Page 38 of Designing Love
I smile, warmth flooding through me. Rage-cleaning therapy might’ve helped temporarily, but sitting here, sharing lemonade and laughter with Ethan — this is exactly the comfort I needed.
The grunge music can wait until later.
17
WHEN PLANS COLLAPSE
Ethan
Sunlight spills through the cracked windows of the Miller House, illuminating dust motes swirling lazily in the air. Sophia stands beside me, notebook in hand, nodding enthusiastically as Mr. Turner — the town’s most patient and least skeptical contractor — points out details that make my wallet quietly weep. But it’s for a good cause... to help jump-start Sophia’s creativity.
“So, you sure you want to preserve the crown molding?” Turner asks, pencil poised mid-air as though the answer might make or break his entire week.
“Yes, definitely,” Sophia insists, excitement brightening her face. “Original details matter.”
“Of course they do,” I agree quickly, ignoring the rising estimate of zeros this project might tally up.
Sophia smiles, brushing my arm lightly, sending a ripple through me that makes my next conversation with my accountant seem bearable. I return her smile, feeling more confident by the second.
“Now,” Turner continues, glancing dubiously at the ceiling, “we’ll need to discuss…”
The door crashes open, sending all three of us spinning toward the noise. Simon, our town’s most arrogant and perpetually inconvenienced realtor, storms in like a hurricane wearing expensive loafers.
“Ethan Reed,” he snaps, pointing accusingly at me as he catches his breath. “You’re impossible to track down. I shouldn’t have to chase clients around town like an unpaid intern.”
“You know, you’re allowed to call before barging in, right?” I mutter dryly.
Simon narrows his eyes and then huffs. “I did call. Multiple times. Check your phone occasionally, Ethan.”
I frown, patting my pockets and realizing — too late — I don’t have my phone. Fantastic.
“Sorry. Must’ve left it in my truck. What’s the big emergency?”
Simon sighs theatrically, rolling his eyes skyward as though personally affronted by my very existence. “The city has been trying to reach you all morning. There’s an appeal against the sale. Something about questionable paperwork.”
Sophia stiffens beside me, confusion crossing her features. “What appeal?”
“Hey there, you’re new in town. I’m Simon,” Simon says, walking closer to Sophia while extending his hand.I don’t like the way he’s looking at her.“Maybe we should grab a drink sometime?”
“Maybe not.” Sophia replied flatly.
He shrugs. “Let me know if you change your mind.” He finally turns back to me. “So, the city says everything stops until further notice. And guess who had to drop everything to deliver that news?” He points dramatically at his chest. “Me. Like I don’t have important things to do.”
“Questionable paperwork?” I glare at him, irritation bubbling up fast. “Wasn’t checking the paperwork your entire job, Simon?”
He sputters indignantly, waving his arms. “Everything was approved. I can’t control every nosy busybody in town, Ethan.”
Sophia steps closer, a calming hand on my arm, voice gentle. “It’s fine. Let’s just find your phone and figure it out.”
I exhale slowly, nodding. “Simon, you’re coming with me to city hall. If there’s paperwork trouble, you’re explaining it.”
Simon scowls, lips pursed like he’s tasted something sour. “Oh, wonderful. This is exactly how I planned my afternoon.”
Sophia glances at Turner apologetically. “Can we reschedule? Apparently, Ethan needs to yell at Simon for a while.”
Turner chuckles sympathetically, scribbling in his notes. “Take your time. I’ll double-check the foundation. Again.”
We step outside, and Sophia gives my arm a reassuring squeeze. “It’ll be fine, Ethan. I’ll wait at Sage’s gallery. Call me?”
