Page 40 of Call It Home

Mac and I had already agreed that I’d take the lead. I walked them through how we opened up the area and rotated the layout of the kitchen to allow for the additional windows. I pointed out the colors and textures we’d incorporated to represent the Colorado mountains, including the herringbone pattern in the backsplash, which was the influence for Mac’s design of the kitchen table.

As the judges evaluated our kitchen, I watched Vivien carefully, trying to gauge her reactions. Both she and Ken appeared impressed, offering compliments as they went. But I knew Vivien’s MO. She was like a black widow, luring her victim in and then, wham! She’d sting with a caustic comment.

“I think you’ve done an excellent job,” Ken said after seeing everything. “I would love to cook in here. Your kitchen is so well-designed for cooking. It's clear that you put a lot of thought into the layout. It’s an excellent balance of form and functionality. It also has great natural light, which is so important for cooking. I wish the pantry were a little bigger, but for a rental, I don’t consider that a big deal because you won’t be storing a lot of food items.”

Vivien gave me a snide smile. “I like the additional windows, even if that was an obvious choice, but they don’t offer any privacy. Similarly, I’m not sure about your choice to use glass panels in your upper cabinets.”

“We didn’t want guests to have to spend their time searching the cabinets for items since they’re not familiar with the arrangement,” I interjected, wanting viewers to at last understand my choice.

Vivien sniffed. “It’s a very…homey place. Very safe design features.”

Homey. As in ordinary, not luxury.

But I didn’t argue further. I’d let her appear petty on camera, not me.

“I also would have liked to see different hardware on the cabinets. There’s really nothing special about these. And the tile colors are a little too bold, a little too specific. I think those should have been more neutral and let the hardware be what pops.”

I bit my lip, but I grew concerned that I’d make it bleed with her next statement.

“The color of the grout in the tile backsplash could be a better match for the tiles to create a cleaner and more seamless look.”

As if sensing I was going to tell her just where she could put her grout, Mac nodded. “All good things to consider.”

Ken’s brow furrowed, as if puzzled by her comment. “I love your choices,” he said. “I think guests will, too.”

“Thank you,” I said, making sure I kept my eyes on him, not Vivien.

“We have one more home to look at,” Ken said. “But I do love what you’ve done here. Good luck.”

We walked them to the door, and I breathed a sigh of relief as Vivien’s overpowering spicy perfume left with her.

“Well. That went pretty well,” Mac commented. “Really, those are all details easily changed. Nothing to do with the actual layout.”

No, just a few shots at the details in which I prided myself. “Easy to say when it wasn’t your work she was criticizing.”

Vivien had “oohed” and “ahhed” over his work, to the point I thought was ridiculous. She kept touching Mac’s arm, hamming up how impressed she was with his carpentry skills.

More like she was impressed with those strong muscles that built it.

“Okay, that’s a wrap,” Chelle said. “We’ll see you outside for the winning announcement in a little bit. I’ll come get you when they’re ready.”

Finally, once we were alone, I let out a long sigh.

“She hasn’t changed. Still taking digs where she can.”

He came up behind me and began to rub my shoulders. As his strong hands kneaded my muscles, I felt a jolt of electricity. I couldn’t help but let out a low moan of pleasure that I immediately regretted.

Mac cleared his throat and pulled back slightly. “Sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

I felt a flush rise to my cheeks. “No, I’m fine. I just wasn’t expecting it to feel so good. I didn’t realize how tense I really was,” I said, hoping to diffuse the tension. But I hated that I’d ruined the moment. Not only had the digging in of his thumbs felt good to my muscles, but I also found comfort in his touch.

The moment passed, so I suggested we look over our plans for the living area now that we could see the new floor plan in action in relation to the kitchen. It was strange how quiet the house seemed without all the extra workers and film crews. We reviewed it quietly until a ping on my phone sounded.

I checked it. “We’re being summoned,” I told Mac.

Once all the teams arrived and we’d been coached on how the taping would be run, the cameras began to roll once again.

“First, I want to say that all of the teams did an incredible job this week,” Cash said, looking at all of us stationed in front of him. “The kitchens you’ve created are truly amazing, and I know it was difficult for the judges to make a decision. But there can only be one winner. Vivien, Ken, tell us your thoughts about this week’s contest.”

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