She exited the golf cart. “Are Joyce and Beryl already here?”
“No, but they should be in about ten minutes or so. Come in and meet Clive.”
Scout ran into the house ahead of them.
Lucas’s kitchen looked different. There were tall, tripod lights with umbrella reflectors set up at either side, filling the space with warm, bright light. There were two cameras set up as well, one looking straight on, one facing the kitchen at an angle. Things on the counters had been slightly rearranged with more artful positioning. Fresh flowers, a few small potted plants, and a bowl of oranges had been added. The pops of color along with the vibrant green made the space come alive under the lighting.
“Wow, this is different.”
“You like it?”
She nodded. “I do. Looks like your show.”
“Good. But I trust your eye. If there’s anything you think should be moved or positioned differently, just say the word.”
“No, it looks great.”
He set her bag on the counter. The island in the center would be the focus of the cameras, obviously, as that’s where they were aimed, as were the lights.
A young man with a shaggy but stylish haircut emerged from the hall. “All set up. Hello there.” He stuck his hand out. “I’m Clive. Are you Joyce or Beryl?”
Frankie shook his hand. “Neither. I’m Frankie. I’m the moral support.”
Lucas put his arm around her. “She’s also my girlfriend. She’s here to help Joyce and Beryl feel more at ease, but we might have her on camera as a taste-tester.”
“Very nice to meet you, girlfriend” Clive said with a knowing grin.
“Did I mention, too,” Lucas said. “She’s also the graphic designer who did my new logo?”
Clive’s nicely manicured brows rose. “Are you now? I love that logo. Nice job.”
Frankie bowed her head. “Thank you.”
Clive wiggled his fingers at her. “Could I get your card?”
“Oh.” Frankie made a face. “I don’t have any. I should really fix that.”
Clive whipped out his phone. “Just give me your social media and I’ll follow you.”
“Um…” Frankie rattled off her website and her seldom-used Instagram.
Lucas leaned in and gave Clive Frankie’s new Facebook page. “You can contact her there, too.”
Clive nodded as he looked at his phone. “You have some cute designs.” His gaze came back to her. “You did all of these?”
“Yep.”
“Girl, I might need to hire you.”
Lucas shot Frankie a look. “Clive, why don’t you give Frankie a little touch-up so she’s camera-ready. In case we need her. I have a few more things to set up before the ladies get here.”
“I’d love to. Right this way, doll.”
Frankie glanced at Lucas, who nodded, so she followed Clive back to the guest bathroom. He had one of the tall kitchen stools set up in front of the mirror and the counter was covered in beauty and hair supplies, along with a vast assortment of brushes and tools.
He patted the stool. “Have a seat.”
Frankie settled in, not sure what to expect. “I don’t wear a lot of makeup.”
