And that is the thing about food. Food, like life, can constantly take you by surprise. You have to be open to the possibilities. And that is the thing I loved about food the most. I have never really cared for figs. I thought they were slimy. I much preferred their cousin, the date. But what Elliott achieved with those figs was something otherworldly, especially matched with the ice cream. I loved the way all three flavors settled in my mouth.

I hoped he made his cappuccino with a hint of cinnamon. I thought that would be the perfect way to wash these flavors down. But it wasn’t cinnamon. It wasn’t even a cappuccino. It was hot tea. A nod to his homeland. It had an interesting flavor I was having a hard time identifying.

“It’s green cardamom you’re tasting,” Elliott said. Even in my somewhat compromised state, I was impressed. Green cardamom is one of the rarest and most expensive spices. Paired with the tea, it was delicious, especially with the trace of fig ragu.

I was pleasantly surprised. I liked it. I was relieved it was not Griffin’s cappuccino. But in looking at everything else he put before me, I wondered if my brother and Griffin could come up with such creativity in their kitchen.

While I nursed my tea, I watched Elliott. He enjoyed an appreciative audience. He had that in me. “Let’s talk numbers,” he said, almost dampening the mood.

He took a small piece of paper out of his shirt pocket. He slid it over to me. “This is what I propose: the first number is what I expect the renovations to cost. The second is your design fee with three installments as the job progresses.”

“Oh, I see your game now. Get me drunk so I’ll accept anything. Remember, Elliott, I have been trained by Julian to negotiate.” I didn’t want to start haggling this late at night with a tank full of booze.

“We don’t need to decide anything tonight. Just tell me if I’m in the ballpark.”

Poor Elliott looked so expectant. I couldn’t imagine that he would offer anything that would be even close to what he really needed to match my vision. But when I looked at the piece of paper, I was pleasantly surprised. It exceeded my expectations.

I tried to maintain my composure and my own rule of thumb from shopping at my vintage stores. “I’ll have to think about this, Elliott.”

“I want you to. I want you to be happy with the price. Because, in the end, Bailey, I want you.” And then he added, “I want your vision.” I was not in any hurry to leave, but the delicious and unique tea had done very little to sober me up. I took my phone out and hit the Uber app.

“So, it’s time for you to go?” It was a question. “I think I could talk to you all night long, Bailey. Can you come in the morning to discuss numbers? I’ll make it worth your while and make you something yummy for brunch. Noon?”