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Chapters (66)
  1. Cover
  2. Title Page
  3. Dedication
  4. Chapter One
  5. Chapter Two
  6. Chapter Three
  7. Chapter Four
  8. Chapter Five
  9. Chapter Six
  10. Chapter Seven
  11. Chapter Eight
  12. Chapter Nine
  13. Chapter Ten
  14. Chapter Eleven
  15. Chapter Twelve
  16. Chapter Thirteen
  17. Chapter Fourteen
  18. Chapter Fifteen
  19. Chapter Sixteen
  20. Chapter Seventeen
  21. Chapter Eighteen
  22. Chapter Nineteen
  23. Chapter Twenty
  24. Chapter Twenty-One
  25. Chapter Twenty-Two
  26. Chapter Twenty-Three
  27. Chapter Twenty-Four
  28. Chapter Twenty-Five
  29. Chapter Twenty-Six
  30. Chapter Twenty-Seven
  31. Chapter Twenty-Eight
  32. Chapter Twenty-Nine
  33. Chapter Thirty
  34. Chapter Thirty-One
  35. Chapter Thirty-Two
  36. Chapter Thirty-Three
  37. Chapter Thirty-Four
  38. Chapter Thirty-Five
  39. Chapter Thirty-Six
  40. Chapter Thirty-Seven
  41. Chapter Thirty-Eight
  42. Chapter Thirty-Nine
  43. Chapter Forty
  44. Chapter Forty-One
  45. Chapter Forty-Two
  46. Chapter Forty-Three
  47. Chapter Forty-Four
  48. Chapter Forty-Five
  49. Chapter Forty-Six
  50. Chapter Forty-Seven
  51. Chapter Forty-Eight
  52. Chapter Forty-Nine
  53. Chapter Fifty
  54. Chapter Fifty-One
  55. Chapter Fifty-Two
  56. Chapter Fifty-Three
  57. Chapter Fifty-Four
  58. Chapter Fifty-Five
  59. Chapter Fifty-Six
  60. Chapter Fifty-Seven
  61. Chapter Fifty-Eight
  62. Chapter Fifty-Nine
  63. Chapter Sixty
  64. Chapter Sixty-One
  65. Chapter Sixty-Two
  66. Acknowledgments

“The other big architectural changes I’m proposing are to add ceiling beams and paint them a distressed white and round off all the doorways into arches to soften the lines and create an inviting feel. The last structural addition I would make is to plump up the landscape to make the patio more inviting and delightful. Green applies to both flowers and foliage. I’ve eliminated the additional walkway, and by doing so, I’ve added six extra tables to the patio. With heat lamps, it will be a great place three seasons of the year, and we could rent it out for parties.” I sensed Griffin’s eagerness to look at the cost page. He humored me for now. “Now if you could join me in Griffin’s office, Lea and I have created a mock-up of the restaurant with the new color scheme and décor.” I managed a smile. My brother and Griffin did too. Lea did the honors and led both men to the sofa and makeshift table.

“I’ve purposely made this the worst table in the restaurant. Now pretend you are on a date.”

“Sorry little sister, Griff isn’t my type,” my brother joked as he sat.

“Bro, I’m wounded,” Griffin said. I smiled. My serious side reared its demanding head. I needed their hijinks, their ease with each other, their playful banter.

“You don’t have to marry each other. Just pay attention to the girl in the dress,” I scolded. “I’ve taken the liberty of painting the walls the green I suggest. If you allow your eyes to scan the vista of the room, you will see how the green and the blue dance happily together, especially in conjunction with the paintings. You will notice I have added about six new pieces of artwork to the walls when we walk around the restaurant. Again, to make it homey and to give an unexpected amuse-bouche for the eyes. I want this place to be a treat for all the senses.” I had two final things to show them. I removed the big tablecloth over Griffin’s desk to reveal an antique white enamel and green teardrop chandelier I had bought at an estate auction. I wanted it to go in the ladies’ room or the hallway. It reminded me of my beloved earrings.