“So itdoescome down to business.”
Ezreal could tell she was teasing him now, and he found he liked it. It made him feel good, almost like he was normal.
A truck pulled into the drive, and Sara called her children. They came running over to them with a sense of panic.
“Is this it?” Janna’s eyes were wide as she took her mother’s hand.
“No, sweetheart. We’re expecting this man.”
Ezreal was about to ask what that had been about when Brand slid his hand into Ezreal’s. It wasn’t the first time the child had done that, but his heart still gave an odd sort of twist. Standing with Sara and her children, he felt a sense of connection that he’d never experienced before.
The contractor strode to Ezreal with his hand extended.
“Hey there. I’m Billy Doyle. I understand you want to remodel a room?”
“Yes.” Ezreal shook the man’s hand and stepped back. “This is Mrs. Fortune. It’s her project.” He took Janna’s hand and let Sara move ahead with the contractor.
Ezreal stayed a little behind as she led the man to the building, talking about what she had in mind. He stood in the doorway and the children watched as she circled the room, her hands waving as she talked. Her love of the program showed in her enthusiasm as she talked about the decorating and the electronic needs for the room’s acoustics. She knew her stuff.
He glanced around the area, imagining its potential if the program grew. Perhaps a couple of rooms could be added to the side for individual lessons.Ifshe wanted to do something like that. Students could also use them for solo practice or in small groups. Yes, the room had a lot of potential.
While Sara chatted with the contractor, Ezreal smiled at the idea of working with her on the project, the teaching as well as the construction. As he’d gotten to know her better, his initial anxiety about helping with the class had gone away.
Once the contractor had jotted down some notes, they walked him to his truck. He raised a hand in farewell. When he’d driven away, Sara turned to Ezreal.
“Well?” he asked. “What do you think?”
“I don’t know.” She glanced to where the man was driving away. “He seemed to know his stuff about the building part, but I’m not sure I’d trust him with the decorating.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. We could hire a decorator.” Ezreal grinned and raised his hand to stop her protest. “It’s an investment, and I can afford it. Really.”
Sara heaved out a breath. “It’s hard taking handouts.”
“It’s not for you; it’s for the children.”
“Yes. For the children.” Her expression lifted. “Do you have time to do some shopping for wallpaper today, or should we plan on another day?”
“Wouldn’t finding wallpaper be a decorator’s job?” Not that Ezreal didn’t want to spent the time with her.
“Maybe,” Sara said thoughtfully, “but we don’t have one yet, and I have some definite ideas.”
“Works for me. I have a meeting I need to get back for, so another day.” Excited that she’d suggested spending more time with him, he pulled out his phone. “How about the day after tomorrow at two?”
“School’s out, so I’m free any time.”
“Great. I need to get going.” Ezreal bent to give Janna and Brand each a hug before going to his car.
As he backed up, Sara stood on the porch with the children and waved. Ezreal grinned. He’d been talking directly to Sara without thinking about Janna. That had to be the fastest mental shift he’d ever made.
It struck him how comfortable he felt in this woman’s company. He didn’t think he even felt that way around his mother.
