Serena set her bag on the hood of her car, glancing back at the restaurant. She looked strikingly professional in a black skirt and a royal-blue blouse. “It’s that crazy branding company they’ve started using. I recommended three local companies, but the owner’s sister’s boyfriend is supposed to be some kind of branding guru. The trouble is, he’s never even been to the East Coast. He has no idea about the difference between Provincetown, Orleans, or Boston, much less how the restaurant interiors differ.”
“Know what I think?”
“That we should walk away and count our blessings to be free of them? The last thing we need is to design a restaurant that is sure to fail and will reflect badly on our company.”
“No. I think we need to meet with their branding guy.”
“I suggested that,” she reminded him. The owners had nixed the idea.
“Maybe we shouldn’t suggest it. We accepted this contract based on designing in the fashion we pitched, one that’s consistent with the food they offer, their reputation, and the location. I think we should demand the meeting. Sure, we can walk away and pick up another client, but there’s a piece of me that feels bad for these guys.”
Serena put her hand on her hip and said, “Because they’re making bad business decisions? You’re such a softie.”
“I can’t help it. They took over the restaurant from their parents. It’s not like they have fifty years of experience. When we decided to open our business together, we agreed we weren’t going to be only financially driven. We wanted to be good at what we did, to make a difference and make a name for ourselves. Part of being good at what we do is giving our two cents in a way that we can be heard.” He shrugged and said, “What have we got to lose? Even if they say no, we’re in no worse shape than if we’d cut ties now. But if they agree and we build a solid enough case that their branding guy can’t see past it, then we’re helping them in a way that feels good.”
Serena’s lips curved up. “You’re right. We have nothing to lose. Want to go back in right now?”
“Not now.” He and Harper had plans to barbecue tonight. She’d been working feverishly on her script, her new assignments, and the article she’d written about Harvey. He wanted to pick up some flowers to surprise her with on the way home.
“Let’s sit on it for a day and set up an appointment tomorrow. That way we can walk in with a document in hand to nullify the contract so they know we’re serious.”
“I knew there was a reason I liked you. You can be a hard-ass when it serves you well.”
“You liked me because of the old Wheeler charm,” he teased.
“Actually, it was the cookies you used to leave on my desk. Speaking of which, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen any of those.” She cocked her head to the side and said, “Although, given how lovey-dovey you and Harper were at breakfast yesterday, I guess you’ve got better things on your mind than cookies. I love that you two are shacking up.”
He chuckled. “Shacking up? That sounds very nineties.”
“What do you call it?”
“I don’t know, but I fucking love it.”
“What’s wifey cooking for you tonight?”
“I’m the cook,” he corrected her. “All she has to do is light my fire.”
She rolled her eyes again. “Guys are all the same.” She lowered her voice, mocking him, and said, “Light my fire, be good in the bedroom.” In her normal tone, she said, “Do you think girls tell each other that all our guys have to do is…?” She giggled and quickly said, “Never mind. I take that back.”
Gavin laughed. “I’ve seen what the girls read in that book club. None of y’all are innocent.”
“I’ve never implied innocence.” She unlocked her car door and grabbed her bag. “Hey, did you really buy furniture for your place? Have you done the sunroom yet?” The first few months after he’d bought the house, Serena had nagged him incessantly to get with the program and decorate.
“Yes to the furniture, no to the sunroom, but I have some ideas.” Their new couch, coffee table, and armchair had been delivered, along with a dining set they’d found during the same shopping trip.
“Sounds like Harper is helping my little Gavin grow up,” she teased. “See you tomorrow.”
He chuckled as he climbed into his car. He was still smiling when he pulled down his street a little while later. There was no better feeling than coming home to find Harper writing on the dock, enjoying a snack at their new dining room table, or listening to one of the records from his collection, which they’d finally unpacked. Yesterday after work they’d gone to the Earth House, which sold vintage records, clothing, and various other items, and they’d picked up a couple of records. He’d forgotten what it was like to be with someone he wanted to share those parts of himself with.
As he pulled into the driveway, Justin’s motorcycle came into view, and just beyond was a front yard he hardly recognized. On either side of the front steps, gorgeous, kidney-shaped flower beds overflowed with colorful blooms. Harper was perched on her knees, wearing shorts and a bikini top, her hair pinned up in a high ponytail, with a pair of flowered rubber boots on her feet. She was moving dirt around the base of unwieldy tiger lilies, talking to Justin. Justin’s arms were crossed over his black Cape Stone T-shirt, and even from the side Gavin could see he wore a serious expression. His beard jumped as if his jaw was clenching.
Gavin climbed from his car with the flowers he’d bought for Harper, and they both looked over. “I must have missed the invitation to the party.”
Harper pushed to her feet with a tentative smile. She was stunning in a polka-dot bikini top and her favorite cutoffs—the ones with embroidered peace signs and flowers around the pockets. “I hope it’s okay. Oh my gosh, you brought me flowers! They’re beautiful! Thank you!” She took the bouquet as she talked excitedly. “I didn’t mean to take over the yard. I had all this extra energy and couldn’t focus on writing, so I ran out to the store to pick up a few things. While I was out, I passed the Farm, with all their gorgeous flowers on display, and got inspired to garden.”
He leaned in for a kiss and said, “They’re almost as beautiful as you are, and you can take over anything you’d like, sweetheart. What’s going on, Jus?”
“I came by to see if you guys wanted to grab a beer at Common Grounds and found Harper knee-deep in dirt, trying to save your sorry front yard. I was just telling her that I’ve been after you for months to do something with this place.”
“I never had much inspiration before.” He pulled Harper closer.
Justin scoffed. “I don’t see your knees covered in dirt. You’ve got a hell of a girlfriend.”
“Yeah, I do.” He kissed her cheek.
“Hey, Justin, why don’t you stick around and eat with us?” Harper suggested. “We’re just throwing burgers on the grill, but we’ve got beer in the fridge.”
Just when he didn’t think his life could get much better, she surprised him. There was something wonderful about his best friend and his girlfriend hitting it off. “That’s a great idea.”