Page 62 of Ten Beach Road

Chase was looking at her now; everyone else was watching Deirdre.

“Seriously,” Avery asked. “What are you doing here?”

“Why, I came to help. To help you.” Her voice shook and her eyes glistened. She actually looked like a mother might look. But then, she’d been in Hollywood for a very long time. They stared at each other while everyone else looked on.

“Your mother could bring a lot to this project,” Chase said.

“Don’t call her that.”

“We could never afford the services of a topflight designer,” he continued. “And to make this house attractive to the right kind of buyer, we’re going to need more than just a physical renovation.”

“He’s right,” Nicole said. “We’re not in a position to turn down manna from heaven.”

“She is not manna. And she is definitely not from heaven,” Avery said, hating how betrayed she felt.

There was a small flare of something in Deirdre’s eyes. Dare she hope it was hurt? But then Deirdre smiled and that smile was triumphant.

Avery gave her the eyebrow. And got one in return.

“Sorry,” Maddie said, stifling a laugh, “but it’s amazing how alike you two look. Very Marilyn Monroe–esque.”

Deirdre smiled more openly. Chase laughed.

In the silence that followed, Deirdre stood and stepped away from the table. “I think it would be best to let the principals discuss my fate in private. I’m happy to help you get the house ready to show. I have contacts in the design community, and I suspect if I put my mind to it, I could provide the finishes and furnishings for this home on a level few could match. And for somewhere under wholesale.”

Avery remained silent, but she could feel the others’ interest.

“Why don’t I step out for a few minutes so you can talk privately? Kyra, let’s go take another look at the bar. I just love the Moorish touches; it has such a wonderful feel.”

They filed out of the kitchen and Avery waited for Chase to leave, too. She aimed the eyebrow at him.

“What?” he asked.

“Don’t you think you should step out, too?” Avery asked.

“I’m a partner now, Avery. And I’m definitely planning to vote on this. It’s a no-brainer.”

“As if you could make any other sort of decision.”

This time it was Nicole who laughed. But Avery could tell their minds were made up. Oh, Deirdre had been sneaky with her little sales pitch and her “I’m connected in the design community” bullshit. Of course she was connected. She’d always put her work first.

“All right,” Maddie said. “Let’s go ahead and get this over with.”

“Yes,” Chase said. “Let’s.”

“All in favor,” Nicole finished, “of having Deirdre join us to handle the design work say ‘aye.’ ”

The three of them looked right at her as they voted in favor. Only Maddie appeared apologetic.

“All opposed.”

Avery raised her hand, then lowered it. “Believe me when I tell you that Deirdre has some sort of ulterior motive,” Avery said. “She may act like she’s doing us a favor, that somehow we’re going to get all of her . . . services for free. But we’ll pay in some unpleasant way. Don’t be fooled by the whole mother act. She doesn’t have the experience or the instincts for it.”

Posted to YouTube, 11:00 P.M., June 4

Audio:“Dueling Banjos.”

Video: Castle building contest, quick cuts. Close-ups Avery and Chase arguing.

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