Julian finished his chardonnay. “Bravo,” he said. His opinion on the presentation delighted me, but I was much more concerned about our clients. I gave them each a mock-up of my design. Then I backed away. It was up to them. I realized I hadn’t taken a breath.

“How much over is this from the initial budget we gave Julian?” Griffin asked.

“About five thousand. And that’s due to the fabric on the ceiling. It completes the look.”

Julian interrupted. “Exactly. This is a solid proposal.” He was defending me.

Henry grinned. He had a knack for breaking up tense situations. “I can see it. Griff?”

Griffin and I looked at each other like we were surveying the chessboard. Julian stood up and shook his head.

“For God sakes, you two. We are planning a restaurant, not a funeral. Henry, no wonder you drank with them around. Now, allow me to make a suggestion for you guys. I have a dear friend who offers a yoga class that will change your lives. You both should go tomorrow. I will make arrangements. Bailey, I give you permission to stay a few extra days.” This was the extent of Julian’s suggestions regarding the project.

That afternoon I was still walking around the space when Griffin came in.

“Can we sit a minute?” I could tell he was either going to reject or accept my proposal. His emotions were a mystery to me. Like his feelings.

“You think you can accomplish all this for just five thousand over the initial budget?”

“Yes. I always try to give worst-case scenarios,” I said more confidently than I felt.

We engaged in a staring match and I suppose I won. He pulled something out of his pocket. It was half of Julian’s design. He smiled. “Create something memorable.”

“That is my intention.” I realized my heart had been beating rapidly.

“So, you want to check out this yoga class that promises to change our lives this afternoon?” And we did. Many times. It would be one of Julian’s finest suggestions for me. And one of his last.

Julian sent me to Atlanta to oversee the project. Henry had selected a challenging location for the new venture. It was on the verge of condemnation. I snapped pictures of the bare walls as workmen and exterminators arrived. This space was just begging for transformation.

These men showed up unadorned. They wore perspiration-stained T-shirts and painter pants, but each day when I entered with my arms full, they raced to get the door for me. I instructed them what to tear down to make way for my ideas. These workers erected walls and moldings. They erected bar areas. They erected booths. They erected. I created. I loved creating magic. The day we implemented my idea and hung the fabric from the ceiling and installed the chandeliers, I was giddy but focused, like sampling a foreign food for the first time. I stood from every vantage point to make sure it was draped properly. I love taking a space that looked down on its luck and then putting it back together into something preening with beauty.