Chapters (66)
- Cover
- Title Page
- Dedication
- Chapter One
- Chapter Two
- Chapter Three
- Chapter Four
- Chapter Five
- Chapter Six
- Chapter Seven
- Chapter Eight
- Chapter Nine
- Chapter Ten
- Chapter Eleven
- Chapter Twelve
- Chapter Thirteen
- Chapter Fourteen
- Chapter Fifteen
- Chapter Sixteen
- Chapter Seventeen
- Chapter Eighteen
- Chapter Nineteen
- Chapter Twenty
- Chapter Twenty-One
- Chapter Twenty-Two
- Chapter Twenty-Three
- Chapter Twenty-Four
- Chapter Twenty-Five
- Chapter Twenty-Six
- Chapter Twenty-Seven
- Chapter Twenty-Eight
- Chapter Twenty-Nine
- Chapter Thirty
- Chapter Thirty-One
- Chapter Thirty-Two
- Chapter Thirty-Three
- Chapter Thirty-Four
- Chapter Thirty-Five
- Chapter Thirty-Six
- Chapter Thirty-Seven
- Chapter Thirty-Eight
- Chapter Thirty-Nine
- Chapter Forty
- Chapter Forty-One
- Chapter Forty-Two
- Chapter Forty-Three
- Chapter Forty-Four
- Chapter Forty-Five
- Chapter Forty-Six
- Chapter Forty-Seven
- Chapter Forty-Eight
- Chapter Forty-Nine
- Chapter Fifty
- Chapter Fifty-One
- Chapter Fifty-Two
- Chapter Fifty-Three
- Chapter Fifty-Four
- Chapter Fifty-Five
- Chapter Fifty-Six
- Chapter Fifty-Seven
- Chapter Fifty-Eight
- Chapter Fifty-Nine
- Chapter Sixty
- Chapter Sixty-One
- Chapter Sixty-Two
- 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.