eleven
. . .
Miles
“Mom, I can’t thank you enough for all this,” I said warmly, surveying the house and backyard. Luke and Sofia had gotten here early as well and were just as impressed as I was. Vicky had the workmen add strings of lights around the yard, lit with what seemed like hundreds of Edison lights.
Straightening some pillows on the outdoor furniture, Mom answered, “I only put in some calls after giving Vicky some ideas.This?This is all her magic.”
“Yeah, she’s like a fairy,” MJ said, her eyes lighting up as she took in the changes. Out here and in the house, additional seating was carefully arranged in groups to encourage conversation, Vicky explained to Mom when she was told that a large part of the staff was newly hired.
An event rental company delivered an outdoor oven at her request so the catering staff could use it to make and serve individual pizzas, easing the kitchen traffic. They had been instructed to place some high-top seats arranged around matching tables near the makeshift outdoor kitchen for those who wanted to watch the pizzamakers work. It was tight but cozy.
One thing was certain: Vicky was much more than an interior designer. She made everything around her beautiful, and her carefully curated ideas created opportunities for people to feel at home and comfortable.
My phone vibrated with a text. Slipping it out of my pocket, I frowned when I realized who it was from.
Katy:Hey! I’ve been thinking about coming to see my girl but not sure when.
I quickly shot off a text, putting my phone away before MJ saw it.
Me:Please don’t do this to her again if you’re not serious.
“Everything okay?” Mom asked, her eyebrows furrowed.
“Yeah, just a frustrating text,” I said. “Nothing to worry about.” I was determined not to let my ex bring down my mood.
When the doorbell rang, MJ raced for it, yelling, “I’ll get it. Maybe it’s her!”
There was no need for me to question who she meant. MJ was as captivated by this woman as I was, no matter how much I tried to suppress my growing attraction. But even after the conversation with Luke and Sofia, I knew deep down that pursuing anything wouldn't benefit any of us. I needed to continue building a friendship with Vicky, and nothing more.
Starting tonight. My mind was made up.
“Knew it was her,” my daughter announced, partially dragging a smiling Vicky by the hand to where Mom and I stood outside.
“Wow.” The whispered word slipped from my lips without any way to hold it back.
MJ had chosen the perfect word. Shewasa fairy. Wearing a form-fitting white sundress with bright yellow lemons scattered across it, she looked like a woodland fairy, complete with white daisies pinned in her hair.
Mom cleared her throat, probably trying to snap me out of my catatonic state.
“Vicky, you look absolutely lovely,” she said, giving her a hug while MJ stared up at her as if she was witnessing the same magic I was.
“Thank you, Angelica. So do you,” she answered sheepishly before greeting Sofia, Luke and Dad with a hug. “Dean, it’s so nice to see you again.”
“I’m so glad you came. You’ve done a phenomenal job,” he said.
I’d gone to introduce them, but remembered that Mom had mentioned he had stopped by the first time Vicky had come to my house.
“Thank you so much.”
Vicky turned to me with a shy smile. I tried, I really did, to say something, but it was like watching the most beautiful sunset in the harbor or hearing a piece of music that leaves you breathless. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest, threatening to break free and go to her.
“Hi, Miles. Do you like what they’ve done for the party?” she asked,her eyes expectantly meeting mine. She was seeking my approval, her voice uncertain.
Without taking my eyes from hers, I answered, “Beautiful.”
“Daddy, do you need something to eat again?” MJ asked, looking up at me with a smirk that mirrored my mother’s when I looked around. Luke and Sofia were making faces at each other like the children they were, not even trying to be subtle.
