Penny gave him the look of all women everywhere when you messed with important stuff. “Does Summer know you’re planning a remake of her workspace?”
Uncomfortable, Tom stopped to turn the hall light on. “Not yet. I wanted to get some ideas from you on paper to give her for Christmas.” Tom blushed and turned away. “You’re sworn to secrecy about whatever painting is on her easel not finished.”
Penny silently zipped her lips. “I’m thrilled you asked me.”
“We won’t do anything until Summer approves every idea.”
“Honestly, it’s the best way to do this. Remakes rarely work out when all parties don’t have a say.” She walked into the room. No paintings out, but the place was a mess of drawing pads, pencils, pastels, and paint across every surface.
Penny did a slow turn in the middle of the room. “Yes, she needs some spatial organization, doesn’t she?”
“She’s pretty free range when she’s painting, but some of this hasn’t been cleaned out from her grandmother and some doesn’t have a place to be.”
“You sure?”
“Yes, I’ve watched her paint. Normally, she goes into a zone, but lately the layout and clutter is interfering. She has a studio in San Francisco, too. I have pictures of it. It’s a bit better with flow.”
Since she’d made the commitment to stay home for an extended period instead of traveling to do corporate murals, this was a critical thing he could gift her to smooth the path.
He did his own turn to size up the space. “We’ve never sorted out prime placement for her painting area. She adjusts based on lighting, but she also needs a good setup for her art supplies.Plus, she needs shelves. She needs storage and may want new décor. I’ll leave that to you to present some ideas.”
“Do you mind if I take some pictures and measurements?”
“Not at all. How can I help?”
“Stand in the doorway and let me assess. It’s how I get my ideas. This is a wonderful house. Good bones, and check the view out these windows. I understand why she chose this room.”
“Yeah, she’s painted in here since she was a little girl.”
“We may be stepping on sacred memories, but I’ll see what I can reimagine.”
Thirty minutes later, the idea was launched. Penny left with numerous notes that made Tom hope he wasn’t overstepping his wife’s space.
Only way to know was to offer and back off if she hated it.
“Tom, are you here?”
Summer’s voice jerked him out of his thoughts. Quietly leaving her work room, he made his way down the stairs, hoping Penny’s vehicle was already gone. Summer stood at the bottom gazing at him with confusion.
“What are you doing home?”
“Changing socks. They were rubbing in my boot.”
“Can’t have that.” She went on tiptoe to kiss him when he got to the bottom.
“How was your latest session at the library? Did you find what Adelina told you to search for?”
“Absorbing, and yes. Found a few things of interest. Found Santa yet?”
Tom boxed in his frustration and stifled a growl. “No.”
She followed him to the kitchen, and he poured a glass of orange juice, offering her some.
She shook her head. “Coffee, please. I’m cold.” Leaning against the counter, she studied his face while he found a cupand poured from the half empty pot. “It’s nice to be home so I can see you when you drop in.”
“Not a regular habit, but I have more reason now.” He tried to always be honest with himself even if he never uttered the sentiment – but he was ecstatic she was home and he could stop for a minute with her. Bret did it all the time with Meg. Matt did with Trina, too. He had no need for the envy anymore.
“Good to know.” Summer’s little smile stirred a deep sizzle to private parts that needed no encouragement.
