Page 31 of Smooth Talk

Chapter 11

Poppy

TGIF! This week has been overly busy thanks to an influx of new clients. The contacts I made at the Townsend Gala and the photo spread in the paper for Rose Cottage are paying off. All this free publicity has me downright giddy. I just need to keep the ball rolling with my social media, and if the current trend continues, I’ll have to hire more staff.

I’m currently benefitting from the local college’s art program (read: unpaid interns are a Godsend). There is one in particular that I would love to have after she finishes school next year. I’ve hinted at a position, trying to feel her out, see what her plans are; but so far, Blaire’s being vague.

I need to talk to Harold about her. We’ve recently reconnected, thanks to Caroline. He asked me if I wanted my old job back, and after I’d politely declined, he’d begged me to send any new talent I scouted his way. Blaire’s got an incredible eye and is insanely organized; she also mentioned wanting to visit New York. Maybe she’d be happier with more than a visit. Honestly, I think big-city-living should be on everyone’s bucket list. At least for a while. I would never move back, my life is here now, and I’m happy. But I wouldn’t be the same designer without that experience; I wouldn’t be the same person without it. Maybe a fieldtrip is in order. I could hang out with Sara, introduce Blaire to Harold, go shopping, eat. Willow Creek has some great dining options, but New York is New York. I miss my cronuts. That’s what downtown needs! A doughnut shop. Hand-crafted, gourmet, fried goodness, mmm. I need a snack. My phone dings, interrupting my scattered thoughts.

Grayson: So… I need a favor

Me: Please don’t be cancelling. Harp hasn’t stopped talking about fishing all week. She even bragged to her best frenemy at school. If you back out, I’ll have to take her myself, and I don’t do worms. Restriction sign emoji. Worm emoji

Grayson: I’d never do that to her. Or you. And crickets are where it’s at. Worms are so old hat

Me: LOL. Heads up, you’ll probably be the only one baiting hooks Sunday. Fishing emoji

Grayson: I’m okay with that.

Grayson: I need your professional expertise

Me: My schedule’s filling up quick these days, but I may be able to squeeze you in in a month or two

Grayson: That’s the best you can do for the man that’s going to teach your daughter to fish? You know what they say about teaching a man to fish?

Me: Eye roll emoji. First: Harp’s a girl. And second: she eats well enough as it is. And third: it’s not the collective ‘they,’ it’s the Bible

Grayson: touché

Me: But since I’m grateful you’re taking her and she so desperately wants to learn, I guess I could do you a solid and burn the midnight oil. What do you need?

Grayson: I’m messing with you. I’m grateful you’d give up any of your time for me, but it’s not imminent. South Magazine is doing a spread on ‘moguls, leaders & trend setters.’ I know it sounds pomp AF, but they contacted me, and Cannon thinks it’d be great for my campaign

Me: Wow, that sounds amazing, but… how does this involve me?

Grayson: They’re going to interview/photograph me at home. It could use some sprucing. I had my mother’s designer in here after I built the place, but that was a few years ago now. I’ve never loved it and Gunner is a gnawer, so my furniture and accents have a very ‘lived-in’ vibe

Me: LOL. So, they’re covered in teeth marks and drool?

Grayson: Yep

Grayson: I’ll name drop the shit out of PM Designs during the interview

More free advertising. And in South Magazine. That’s big time. I can hardly pass up this opportunity. And bonus, I get to see Grayson’s home. He lives in an exclusive neighborhood on the east side of town. I’ve never had a legit reason to go inside The Enclave at Willow Creek before, but I’ve been dying to see the interior of any of those homes forever. Their exteriors are amazing. Every house is different, but immaculate. The property is equally stunning. There was a spread in South magazine a year ago about the community. They have all these cool amenities, and it’s very eco-friendly. But it’s also gated, and security is tight. You don’t get in unless you’re on the list. I know; I’ve tried.

Me: Tell me your vision, how do you want to feel in your space?

Grayson: … … …

I knew he wouldn’t have a ready answer, most people don’t. I switch from messenger to the internet app on my phone while he ponders. I’d like to see if there are any current pictures of his house online. Disappointingly so, there aren’t any specifically of his, just the neighborhood. Farmhouses, French Colonial, Craftsmen, handsome men. That is to say, there are tons of Grayson as well. In a suit, hair styled, and stubble groomed perfectly, giving that smile with the dimple—the one that makes panties disintegrate into nothingness. Sheesh-kabobs, I could get lost in those eyes. It’s almost like he’s looking right at me through my phone. When it dings, I’m so startled, I bobble it and send it sailing halfway across the room. Quickly retrieving it, I read his response.

Grayson: It looks too stark bachelor pad now. It’s cold and impractical. I’d like it to say young professional, comfortable, functional, fun, sophisticated & dog friendly

Grayson: That’s a lot, isn’t it?

Me: You’re a lot

Grayson: Thanks… I think

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