“We played sports too,” I said, sending an amused glance in my mother’s direction.
“Tell me,” Seraphina said a little too casually, “is Dorian seeing anyone?”
“No. I think he’d like to,” I said. “But he’s still adjusting to leaving the Navy and taking over his mother’s shop. Why do you ask?”
Seraphina shrugged, but her gaze shifted briefly toward Delphine. “He’s wonderful. I’d love to see him with someone special.”
Delphine lifted one eyebrow and took a sip of her wine.
I made a mental note to feel Dorian out about our mysterious gallery owner.
“So how’s the remodel going?” Delphine asked Lila. “When’s the big reveal?”
“Next month,” Lila said. “They’re working at breakneck speed so it’s ready by the time they want to film.”
“That sounds awful,” Delphine said. “For you, I mean.”
“Oh no, I’m enjoying it very much,” Lila said. “Although we’ve been keeping our personal relationship a secret. I’m not sure what the producers would do with that information.”
“I could see them making it part of the show,” Esme said. “It’s actually kind of romantic—sommelier homeowner sweeps talented designer off her feet in the middle of a television shoot.”
“We’re keeping it hidden from the production team,” Lila said carefully. “Especially the producers. They’re pushing really hard for me and Beau to have chemistry.”
I felt my jaw tighten.
“Ugh,” Esme said. “That contractor?”
“He’s been very persistent,” Lila said. “Making me uncomfortable.”
Delphine’s eyes sharpened. “Define ‘uncomfortable.’”
“Touching. Standing too close. Suggesting we ‘practice’ off-camera.” Lila glanced at me. “Vance interrupted something at my studio the other day.”
My hands curled into fists remembering that scene—the way Beau had been leaning over her, touching her hair.
“Did you report it?” Seraphina asked.
“To who? The producers want the flirtation. It’s good for ratings.”
“That’s harassment,” Delphine said flatly.
“I’m handling it,” Lila said, but I could hear the strain in her voice.
I wanted to say I’d handle Beau myself if he touched her again but I kept quiet. This wasn’t the time or place.
“I cannot wait to see the finished house,” Irene said, overly brightly.
“You’re going to love it,” Seraphina said.
“We all had her design our homes when she was first starting out,” Esme said. “She’s incredibly talented.”
“These ladies gave me my start,” Lila said. “I owe them everything.”
“Hardly,” Seraphina said. “You earned every bit of your success.”
Before I could respond, Beau appeared in the doorway, beer in hand.
Lila waved him over. “Come meet my girls.” Once again, she made introductions.
