She eyed him for a moment, then stepped forward and held her hand out. “Audrey Powell.”
“Tomás Wilson. Over there is Carter and Juan.”
“Hi, Ms. Powell.” Carter waved then quickly acted busy. “Tomás can answer any questions you have.”
She gave his boss a wry look. “I feel so welcomed. Anyway, I brought some samples, Tomás, but my little bumblebee refuses to let me do anything to the floor.” She looked the floor over. “I can see why. This is beautiful already.”
Tomás smiled, heart beating faster as he remembered how happy Henry was the night before. “Henry loves the floors.”
Audrey’s eyes narrowed on him. “Hmm, I see. Well, tell me what you think of these wallpaper samples.” She pulled a few swatches from the fancy bag she carried.
He looked them over carefully, holding each up to a bare, sheetrock wall. “Okay, so I think he’d like one of these two best, but you really should check with him. This is for an accent wall, right?”
He handed the two designs that reminded him of Henry to her. One was a dark green, textured wallpaper with an abstract design and the other was cream with a simple floral design.
“I see.” She studied him for a moment, tapping her chin. “I like you, Tomás. How do you feel about Dolly Parton?”
“I prefer Neil Young.”
She smiled at Journey and Mitzy. “Small dogs?”
“Love ‘em.”
“Cantankerous parrots that swear?”
“They are my absolute favorite.”
Audrey grinned. “Light blue dress shirts? My little brother came home this morning wearing one exactly your size.”
“His had an accident.” Tomás shrugged. “I’m a gentleman, so I gave him mine.”
“High on Dolly Parton, my ass. I’ll need your measurements.” She spun around and went to another wall, holding up one of her swatches. “Henry has a charity ball to attend in two weeks, and I have the feeling he’ll want you there. If you can’t make it, we have some family friends to step in. Maybe Alistair or Keaton Web.”
“Fuck Keaton,” Juan yelled, stomping toward them. “That asshole needs my foot up his ass. You can’t let him near Henry.”
Audrey raised a brow. “I didn’t know you were acquainted with the Webs.”
Juan patted Tomás’s back. Hard. “Tomás will go with Henry. Fit him up nice and all that shit.” He glared at Tomás. “You beat the shit out of that Keaton guy if he comes near our Henry. Got it?”
“I feel like there is something you need to tell me about Keaton Web.” Audrey gave Juan a pointed look. “Come on now. Tell me.”
Juan shook his head. “Just keep him away from Henry.”
Tomás and Audrey watched Juan go back to work. “Keaton Web, huh?” he asked.
“My baby bumblebee’s ex-boyfriend.” Audrey looked him over again. “Get me your measurements by Friday.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
“Good. Now, tell me about that coffee table in the corner. Where did it come from?”
“My brother made it.”
“Does he make other furniture too?”
“Yeah. He can make anything out of wood.”
She ran a hand over the old fireplace mantel. The carving was well-done, but had faded over the years. “Henry really loves this place, doesn’t he?”