“Thisis Stone Anginelli?”
I give it a brief glance, then move toward the table to fix my plate, effectively turning my back on him once again.
Emma audibly gasps. “The man is drop-dead gorgeous.” Then she quickly qualifies. “Not that I have eyes for anyone other than my husband.”
Joselyn responds, “It doesn’t hurt to look. Des, why didn’t you tell us the man is sex on a stick?”
“I hadn’t noticed. My only concern is protecting my business from that vulture.”That’s a lie. The photo doesn’t do him justice. I certainly did notice those dreamy blue eyes and the thick dark hair with just a hint of gray at the temples.Time to get this conversation back on track. “So what do you guys think?”
Emma shoots back. “He’s hot, that’s what we think. But seriously, what doyouthink?” Do you want to do it?”
“Well, if it helps the community, and if we can figure out a way to show him this building needs to stay as it is, then yes, I think I should do it. Besides, Jos has a point. It might be good to keep an eye on him.”That certainly wouldn’t be a hardship.
Jos chimes in. “If you’re serious about it, I’m happy to lend a hand in planning. And I know the perfect spot for the show. The winery events barn.”
“Thanks, Jos. That sounds lovely.”
Emma nods. “I agree, it’s a great location. And it will be good business for the winery as well.”
Joselyn takes a notepad and pen out of her purse and starts writing, while also speaking her checklist out loud. “Okay—venue selected—check. Date—TBD. Run of show—more to come. Wine bar—got it. Catering—TBD. Guest list—TBD. Dancing? Yes or no? We’ve got a lot to work through, but I’m sure we can put together a fabulous show. What’s Mr. McHottie’s role going to be in all this?”
I shrug and ignore her nickname for the gorgeous man I don’t trust. “I have no idea. I suppose I need to talk to him about that.”
“Yes, you do.” They both grin like fools.
“I do have a thought, though. I’d like to have as many locals involved as possible. Not professional models. I want to showcase the beauty of Pelican Point’s women. So, I need some help identifying participants. I’ll also need some time to alter dresses since I don’t know what sizes I have in stock.”
Joselyn continues scribbling in her pad, then looks up at Emma. “Would you be willing to wear your wedding dress in the show? It’s so beautiful and such a unique example of Desirae’s design abilities.”
“Sure…why not?”
“Great! We’ve got one model already.”
Emma wrinkles her brow as if in deep thought. “Des, what did Mrs. Reilly have to say about the prospect of her building being demolished?”
“She was more concerned for me than for herself. I still owe her a small amount on the property, so although technically I’m the owner, she could be pressured to sell out.”
“I would hate for someone from Stone Development to try to take advantage of an elderly woman. Unfortunately, seniors can be easy targets.”
I nod my head in agreement. “I had the same thought, which is one of the reasons I wanted to confront Mr. Anginelli. I would hope he wouldn’t stoop that low. Although I can say confidently that Mrs. Reilly is pretty spry for being eighty-something. She’s no pushover.”
“No doubt. But I have an idea for how to make the Reilly building virtually untouchable.”
“What’s that?”
Emma grins. “The building meets the age criteria for designation as a historical landmark. If the State of Florida grants that status, it cannot be torn down and will be under the purview of the State to retain the aesthetic and architectural design it presently has. I think there’s a very strong case for preserving thebuilding as an essential component of Pelican Point’s history.”
“Oh my gosh, Emma, you are a genius!”
There’s a slight flush to Emma’s face, as if she’s embarrassed by the praise. “Maybe not a genius, but I do know the law. I’ll see if I can get an application fast-tracked before Stone Development can interfere with it.”
I jump up and give both ladies a hug. Buoyed by the wine, as well as Emma’s and Joselyn’s ideas, I feel a sense of relief for the first time since hearing about the threat to my building.
After my friends leave, I’m still bubbling over with excitement. I open up my laptop, and send off an email to Mr. Anginelli accepting his offer. Then I head for the back storage area to sort through potential designs for the show. Another of my prized possessions is kept back here. I unpack the carefully preserved garment, letting my fingers trace the delicate beading on my grandmother’s vintage wedding dress. There was a point when I thought I’d be wearing this gown at my own wedding, but those hopes were dashed long ago.
Nana, this show will be dedicated to you, the woman who taught me that worth isn’t measured by size, and that if I dream it, I can achieve it.
CHAPTER 6
