Page 24 of Tyler

“Super.”

She entered the building and stood in a hallway that would eventually lose the walls that had partitioned two separate businesses. The left had been a shoe store, and the right had been an accounting firm. Upstairs had been another accounting firm and a lawyer’s office.

“I got the call today that the permits will be ready for pick-up in the morning,” Brandi said, and Piper clapped.

It echoed through the building along with her “whoop”.

“That was fast,” she said, unable to stop grinning.

Brandi nodded. “Normally, it wouldn’t be, but Alex McCall, as you might know, is Cole and Connor’s father and Mac’s uncle.He’s also a big advocate for restoring this building and bringing arts to the community. It’s my guess that he pushed this to the top of the pile.”

“I’m so glad.” She sent a mental thank you to the man.

As they walked through the rooms and checked off approval boxes, Piper got an idea. She wanted to chronicle the building’s transformation, and what better way than through photographs? Amazing ones.

She confided her idea to Brandi.

“I love it, but you need to get started tonight because tomorrow, some of these walls are coming down,” the designer said, rolling up the blueprints they’d spread out on a boardroom table that had been left in the lawyer’s office, which would eventually be her painting area.

“Good point.” She nodded, pulling out her phone to text Ty.

Her finger hovered over the screen as she tried to figure out what to say, then gave her head a shake and kept it simple.

Hi. Are you busy now…or tonight?

That didn’t sound desperate or anything. Shesh, she forgot to tell him why, but before she could add to it, he texted her back.

No. What do you have in mind?

She smiled and could feel heat seeping into her cheeks. Thank God he couldn’t see her.

Can you meet me at the gallery now?

Sure. What’s the address?

Piper sent it to him, then added:And bring your camera.

Interesting. Don’t tell me why. My imagination is in heaven.

She laughed.

Okay. See you soon.

Will do.

“Care to share who’s putting the blush on your face and light in your eyes?” Brandi asked, walking closer.

Piper tried to stop her smile but failed. “Ty. He’s bringing his camera. He’s amazing. He takes great photos,” she stammered like a schoolgirl with a crush.

“He’s the fighter pilot, right?”

Surprise rose her brows. “Yes. And my neighbor.”

“Seems to me he’s more than a neighbor.” Brandi grinned. “Good for you. Kade said Ty was a stand-up guy.”

“I think so too.”

Brandi chuckled. “Well, have fun, but don’t forget to take your photos too. I’ll see myself out.”

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