Page 43 of Fragile Kiss (Fragile 2)
Thinking for a moment, Lillian shook her head. “Honestly, the house is about ninety-nine percent finished. Even if we were to leave it today, it’s fine.”
“Oh?” Katharina beamed.
“I think so. Well, there are a few minor things I’d like to do, just because I’m an overachiever, but really it’s in great shape. I’ll work on a couple more ideas and send them over to you tonight, so we can brainstorm in the morning.”
“Do we need these changes?”
“They aren’t really changes,” Lillian corrected. “Think of them more as improvements. Your house is incredible now, thanks to your impeccable taste in décor and furniture.”
She could almost see Katharina’s head swell.
“But since you’re planning on being here for many years, I assume—you did buy this house, after all—there are only a few improvements I would make to help set you up for living here long term.”
“Talent like yours is a rare find,” Katharina cooed. “Your talent is one thing, but you’re also a beautiful person. I do wish you lived in Los Angeles. I would invite you to all my parties. I want everyone I know to meet you.”
“You’re too sweet,” Lillian smiled.
“Honestly, finish your wine. I’ve never met a woman who needed coaxing to drink Pinot Grigio.” She picked up Lillian’s glass and handed it to her. “Why don’t you move here, anyway?”
“My house is back in Hanneston,” Lillian bit her lip.
“Sell your house and move here. I have an agent who will find you a big apartment.”
“Sounds expensive.”
“Darling Lillian!” Katharina exclaimed. “Money is no longer a problem for you, don’t you understand? I have three people begging for you right now. I only told three of my closest friends about you. That means three out of three people want you. Imagine if I told twenty people?”
“Imagine,” Lillian repeated, not liking this pressure.
“I’ll give you time to think about it, otherwise you really must prepare to fly here more often.” Noting her uncomfortable face, Katharina reached forward and tweaked Lillian’s chin. “I want to put this little pressure on you, you know.”
“I can tell,” Lillian replied, trying to not look stressed out.
“Good. I will order you a car now, then.” As she tapped on her phone, she asked, “What are you doing for lunch?”
“I don’t have plans, actually.”
“Now you do. I will have the car take you to this wonderful place near your hotel. It’s only a few minutes’ walk away. The weather is so gorgeous today, and there’s a lovely sitting area on a patio in the back. You can read there and have a good lunch,” she said, nodding at the novel peeking out of Lillian’s bag.
“It sounds perfect.” Having a quiet afternoon to herself would be ideal.
“Yes, it is. Oh, this morning before you arrived, I made you reservations at the hotel bar tonight. Anything you order is covered.”
Lillian’s mouth gaped. “Katharina, this is too much.”
“No, it’s not,” she said simply. “What you’ve done for me is worth much more, and I fully intend to have you back. I will need to make a mess, first, though.” She winked. “Your car’s almost here. Let’s take a photo.”
Without allowing any time for Lillian to get ready, Katharina ran her fingers through her silky hair and held the phone out, flashing her teeth to the camera. A few snaps later and she scrolled through them, ogling at how good they both looked.
“You have a waiting list, right?”
Lillian smiled sheepishly. “A small one.”
“It’s about to get much bigger after I post this.” Lillian couldn’t tell if Katharina was joking or not, but the thought made her nervous. Balancing the clients she had right now was hard enough—how would she manage more?
“I see the gears turning in your head,” the woman pointed out. “Don’t worry about figuring it out now. Loosen up, darling. Enjoy your afternoon and your night, and I will see you again in the morning.” She pulled Lillian out of the chair and handed her the bags on the floor. “The car is waiting. Thank goodness this one didn’t honk.” A curious look crossed her face. “I do miss Oliver. He was my favorite driver.”
Time to go. “Thank you, Katharina.” One of her bags slid off her shoulder and caught on her elbow.
