Page 26 of Hibiscus Heights

“Doesn’t mean I agreed to turn our home into a flea market.”

As the couple’s fundamental disagreement emerged, Deb darted a glance at her brother.

“You promised I could decorate this one,” Ellen said.

“And you like modern lines,” Rob shot back. “Or so you said when we met.”

Ellen’s face reddened. “That was then. I want something more relaxing now.”

“Are you saying I need to relax?” Rob jabbed a finger at her. “You’re the one who’s on medication for anxiety.”

David lowered his eyes.

This is what he meant, she thought, struggling to maintain her professional composure while the couple argued. She’d worked with challenging clients before, but this level of opposition would make any project a nightmare.

Those two needed a marriage counselor. Pity the person who took them on.

“Perhaps we could find a middle ground,” Deb suggested diplomatically. “Modern architecture with carefully curated vintage pieces?—”

“See? She understands,” Ellen said triumphantly.

David quickly nodded. “We can work with that vision.”

“I’m the one writing the check, so what I say goes.” Rob’s expression remained set. “We want to move quickly on this. Can you start right away?”

“I’m committed to the Majestic Hotel renovation until after the opening,” Deb replied. “But I could work up an estimate and preliminary designs.”

Ellen perked up. “We heard about the big fundraising event. Can you get us in? We’d love to be part of that scene.”

“I’m sure you’d be welcome,” Deb said. “It’s a community fundraiser.”

Rob’s enthusiasm dimmed. “Look, we want to check this box while we’re here, and you’re David’s sister. That counts for something. Interior designers are notoriously fickle. Usually bored housewives, am I right?”

Beside her, David coughed. “That’s not the case with Deb.”

“Which is why we’re here,” Ellen said, shooting a look at her husband.

Rob’s dismissive manner irritated Deb. She’d majored in design and took classes in drafting and construction management, but she’d heard that opinion before.

She leaned back in her chair and met David’s uncomfortable gaze. A year ago, she might have jumped at any high-end residential project. Now, with her business thriving and opportunities on the horizon, she had choices.

“I’ll consider the project,” she said evenly. “But I’ll be honest with you. I don’t take on jobs where couples have fundamentally incompatible visions. It never ends well for anyone.”

The Hunts exchanged a look of surprise. Deb closed her portfolio, grateful that she could be selective. The event was drawing near, and she wanted to keep her schedule open in case the right opportunity presented itself.

Some clients weren’t worth the headaches, no matter how impressive the number on the check.

She didn’t envy David this job, though she understood that he had a family to support. She would speak to him later, but for now, her business here was finished. Fortunately, they hadn’t ordered yet. She reached for her purse.

Rob noticed this. “What are you doing?”

Deb rose from her chair. “I have another meeting, but I’m glad we had a chance to talk.”

Before her brother could say anything—and he would say plenty later—she escaped through the restaurant and headed to her car.

7

“I always loved the approach to Crown Island,” Kitty said, her eyes sparkling. She smoothed her silver hair against the ocean breeze and shivered.

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