Page 63 of Hibiscus Heights

Deb didn’t have any other jobs lined up yet, and Kitty could use her help. She thought how much Teddy and Mason would enjoy spending the rest of their summer in this house. The idea filled her with happiness.

“I’d love to work with you, Kitty.”

“Wonderful.” The other woman clapped her hands. “After Grant and the boys leave, we’ll have plenty of time to focus without distractions.”

Why did hearing that feel like losing a piece of her life she’d just rediscovered?

“I’ll draw up a proposal with preliminary ideas for you,” Deb replied, careful to keep her voice steady despite the cold wave of reality.

“Perfect. And please work with Grant on the placement of his photography. I want his nature works prominently featured.”

Deb wasn’t expecting that. “I have someone I usually work with to hang artwork.”

“I’d still like to have Grant’s input. That’s not a problem, is it?”

“Not at all,” Deb replied, concealing her surprise.

“Then that’s settled.” Kitty walked ahead toward the entrance.

Deb followed, trying to sort out her thoughts. She had designed plenty of rooms around children’s artwork, prized antiques, or travel souvenirs. Personal mementos brought character to homes. Her designs weren’t meant to be picture-perfect settings devoid of personality, especially in a beach house built for relaxation.

Many galleries showcased Grant’s nature photography, so incorporating it into a beach house shouldn’t pose a challenge.

That’s not what disturbed her.

At the door, Kitty extended her hand. “I know this new house will be exactly what we all need.”

Deb shook her hand, acknowledging their intent. It occurred to her that Grant might not know what Kitty had proposed. He hadn’t mentioned it last night.

Still, Deb would make it work.

She was a professional, and she was already mentally calculating a timeline and determining the necessary furnishings. Work was her refuge when relationships became complicated.

Only work made sense when emotions failed. She would not let Grant derail her design job for Kitty.

As she walked toward her car, Deb told herself that designing Kitty’s bright, happy new beginning was exactly what she needed.

18

Deb turned the ignition in her car, still reeling from Kitty’s announcement about Grant’s involvement in her beach house interiors. She’d thought she could be friends with him, but unless she could harness her feelings, she’d be lurching toward heartache again.

As she turned on the main road, her phone rang. She glanced at the screen and saw her friend Babe’s name. This was a call she’d been waiting for. Quickly, she tapped a control to answer it.

“Guess what just arrived at my shop,” Babe said, sounding excited. Without waiting, she added, “The new dresses for the grand event at the Majestic. I received several in your size that I think you’ll like, and you get first choice.”

“Thank goodness. I’ve run out of options.”

With so much work to do before the party, Deb couldn’t spare another day. She’d already spent a day in San Diego trying to find something suitable, and the thought of dedicating another day to shopping in Orange County or Los Angeles didn’t fill her with joy. This season, most of what she’d tried on was too sexy or too dowdy, with little in between.

“These will go fast. How soon can you get here?”

Glancing at the time, Deb replied, “On my way now.”

A few minutes later, she pulled to the curb in front of Beach Babes. A motion from the adjoining cafe’s patio caught her attention.

Matteo waved at her. “What a surprise to see you here. Come have lunch with me.”

A few women at nearby tables looked at her with envy. With the latest designer sunglasses and a summer-weight sweater casually tied around his shoulders, Matteo looked like a cover model for a yachting magazine.

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