“Absolutely. What do you need?”Especially if it involves seeing Desirae.
“We’d like to have escorts for some of our dress models. I understand your mother is in the show. Would you be willing to put on a tux and walk with her on stage? And anyone else who might need it?”
“Sure. I’d be happy to do that. I can bring my colleague Kyle Carver as well.”
“That’s wonderful. Thanks so much.”
“My pleasure. Is there anything else you need help with at this point?”
“I think I’ve got everything under control. Except…” After a brief pause, she continues. “Do you happen to have any kids?”
“Kids, as in children?”Why the hell is she asking me that?
She laughs. “Sorry. I didn’t necessarily mean you, personally. I’d love to have some child models for the show, and I’m having some difficulty finding any.”
“How about two girls? I know a thirteen-year-old and a five-year-old.”
“That would be wonderful!”
“Let me confirm a few things and then I’ll get back to you.”
“Thanksso much!”
Kyle comes in for our morning check-in, and calls me out on Desirae, as if he can read my mind.
“You’ve been spending a lot of time in Pelican Point. What gives?”
I’m not ready to confide in my best friend the real reason I want to spend more time in Pelican Point. “After seeing the Reilly building for myself, and how well some of the downtown businesses look in the older buildings, I’ve been thinking. I don’t think we necessarily have to choose progress over preservation. What if we can have both?”
Kyle rubs his chin, as if considering my words.
“Have the research team put together detailed reports on the Reilly building’s history and architectural significance. Ask them to look at the other buildings on Seabreeze Avenue as well.”
“Sounds like you might be wanting to keep some of that small town charm in Pelican Point.”
“There’s something to be said for small towns.”And for a certain beautiful woman in a particular small town.
“Oh, and I need you and Kristina to be in the charity fashion show.”
“Say what?”
“Yes. They need some guys to escort the ladies, and they were looking for some kids, so I volunteered Kristina.”
“I don’t know anything about fashion shows. It’s challenging enough raising a teenage daughter as a single dad.”
“Sounds to me like the perfect way for her to get some girl time, and put on a dress.”
“I suppose so. But why do I need to get involved?”
“First of all, it’s for a good cause. Second, Stone Development needs to be seen. And third, you’re my wingman, so if I have to do it, you have to do it.”
Kyle grins. “And would getting closer to the owner of Coastal Couture be the reasonyouwant to be involved?”
“No. Maybe. Hell, I don’t know.”
“Man, I can’t even remember the last time a woman turned your head.”
I sure as hell can’t deny that. “There’s something special about her.”
