“Sure. Sounds like a blast. I’m never one to miss a party,” Vance said.
“Yay! I’ll text Seraphina and let her know,” Mia said before bouncing away like Tigger on his best day.
“She’s adorable,” Irene said. “Old soul.”
“How did you know?” I asked.
“As a teacher, I observed a lot of young people over the years,” Irene said. “I know a good kid when I see one. Good job. Vance told me you’re divorced and have done all the hard lifting by yourself.”
I shrugged modestly, even though her words pleased me. “Yes, just like you did.”
“It wasn’t always easy, but I wouldn’t trade those years for anything,” Irene said. “We made a lot of memories in this house.”
“Mom, do you want to look at Lila’s design boards?” Vance asked.
“Could I?” Irene asked, lighting up. “I cannot wait to see what you do with it. I’d have loved to remodel, but it was never in the budget. I’m embarrassed at how bad it looks.”
“Not at all,” I said. “It just needs some updates. The house itself is wonderful.”
We walked into the house and went over to the table where my plans were still laid out. Irene studied them carefully, smiling. “This is going to be lovely. Very Vance.”
“Right. France meets the California coast,” I said. “Maybe we’ll start a trend.”
“Wouldn’t that be something?” Irene said.
Kenzie came running up. “Irene, Carol had the best idea. How would you feel about letting us film a little segment with you and Vance? It would be special to see you two together.”
“Me? On camera?” Irene touched her hair.
“We have hair and makeup ready for you,” Kenzie said. “Just come with me.”
Before Irene could protest, Kenzie had taken her by the arm and led her away, giving suggestions about what kinds of commentary they were looking for.
“This day just keeps getting odder and odder,” Vance said, smiling at me.
“I hope they know what they’re doing. Your mom might be nervous.”
“She taught seventh graders for thirty years—she can handle a few questions from the producers.”
That made me laugh. Having had a seventh grader and her friends in my home not long ago, I knew exactly what he meant.
6
VANCE
The third day of shooting started early. It was only eight, and the crew had been setting up for half an hour—camera guys adjusting lenses, Kenzie darting between rooms with her tablet, and Beau laying out a few blue tape lines where they wanted Lila and me to stand for the walk-through.
I stood near the front door, wondering why I’d agreed to this. At first, it had seemed like a fun idea—a great way to get my house remodeled by the best in the business. But now, I couldn’t help thinking how much better it would be if there were no cameras. Just Lila and me, working side by side to make my home beautiful.
“Hey. You good?” Lila asked quietly, stepping beside me.
She looked beautiful. Polished, calm, utterly professional. She wore a soft ivory blouse tucked into high-waisted jeans that hugged her just right, paired with clean white sneakers and a few simple gold rings that caught the morning light. Her hair was swept back into a low ponytail, loose waves still framing her face. She looked like she belonged on camera. It was obvious why they’d chosen her—she was as radiant and composed as anyone on television.
I glanced down at myself—chambray shirt, dark jeans, boots. The wardrobe team had barely touched me. A quick brush of powder to “reduce shine,” and I was apparently camera-ready. “I’m a little nervous. You look cool as can be. I get why they offered you the gig.”
“Really? Because I feel kind of old to be doing this.”
“Thirty-six is not old,” I said. “And you’re made for the camera.”
