Page 12 of Save the Drama for your Mama
“There might even be an emphasis on symmetry and ornate detailing that helps create timeless and elegant aesthetics, but what would I know? I really am clueless,” she quipped as she crossed her arms, a satisfied look on her face as she waited for my reply.
“Lucky guess,” I said.
Melody placed her hands on her hips. “However appealing the view, I don’t need this job, you know.”
“Whoa, whoa, whoa!” Chad said, stepping in. “I don’t know what’s going on between you two, but I need you on this project, Melody. We want the best person for the job, and that’s you. Besides, you will never have to see each other while you’re staying here.”
“What?!” I said. “She’s going to be staying here as well?”
“Just for the summer,” Melody said, pulling off her backpack and letting it hang near her feet before giving me a cheesy grin. “Why? Do you want me to stay longer?” She batted her eyes at me for good measure.
Melody was very good at pushing my buttons.
And I had plenty for her to choose from.
This kept getting worse by the minute.
“Come in—please,” Chad said.
“Yes, please do!” I said, ushering her in like she was royalty. “I’ve been looking for someone to test my patience, and I haveobviouslystruck gold.”
You will never have to see each other.
Chad’s assurance was more like wishful thinking than reality.
“Well, this ought to be fun.” Melody pumped her brows and gave a mischievous smile, her words sprinkled with sarcasm as she brushed past me and stepped into the foyer.
ChapterThree
MELODY
As Chad talked about the history of their Spanish colonial revival home, my mind kept drifting back to the infuriating man who had locked himself inside the library.
Cooper Galloway was a fine specimen of a man, and he couldn’t have money problems based on the number of books he sold. Not to mention the value of their gorgeous property within walking distance of the ocean. I knew for a fact it was worth a fortune.
The man had everything going for him.
So, what could have made him so cantankerous?
And why did I even care?
One thing was for sure, it would be in the best interest of both of us if I steered clear of Cooper while on this project, although something told me it would not be a simple task. Especially after Chad led us right back to the library and barged in without knocking, then waved me, Dale, and Chip inside.
Cooper looked up from his desk, yanking a—oh, my gosh, aberetoff his head, and stuffing it between his legs. “Chad, I’m trying to work here.”
“Another New York Times bestseller—I’m sure.” Chad leaned over. “Can I get a peek?”
Cooper closed his laptop and gave him a serene smile around gritted teeth. “Now is not the best time.”
I glanced at his antique roll-top desk with the paneled quarter sawn construction and large hand-cut dovetail joints. The detailed carvings and ornate drawer handles were exquisite.
As I traced my fingers along its smooth, solid, cherry wood surface, I couldn’t help but marvel at the meticulous craftsmanship that had stood the test of time. “Do you know exactly what you have here?”
“An invasion of privacy?” he deadpanned.
I ignored him. “A rare find. Circa nineteen hundred. Made by the Derby Desk Company in Boston.”
Cooper glanced down at my hand on the desk, then stood up and took a hard look at the desk as if he were seeing it for the first time. “How do you know that?”
