Page 86 of Brooke
“Forget about the color,” Brooke said with exasperation. “Look at the design board.”
“J’adore,”Pierre called with a squawk, coming to rest on Madison’s shoulder as she studied the board.
“I love it too!” Thea exclaimed from her position between Dean and Sawyer at the kitchen island. “Not that I live here really.”
“It’s a pleasant hue,” Sawyer mused, squinting under his spectacles. “Some pink and gray tones to lighten it yet deepen it all at once. It’s a solid choice.”
“At least it’s not girly,” Dean joked. “Again, not that Ihave a full vote anymore. Okay, before Brooke kills me, I’ll add that it’s interesting and powerful but not in your face.”
“So it’s clearly not your power color, Dean,” Madison teased. “I actually think it’s classy. Subtle yet bold, with the black, cream, and gold accents. Color me surprised. Haha. No insult intended.”
Madison’s dark circles hadn’t improved after the special dinner, so Brooke only lifted her shoulder. “None taken. But I’m glad it sounds like you could live with the color scheme. Since you have to walk through the entryway to get to the kitchen.”
When she only made a face in response, Axel’s mouth twitched. “So we have a reasonably pleased group except perhaps for Kyle.”
He lifted his hand. “No, I’m still considering. I guess I thought we’d only be going with neutrals.”
Axel glanced at her, but she gestured for him to take point. “There is too much passion and warmth in this house for only neutrals. It does not represent you either individually or collectively. Like I told Brooke, purple isn’t really a color. It’s a combination of other colors, which seemed to fit. You all are your own people, but coming together as a unit, you are your own force, your own hue, shall we say. I liked that color for such a reason while Brooke chose it for her own.”
She studied her friends, all sitting together in various stages of comraderie. Dean had his hand on the back of Thea’s barstool while she was leaning close to Sawyer. Only Kyle and Madison stood alone. “I came to it from more of a place of feelings. The color seemed fun yet loyal and layered—like us.”
“I’m as shallow as they come,” Dean teased, making Thea swat him with a gasp.
“You are not!”
“Children,” Brooke reprimanded. “Focus on the board.How about the black light fixtures on the cream walls with the gold accents?”
“Classy,” Kyle immediately said, elbows resting on the counter now.
Brooke wondered if he realized he’d repeated Madison’s exact word choice.
“I wondered how you would handle the gold in the parquet floor and the antique mirror,” he continued, “because I didn’t think we were getting rid of it.”
“God no!” The thought of tossing out something that spectacular made her diaphragm clench. “But the white walls needed a little adjustment, so we went with cream. We both think we need to keep the black iron balcony as well.”
“The house is already spectacular,” Axel added, pointing around the kitchen with a wink in Madison’s direction. “These slight additions lift it a step above.”
“Showstopping.” Sawyer pushed his gold-rimmed glasses up. “I like that you’re leaving the crown molding alone. Layers of paint diminish its impact.”
“On that Axel and I agree,” Brooke said, aware of him stepping a little closer as she said the words. “The trick was to find a cream that would work with the white—and the marble fireplace—while also still holding up to the black, gold, and purple we’d selected.”
“I think you did a terrific job!” Thea declared, bouncing in her chair. “I can’t wait to see it come together.”
Neither could she. In fact, she was juiced. “Does anyone want to see the fabric I picked for the new couches? Assuming Axel is okay with me jumping forward a little before we have a full Material Board ready?”
“Jump away,” he said, touching her back lightly. “She’s been glowing since we found it.”
She practically ran to her business satchel in her heels and pulled out the purple swatch. The rich fabric wasn’t velvet,but it had a velvety feel. She’d loved its vibrancy as much as it comfort and durability. “It’s stainproof,” she said as they passed it around. “So we won’t have to worry when Dean drops buttered popcorn or chocolate bits in between the cushions.”
He winced as he contemplated the swatch. “That’s a relief. I know you won’t believe this, but I do try to not make a mess.”
A chorus of snorts erupted, making Axel laugh. Brooke turned to him. “You just wait. When Dean comes over to your house, I’d suggest lining his seat with plastic.”
Axel folded his arms across his massive chest. “I’m not concerned. My fabrics are also stainproof. Besides, what is life if not a little messy at times? Some see a mess. I choose to see a good party.”
“Thank you!” Dean rose and put his hand up for a high five from Axel, who studied him before moving ahead with the gesture.
Brooke couldn’t help but laugh. Axel did not look like someone you gave high fives to. Besides, he was so tall, few people could reach him. “So we’re good here?” Brooke asked. “I can tell the painters we are ready to get going?”
