Page 79 of Four Dates and A Forever
“Actually, no. They’re custom. I couldn’t find a fixture that had more open space than metal, so I designed them, then hired one of the best ironsmiths in the area, Milton Hunt, to meld them.”
“I’m already blown away.”
Elsie handed her a glass and held hers up. “To firsts.”
“To firsts.”
After a never-going-to-forget-this-moment toast, Elsie walked Susan through the rest of the house.
Susan hadn’t just loved the house, she’d commented on some of the big choices Elsie had made in her design, like the living wall that was by the span of windows, which blended the indoors and outdoors. But she was also impressed by the small details that pulled the house together and made it a showcase.
Susan had actually said that. A showcase home. A thrill of pride zinged off every one of Elsie’s ribs.
Then Elsie walked her into the last room, her favorite room—the music room. She’d put her heart and soul into this room and was so proud of how it turned out. It was also Rhett’s favorite room. If they weren’t together, he was sitting in his leather chair writing. In fact, he’d written a total of five songs over the past week. All of them amazing.
They entered the room and Elsie realized that Susan had stopped at the threshold, her eyes wide—as if taking it all in. Elsie knew how the woman felt. Every time she walked into this room she had to pause in appreciation for how well it came together. It was her masterpiece. And she could tell by the look on Susan’s face that the woman agreed. But she wasn’t sure if Susan was impressed because of the design or because it was obvious that this was where the guitar prodigy made magic.
“Where did you come up with the idea to frame the guitars? It’s inspired.”
Any insecurities that Elsie was holding that the magazine’s interest was because of Rhett evaporated. It was clear, Susan had chosen the house for its design. Susan had chosen her. And based on the comments over the course of the tour, Elsie was fairly confident she was in the running.
“I wanted each of them to be appreciated as art. Guitar luthiers spend hundreds of hours creating each piece and I wanted to honor that while also allowing them to be used as the instruments were intended.”
Susan steady gaze met Elsie’s. “To say I’m impressed would be an understatement. When Claire told me about you, I was hesitant because you are new to the area and the business.”
“I might seem new, but I’ve been working toward this day for years and I finally got my shot at my dream.”
“Well, you shot it out of the park. This is the exact look and feel we like to feature in our magazine. My team is going to die when they see this place.”
Susan commented on the specific elements she’d loved about the house, did a second walk-through, taking pictures of the spaces she imagined her boss would want to display in the article, and promised to get back to Elsie within the week.
Three hours later, Elsie showed Susan to the door.
“I don’t want to jump the gun because I still have a team to report to, but Elsie, I think your music room could be our cover shot.”
“Are you serious?” Elsie asked, and she could hear the barely suppressed emotion in her voice.
“Absolutely. I know a stunner when I see one and you have created a space that resonates with people. A space that will convey something special to our audience.”
“What’s that?” Elsie held her breath.
“You don’t know?” Susan asked with a smile. “Elsie, you’ve created a unique and sophisticated space that somehow feels like coming home. I want to share that home with two million readers.”
“What does that mean?”
“That my legal team will be reaching out to you with the specifics, but Greenhill House will be featured in our fall edition.”
“Oh my god! Thank you.” When Susan reached out for a parting handshake, Elsie pulled her in for a hug. “Thank you so much,” she whispered.
They said their goodbyes and the minute the door shut she jumped in the air, pumping her fist, followed by a celebratory touchdown dance in the hallway. Everything had gone perfectly, the only thing missing from the experience was Rhett.
She walked upstairs to change out of her #LikeABoss attire and spent the next hour trying on every piece of clothing she owned—looking for the perfect outfit for the benefit. She’d nailed the pants and heels, it was just the shirt that was missing.
Light-bulb moment, she dug through her T-shirts and pulled out a well-worn Subtle Warfare shirt. Next, she uncovered her sewing sheers and went to work. She cut the hem off the bottom, then got rid of the collar by cutting a deep V down the middle. It wasn’t too drastic, but low enough to show off her girls.
It screamed obsessed fan. And she was obsessed. With Rhett. His touch, his smile, even the way he smelled—like moon lit kisses nights and sexy man.
She was applying her lipstick in the master bath—since that’s where she and Rhett both got ready—when the doorbell rang. Giving a last pucker, she walked downstairs and answered.
