AllFreeNovel
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We are both famished, so we remain silent, eating our food and taking swigs from the bottle. The moon is high in the sky, sending a shimmer across the dark ocean. The air is crisp and filled with salt. I can’t wait for another couple of months when it will be warm enough to be on the beach, basking in the sunlight.
“My focus will be on the view,” I say between mouthfuls. “Floor-to-ceiling windows to bring in natural light and warmth and double glazed to regulate temperature. It can help him save on energy bills.”
“Franklin doesn’t strike me as someone who is concerned about energy bills.”
“Sustainability doesn’t have to affect luxury,” I say with half a mouth full of food. “Everyone needs to be mindful of their impact on the environment. Capturing the natural breeze from the ocean is part of my layout to produce cross-ventilation and reduce the need for air-conditioning.”
“I like this way of thinking, especially with mindfulness of the environment. It’s something we can market withourproject.”
I nod. “And I have already done the research.”
My cell lights up with a message from Franklin. I’ll read it after I wash my hands. Can he see us on the security cameras?
We finish our burgers with the ocean waves breaking near the balcony. I love how the ocean tide flows under the house, and I imagine being in the Maldives, surrounded by the cerulean sea.
“Okay, I’m ready for this tour,” Hugh says, scrunching his burger paper with emphasis.
I lock the balcony doors behind us, then weave through the debris to the staircase. “New sweeping staircases with curves are my favorite, but I want to add a clear glass railing and paint the stairs off-white to blend in with the walls. It will aid airflow and give it a weightless appearance, as though the stairs are floating. What do you think?”
Hugh pauses and peers over the railing to what used to be the living room below. “I like it. I want to hear all your ideas.”
* * *
When I wake,I read over the messages from Franklin last night. Ugh. Again, they are business-related. One contractor is no longer available, and he gave me a number for another.
I miss him.
But I’m too damn angry to call him.
I need a few more days to air my thoughts to Hugh and get on with business. If I’m only here for casual sex, it has to stop because my heart wants more.
I didn’t know the man was so damn addictive. I’m going to need counseling to give him up.
For now, I have got to maintain a business attitude, so I text him our plans.
I’m at the Malibu house working today. Hugh and I will go shopping for accessories in neutral palettes to give your home a coastal feel. If there are certain colors you hate, now is the time to speak up. I’m thinking sustainable decking for the upstairs balcony. I’m also using VOC paint in white and light gray color schemes. If you’re not familiar with VOC, it is volatile organic compounds to maintain better air quality inside. Healthier for you and better for the environment. It’s why I’m sourcing reclaimed wood for the flooring and beams. I know you said you don’t really see the need, but it’s important. You said I could do what I wanted with this project. I’m so excited and thankful you have given me a chance to remodel and decorate your home.
Enjoy your time away, and please try to relax when you get a second.
I’ll send you progress notes and take photos every day that I’m here.
I hit send and take a deep breath.
My cell buzzes with an incoming call—an unknown number.
I assume it’s Franklin and hesitate before answering, but it could be one of the tradesmen coming to the house today.
“Hello, Penelope speaking.”
“Penelope,” a female voice says, and despite only saying one word, there is a clear hint of upper class in her tone. “My name is Sophia Hendricks. My son, Jobe, gave me your number. Have I caught you at a bad time?”
“Hi. Um… no. I…”Shit. What do I say?I’m actually here at your eldest son’s house in Malibu, even though he is on the other side of the country. Have I done something wrong? “Now is fine. How can I help you?”
Hugh walks into the room wearing his boxers. I hold up a finger to my lips, eyes wide for emphasis.
“Did Franklin mention my gala ball to you?”
I have no idea what she is talking about. “Sorry, he didn’t.”
