Page 85 of The Sky in Summer
“Sure. But how’s this gonna work? You would be seeing the setup.”
“No we won’t. At the beginning of next week we are off to Nashville with the bus. The band has a gig and a few meetings. Oh, and the dogs are going to be with Aargon and Teddy. I’ll get a key and the alarm code to you tomorrow, and you can start setting up on Tuesday. We’ll be back next Friday late afternoon.”
“I’m in awe of your schedule. How do you do it?”
“I love what I’m doing. That’s it. Love. Think you can have it all done by then?”
“Definitely! And thanks for thinking of me.”
“Van told me how talented and creative you are. He bragged on you to the whole family.”
His name lands with a thud to my heart.
“Oh. How’s he doing? Have you talked to him?” I hope that sounded casual.
“Noble has. I guess he’s doing okay. He didn’t have too much to say, apparently. He was pretty low-key.”
I don’t know what to make of her words. Quiet for what reason? When I don’t respond, she continues.
“Anyway, I appreciate this more than you know. I can pay you now if you want. Should I PayPal you a deposit at least?”
“No. I can charge it and give you the total when I complete the job. It will be for supplies only, Dove. You’re getting the friends and family discount.”
“Oh no! I want to pay you. You have a business and I…”
I cut her protest off. “I don’t care. Please let me do this. I appreciate all the kindness you and your entire family have shown the boys and I. This is my thank-you.”
“Okay. We’ll arm wrestle for it at lunch when I get back from New York. We’ll need to catch up.”
“It’s a plan. I’ll send the few questions I need answered about your styles, favorite colors, etcetera. Just so I create something that speaks to you both.”
“How fun! I’ll answer as soon as I get it.”
Her cheery mood spotlights we are at opposite ends of the spectrum. I need to get back somehow. But for now, I have a magic weekend to plan. I am going to ignore the obvious irony.
A few days and many hours of planning later, it is all coming together. I love this kind of job that lets my imagination loose. The questionnaire was returned within an hour’s time. Both love the outdoors, everything Montana and being alone together. I found out, according to Dove, Noble is a fun-loving guy. He always struck me as more reserved. The nickname he has had since childhood backs me up. The Invisible Man. I guess he has changed since she came into his life.
This theme I settled on is brilliant. I sound like a complete ass. But I stand by the statement.The Gardenof Eden.They love the outdoors. Check. A magical place as lovely as Montana, and a couple who discover true love there. Check. Check. I’m hanging two ‘designer” grape leaf outfits on the faux apple tree for them to wear.Made by Eve. Think I will ignore the fact the origin story eventually banishes them to the cruel world.
Next is to figure out the bedroom. Tonight will be a good time to finalize the plan that has been spinning in my mind. Tomorrow two of my best employees and I take a trip to a favorite source spot and spend the day picking out what I need. If Noble and Dove don’t love the hell out of this, I don’t know anything about setting a stage.
The music she will provide. Thank you, God. If I had to listen to love songs right now, I’d jump off a bridge. I wonder if they listen to her songs? I’d like some kind of theme music playing at the front door when it opens. I want to highlight the point where they will pass from the porch into the Garden.I wonder if it would interfere in her plans for their music. I pull out the cell.
Me: I want music at the front door. Is that okay?
Think we have all learned by now, say what you need to in the shortest way.
Dove: Yes
Dove learned.
The set-up went smoothly. As planned. It was a well-oiled machine, the three of us working our asses off. As I do the final walk-through I’m impressed with the results. Their bedroom is so friggin’ awesome looking. How cool to make love in that environment. Think I’d stay in the garden. I kind of stretched her ask and extended the theme into the bathroom a bit. I had to include their love of water sports.
Walking down the stairs, I tuck in an errant vine that dropped to the ground. Cool. Looks great with the green lizard peeking out on the bottom riser.
I make one more pass around the lower floor. Fake Eden never looked so good. The faux vines, trees, and flowers are perfect for a Paradise. They are exaggerated in size and color, more varied and dramatic than actual foliage. I have them placed in a semicircle blocking the view of the kitchen and dining room. The apple tree takes center stage. The long, thick fake snake wrapped around the apple tree. One piece of real fruit dropped to the ground ready for Dove to offer him a bite. Love that part of the plan.
What they will wear hangs from a branch. The grape-leaf man thong I made, out of a big artificial leaf that was most definitely not grape, should give them a good laugh. They will have to suspend disbelief. It was cut and sewn to a piece of flesh colored elastic. Dove has a leaf bra in addition to the thong. Pretty clever. Looks great.
