Page 41 of Call It Home

Both shared their opinions on the other three teams first. They were mostly complimentary but also had some mild critiques.

Then it was our turn.

Ken started. “Cameron and Mac, I love how you rotated the kitchen and opened up more windows to take advantage of the natural light. I think the flow makes it easy for anyone, from a newbie to a professional, to create a meal in your kitchen.” He turned to Vivien.

“I agree, the light is nice,” she said. “But I question the choices of color and hardware. It’s functional, sure, but it lacks any real creativity. There’s nothing there that really stands out, nothing that makes me say ‘wow’. It could be a kitchen in Anywhere, USA, not something unique to stand out at a luxurious resort such as this.”

Her tone suggested she felt bad for saying it, but her little apologetic shrug was matched by a wicked gleam in her eye. I hoped the cameras caught it.

Even the other teams seemed taken aback by her words.

My smile was tight as I gave a quick nod to her critique. Mac’s arm went around my stiff shoulders, and the subtle pressure of his fingers as they squeezed helped to hold back how the finishes I’d chosen were anything but cheap. Even Ken gave her a slight frown.

“First, I want to say that all of the teams did an incredible job this week,” Cash said, looking around at all of us. “The kitchens you’ve created are truly amazing, and it was difficult for the judges to make a decision.”

I still held on to a glimmer of hope. Maybe Ken had been able to see through Vivien’s smugness so that we still had a chance.

“But in the end, there can only be one winner,” Cash continued. “And that winner is...”

I could feel everyone hold their breath. Weallhad a lot on the line.

“Team Gentry!”

Presley and Jeremy let out a loud whoop.

Despite the wave of disappointment that washed over me, it hadn’t really come as a surprise. Mac and I congratulated the couple, then returned to our spot as we’d been instructed earlier. Cash concluded the show, reminding everyone that we’d start the next round tomorrow, which was the rest of the living space on the first floor.

The camera crews started packing up. Chelle had told us we were free for the rest of the afternoon. The construction crews had already been dismissed for the rest of the day. We could block off things in the house to get prepped for the next day, but no actual demo or construction was allowed to start until tomorrow.

I was about to ask Mac what he wanted to do when Vivien approached. She wrinkled her nose at me, condescension dripping from her words. “I have to say I was quite surprised to hear your name when I was told who the finalists to appear on the show were.”

“I’m sure you were,” I answered sweetly, although I really wanted to smack that smug smile off her face.

“I mean, after all, the other teams have all won awards out there in the big world while you’re still in that little town of yours, working construction.”

“I don’t work construction. I own a business.”

“No, darling. Youinheriteda business. I created my own. But I’m sure it’s…nice, in its own way.”

I took a step forward, my hand ready to swing, when a strong arm wrapped around my waist and held me in place.

Instantly, Vivien’s entire demeanor changed. Her head tilted slightly, and her lips parted ever so slightly as she slowly smiled at Mac. “Here’s the real star of your team. I must say, I was very impressed with your table. I’m sure I could easily find you a hundred orders by posting those on my blog.”

“I’m not available to take orders.” He smiled, but it was terse.

A part of me hated that I liked his answer so much. I wanted Mac to have every avenue to help his brother, but I didn’t want it to come from someone like Vivien.

“Well, that’s too bad.” She reached into her back pocket and magically produced a business card. “You just let me know if that changes, okay?”

He took the card and put it in his pocket without even looking at it.

Vivien redirected her gaze to me with a smug grin. “Looks like you’ll have to try harder next time,” she sneered. “Perhaps you’ll score better designing the bathrooms, considering your work is still circling the drain.”

Mac squeezed my hand as a warning, but I wasn’t about to let her get the upper hand. “Oh, don’t worry about me,” I quipped. “I have a knack for flushing out great designs. And when it comes to spotting crappy work, we both know I have a discerning eye.”

Vivien's face twisted into a mask of rage and embarrassment, knowing exactly what I meant.

“Have a fabulous day,” I said, a sly grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. I looped my arm through Mac’s and pulled him along with me. “You know what they say, Mac. Better to step around the crap than wade through it. Am I right?” I said it loud enough for Vivien to hear as we walked around her. I could feel her gaze boring into my back like a drill bit, but this time, I didn’t care.

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