Page 50 of Taking a Chance on Charlevoix
“Does the architect...” Marlowe began
“His name is Seth,” Cate offered. Why wouldn’t Marlowe pay attention to the man? “Seth Barrett.”
“Right. Seth,” Marlowe said with an impatient wave of one hand. “Does he have any examples of changes to a home similar to Sunnycrest? An older home that he's renovated?”
“Excellent point, Marlowe.” Cate jumped right in. “Why don't you call him and raise that question? I'm sure he has a property he could show you the next time you come. You might have more time.”
Marlowe looked at her as if she'd just suggested jumping out the window. Her self-assured niece’s mouth opened and thenclosed. How interesting to see Marlowe so uncomfortable. Cate wanted to laugh but she held back. No way did she want to insult her strong-minded niece. But here was a perfectly wonderful man in their sights. Wasn’t Marlowe going to take advantage of this opportunity?
“Why would Marlowe be the only one to get to see it?” Izzy asked slowly. “The property with changes we’re considering?”
With that Samantha began to giggle. “What is so funny?” Cate asked.
Stifling her laughter, Samantha exchanged an amused glance with Marlowe. “I think you're being kind of obvious, Aunt Cate. We all know that Seth is a very attractive man.”
“Rough hewn.” Cate reached for the basket of bread. Suddenly very hungry, she wanted to dive into it. The smell of garlic must have gone to her head.
“Rough…what?” Marlowe pinned Cate with one of her laser glances. “What the heck does that mean?”
Samantha and Izzy both broke into crazy laughter. Even baby Holly took the cue and giggled.
Out in the hallway, the old-fashioned landline rang shrilly. Samantha jumped up. “I'll get it. That might be Josh.”
“Why wouldn't he call her cell?” Marlowe asked as her sister dashed out the door.
Although Izzy had given the baby a crust of bread to gnaw on while they ate, Holly had become bored. The sweet thing was tossing clumps of bread to Piper, waiting below. The dog happily snapped them up and stood on his hind legs, begging for more.
Wearing a mysterious grin, Samantha soon reappeared in the doorway. “Aunt Cate, it's for you. Should I tell him you're busy?”
They’d always had a rule about no phone calls during dinner. Joanne had always enforced it with her daughters. But this timethe call was for her. Darn it. Pushing back from the table, Cate stood up. “No, I'll take it.”
Marlowe snorted. “You look as if you're being sent to the guillotine,” she said as Cate brushed past. She squeezed Marlowe’s shoulder in answer. As she walked into the hallway, she heard the conversation come alive behind her. “Izzy, what’s up?” Marlowe was saying. “Who is this guy calling Aunt Cate?”
Taking the old fashioned receiver from her niece's hand, Cate sucked in a deep breath.Be kind, she reminded herself. “Hello?”
“Hi, Cate. It's Winston. I wondered if you wanted to take in a movie tomorrow.” His words were quick and nervous.
Her shoulders dropped. She hated to disappoint him but he was becoming such a pest. Every time she ran into him at Coffee and Cupcakes, Winston followed up with a call. “I'm so sorry, Winston, but my two nieces are here from out of town and we have plans.”
“Oh, okay. Maybe another time.” The dear man was so sweet and perky every time she turned him down. “Everything's all right with you?”
“Yes, of course. Wonderful.” Cate did not want to get into a conversation. “But I really do have to run. Our dinner is getting cold.”
“Oops, sure. Sorry for the bad timing. Have a wonderful evening.”
The poor man.The call ended and she went back to the group. The kitchen had gone quiet. Three sets of eyes latched onto her when she entered. Even the dog seemed to be waiting. Not looking up, she sat down.
“So, Aunt Cate. What gentleman is calling you?” Of course Marlowewouldn't hesitate to ask. Samantha was biting her lower lip.
“Is it Winston?” Izzy asked with a sympathetic smile. “Again?”
“Yes. Winston.” The wonderful piece of Italian bread had grown cold. Trying to think of what to say, Cate began to shred the crust. “He's a very nice man. But...”
“Winston?” Samantha looked as if she were trying to remember a man with that name.
“The Christmas party,” Izzy supplied. “Came with Kimberly, his sister.”
“The man who tried to get you under the mistletoe?” Marlowe was trying not to laugh. She probably didn’t want to hurt Cate’s feelings. But yes, she did feel insulted.
