Was there anything this man did not do and do brilliantly? I was willing to bet not. I accepted his offer of brunch and gathered up my things, left for the waiting car, and went home to sleep that night with renewed anticipation.

The new day started with the routine morning gymnastics in the bathroom for Reggie and Elle. I shook my head in wonder and awe. Along with my appreciation of vintage stores, I also had a secret love of vintage poets. This looked to me like a scene out of Longfellow’s “The Children’s Hour,” about his amusement and love at watching his three daughters. In my version, Elle would be a stand-in for Longfellow’s daughter Edith—Edith with golden hair—and Regina would be the laughing Allegra. That would leave me as grave Alice.

I handed Elle the Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. She eagerly reached into the bag and pulled it out. “It will go perfectly with the new boots I just bought.” She slid the dress over her head.

“Yes. I know.”

“See, Elizabeth, it pays to live with a visionary,” Reggie piped in now, dotting concealer under her eyes. “I can’t wait to see what you come up with for me and my date Friday night.”

“Speaking of which, you were out very late last night, Bailey,” Elle said.

“It was a job interview for new restaurant. In fact, after you two quit hogging the bathroom, I need to get ready for a follow-up interview at noon.”

“Is this a job interview or a date?” Elle eyed me suspiciously.

“I would like to hear the answer to that,” Reggie added.

“This is just what happens in the restaurant business. I had to see if my incredible vision matched the Englishman’s cooking. I am going back at noon for seconds.” I smiled slyly. Elliott had awakened in me a “me” I liked.

“A nooner. Going back for seconds? I think our little Bailey girl is up to something,” Reggie added.

“You said he was English. What’s he like?” Elle asked.

“It’s just a job interview. His name is Elliott. He is kind, and he does have a talent for cooking. I like him.”

“Elliott the Englishman. I think I need to take you in hand and give you a makeover.” Elle was adjusting her new dress.

I’d rather talk about makeup than about Elliott. “Besides, I haven’t even accepted the job yet.”

The girls exchanged looks. “But you will.” Was it that obvious?

“Step aside. Let the master work. I need to get in your closet and find something that’s going to play up the figure you keep hiding and accentuate your green eyes,” Elle said.

“For the third time, this is just a job interview.”

Elle shook her head. “Consider me to be helping you dress for success.”

Both she and Reggie burst out laughing. “Maybe we’re just keeping an eye on what you have cooking.” Reggie walked out of the bathroom, suddenly leaving it very empty.