans her elbows back on the bar and crosses her legs to swing her foot. “You’ve been out of the game so long, I think you’ve forgotten what some harmless fun looks like.”
“You’re telling me he’s not into you? He barely gave me a second glance,” I point out.
“Well, yeah, because you’ve got your mom walls up.”
“‘Mom walls’?” I ask, taking another sip of my martini before sliding an olive off its toothpick.
“Yeah, you don’t even notice when guys look at you anymore.”
“I would notice!” I object, glancing around reflexively like I might spot someone looking right then. “I just don’t have the time for guys—besides, I prefer to focus on being a good mom to Sarah.”
“Uh-huh. How long has it been since you’ve gone on a date?” Zoe counters, arching a finely shaped eyebrow. “Better yet, how long has it been since you’vebeenwith a guy?”
“Like slept with someone?”
