“That’s always a relief to hear,” Himari says. “The rate of development around here is unsustainable. And I say that as an architect who benefits from the work.”
“Yeah.” Clay shoves a hand in his pocket. “Must cost a fortune to maintain a place like this.”
“And it’s well worth that fortune,” Daniel says, interrupting us. Another local architect, he’s a notorious snob, and I sigh internally as he interrupts. “What we’re doing here is on a different scale than what you’re doing over at Blossom, though.” He straightens his tie. “Nicholas. Himari,” he says, finally greeting us.
“Daniel,” Himari says coolly.
“I’ve noticed your work walking by,” Daniel says, addressing Clay. “But if you’re interested in adding your home to the historical register, you’re sadly not going to have any luck. On top of the fact that the structure is post-1900, we require everything to be done to an exceedingly high standard, which is different than what you do. Surely you understand.”
Clay scowls. “Maybe.” He nods to the fireplace behind Daniel. “I wouldn’t leave the jamb around the mantelpiece so shoddy, though.”
“Okay,” I say brightly, jumping in as I try to avert a trainwreck. “Luckily, no one is trying to add the building to the historical register.”
“I oversaw the renovation of this room myself,” Daniel tells Clay, ignoring me. “I assure you, nothing is shoddy.”
“Will you look at that?” Himari says as she glances at her phone. “The day is getting away from me. I’ll have to catch up with you all later.”
“See you soon!” I say brightly, and Daniel huffs off, also.
Clay grimaces.
“Daniel is a bit prickly,” I say, trying to smooth it over.
“Fuck that guy,” Clay grumbles. “But I scared off Himari.”
“Trust me. You can’t scare Himari.”
He pushes a hand through his hair. “Whatever. I told you. I’m no good at this. I should go before I insult anyone else.”
He’s bailing already. I’m not sure if I should encourage him to stay or not, and before I can decide, Clay huffs off.
I follow him outside. “Please don’t be hard on yourself,” I try. “That mess was entirely on Daniel.”
“Should have let it go,” Clay grumbles. “I sounded like an insecure meathead.” He hesitates in the front garden. “Thanks for trying to help me, though.”
“I’m sure when it comes down to it, your craftsmanship will speak for itself.”
Himari emerges from the front of the house with her purse. She shoots me a quick smile and heads our way.
“I’m glad I caught you both outside,” she says and turns to Clay. “And impressive eye. Those jambs annoy me every time I’m in this building.”
“Oh,” Clay says. He glances to me, and I smile.
“I told you, Clay is incredibly skilled,” I say. “You should come by the shop and see what he’s accomplished already.”
“I’m about to leave town for some business, but as I think about it, one of the other partners at our firm is retiring and looking to move.” She considers Clay. “Although, in this market, you really need to let difficult people like Daniel shoot their mouths off without taking it personally. The field is already too crowded with egos.”
“Right,” Clay says quickly. “I can do that.”
Himari nods. “Text me,” she says. “I can put you in touch. I think he’d like to see your place.”
Clay looks down at the card, grateful.
I do a little happy dance inside. Himari is exactly the kind of person who could help arrange the right buyer for Clay.
When she takes off, I grin at Clay. “See?”
“Guess she wasn’t so offended after all.”
“Give yourself some credit. You impressed Himari with your eye.”
Clay shoves the card in his back pocket. “Cool.”
My impulse is to take this goodwill and head right back inside, but Clay clearly needs a break, and I’m more than happy to end on a win for the day.
“Back to Blossom?” I ask.
He nods. “Sure. If I’m going to show the building, I want to get a head start on this week’s work.”
