Brogan scrunches their nose and narrows their eyes. “Of course you’d pick that one.”
“What does that mean?”
“It’s the one I picked,” Nantes says. “And one of two Deo picked.”
“I don’t think it’s edgy enough,” Brogan says.
“I don’t think our brand is edgy,” Deo replies. “We’re somewhere between edgy and classy. Whatever that is.”
“It’s this.” I point at the sketch again. “Youthful and fun, but still with an elegant quality to it. I would be attracted to this. I’m not a huge wine drinker, but I’d be tempted to try this after seeing the ad.”
Deo gives Brogan a look. “See? That’s the market we’re trying to get with this ad.”
I tap Balt’s arm. “What do you think, Balt?”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “Marketing isn’t my lane.”
“He agrees with whatever Deo says,” Brogan complains.
“Not true,” Deo replies. “He agreed with you on the paint color in the foyer.”
“I guess so.” Brogan glances at the sketches. “You really think it’s this one?”
Nantes squeezes his cousin’s shoulder. “I think it’s the vibe we want. If we’re wrong, we’ll do yours next time.”
Brogan exhales slowly. “Fine. I’ll place the order.”
Nantes turns to me, smiling. “Thanks for chiming in.”
“No problem. It’s nice to see things going so well.”
“I agree. Thanks to Deo and Balt. They really turned the ship around.”
“With help,” Deo says, running his fingers through his man’s hair.
They’re obviously very in love, and witnessing it makes me long for things I gave up hoping for long ago. A romantic partner wouldn’t work with my life the way it is. Maybe one day I’ll let it go and return to a simple life, but today is not that day.
“Everything okay?” Nantes asks, obviously picking up on my mood.
“Sort of. One of my colleagues called me. Some vandals burned down our building last night. Apparently, word got out that the pedophile was being seen at my office and they had something to say about it.”
“Oh, shit. Was anyone hurt?”
“No, it was empty, fortunately. But we’re closed now for the time being.” I step a little closer. “Would you be open to letting me stay a few extra days?”
His face relaxes. “I’d love that.”
“Really? I don’t want to be in the way, but this feels like an opportunity I wouldn’t normally have.”
“Of course. I’m excited. We can really spend some time together now.”
“I appreciate it.”
“I checked the calendar and we don’t have any tours today, so I can head out around one. We can go grab lunch and just see where the day takes us.”
“Perfect. I need to look at my client calendar and see what I can virtually reschedule. See you at the house when you’re done?”
“Sounds good.”
