I had a horrified thought. "I hope Ida was on good behavior."
"Nope," Chloe said. "She's a riot! I love her. She told me to eat thebánh mì—it was amazing."
"I wish you'd had a fresh one and not one that was sitting in a case," I grumbled.
"You make really fancy sandwiches, and it's hot out. I think they would be perfect to serve for lunch with some salads," Josie suggested.
"I make a really good pasta salad," Chloe said. "And there are so many fresh vegetables with the farm co-op. And of course I'll make desserts."
Archer set a box on the table, and Chloe opened it, displaying perfectly decorated cookies that looked like places around Harrogate.
"These are beautiful," I said in awe.
"I'm having Chloe make a box of these for each person, to be waiting in their hotel rooms," Archer said, reaching over and snagging a cookie.
"What about the signature cocktails?" Josie asked. "Archer was telling me about your artist-themed cocktails. We should serve those!"
"We need to serve something better than just wine and beer," Archer added.
"Hazel shouldn't be tending bar during the party," Josie said.
"I have caterers for the gala," Archer told her.
"I can just give them the recipes," I said. "And make some signs for the drinks."
"Great, it's all settled," Chloe said, closing her notebook. "I'm back and forth to Manhattan the next few days. This is going to be amazing!"
She was so bubbly and fun to be around. I couldn't hate her for moving in next door to me. Chloe was such a nice person, even if she was going to cost me my café.If she helps you with the grant, that's all that matters.
46
Archer
"Iswear, the only reason I'm giving a presentation," Mace said to Josie, "is because I need Archer to not set up shop here."
I was holding court in Mace's office. After the welcome lunch, we had several presentations scheduled to introduce Harrogate to the Art Zurich judges. Eli and Tristan were there too. Since they were Greyson Hotel Group interns, I decided I might as well put them to work.
"This is good practice for you guys," I told my younger brothers. "Though our big business is hotels, we make a huge percentage of our profits due to events like conferences, corporate retreats, and weddings."
"First, taking Otis and Theo to the art retreat, then taking interns under your wing. Look at you being helpful raising the next generation," Mace said.
"What? I participate."
"Sometimes, but it's like pulling teeth."
"It's just business. If I die from choking on a fish McBite, someone has to carry on my legacy."
"Hazel's been a good influence on him," Josie said.
"Stop acting like proud parents."
"But we are proud," my twin said, trying to smooth down my hair.
"Get off. It took me thirty minutes to make it do this."
"Hazel's been influencing his waistline a bit too," Eli said.
"Don't even," I warned then looked down at my waist and gingerly poked my abs. Did they feel a little less washboardy?
