Page 71 of How to Love Your Neighbor
“Again, I think you have a weird idea of funny. What’d he mean by twist?”
He started rolling the gray, little splatters coming off the new roller. Good thing he put down a tarp.
“On a lot of those shows, they’ll add a twist, like you have to do a feature wall, add a bonus piece of furniture, or they try to surprise someone with something unexpected.”
“It’s unexpected that we’re doing Grace’s house, too.” Noah liked the fact that she took what she needed while she was doing her job at the same time. That kind of creative energy was what he craved in the final months working for his father. That kind of vision to see things and implement ideas differently.
“This is an adorable house.”
It was. A little small for his tastes but she fit there. He figured Grace would fit anywhere. She adapted so well, whether she was chatting with him about design or directing all their friends and family.
He wondered how she was doing. He’d seen a new side of her through designing. She was confident in most situations but her passion for her job lit her up like a beacon. He pulled his phone out to send her a text.
Noah
Just checking in. You like the color orange, right?
He grinned, thinking of her reading it. He loved teasing her, making her laugh. The little dots popped up but he told himself the way his smile widened had nothing to do with the woman. Just having some fun.
Grace
For sure. While we’re checking in with each other, you a fan of birds?
His smile fled.She’s just messing with you now.
Noah
Not particularly.
No response. He waited, glanced at Everly, who continued to paint.
Noah
Grace?
Grace
Hmmm?
Noah
Birds?
Grace
Right. Birds. My bad. But flamingos don’t really count, do they?
“What?” Noah did a double take, staring at his phone.
Everly looked over. “You okay?”
“I think so. Flamingos are birds, aren’t they?”
Everly’s laugh suggested she thought he was joking.
Noah
YES. FLAMINGOS ARE BIRDS.
