Page 183 of Chandelier Enthralled
“No,” he said, cringing. “You’re Cameron and Henry’s aunt and…” He looked at me in awe.
Rose pointed to the seat opposite her. “Have you eaten?”
He shook his head and slid into our booth. “That does look delicious.”
“Want what we’re having?” she invited.
“Sure.”
Rose signaled the waiter and had soon ordered another entrée.
We were both still in shock and intrigued by my aunt’s exploits. I could never have been upset with her; she was just too grand and commanding, too insightful for me to ever second guess a decision.
She set her knife and fork down. “How’s the design going?”
When he hesitated, I found my voice again. “Greyson, I can’t believe you’re designing something for my aunt.”
Rose turned to me. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”
Oh, it was a surprise, all right.
She continued regardless. “Greyson designed Cole Tower. You are also a good friend of my nephew, Cameron.” She zeroed in on him.
I shook my head, confused. “He’s designing a house for you?”
“No, darling, for you.”
“What?” Greyson and I both said the word in unison.
She rested her hand on mine. “Once I heard you moved to Cali, I got right on it. It was going to be a surprise, but this guy here takes forever.”
“It’s complex,” Greyson said in his defense. “Especially the elements you hoped to see.”
She leaned back. “Tell Willa about it. You have my permission.”
He nodded. “It’s predominantly created from glass. During the day you’ll be able to see outside, but no one outside can see inside, maintaining privacy.” He looked worried. “I may have to tweak some elements now that I know it’s for you, Willa.”
“How do you mean?”
“Make it more personal.”
“I’m grateful for anything you do,” I said, still trying to fathom this gift. “Does Cameron know about this?”
“Yes, of course,” Rose said. “I told him not to let you buy anything. Apparently, Greyson takes about three months on a project like this.”
“That’s reasonably fast,” he said. “We should review the blueprints, make sure it’s everything you want it to be. Obviously, a big change would slow things down, but I want you to be happy there.”
“This is the most amazing gift I’ve ever been given.” I flung my arms around my aunt. “This is incredible, thank you.”
She hugged me back, delighted with finally being able to share her secret.
“You didn’t need to do this,” I told her. “It’s too much.”
She squeezed my hand. “I want to see you happy.”
Greyson’s plate of food soon arrived, and we all ate, making polite small talk.
Rose reached into her handbag and pulled out her phone. “Anyone checking their phone during lunch is a neanderthal,” she said, checking her phone.
