“This was Henry’s first house. Our very first project as a company.”

“Just like your debut album, Melancholy Apostle,” he said. “I read an interview you gave to Rolling Stone where you said that will always be your favorite record because it was so innocent and messy. You said it isn’t as polished and complex as your other albums but that’s what you love about it. It’s the same thing with this house for me. So many things I would do differently now—better, in a technical sense. But I was doing the best I could at the time, and there is beauty and integrity in that which I could never replicate now.”

Claudine was impressed. She hadn’t thought Henry was taking this night seriously. She never imagined he would have studied up on Zara.

“I forgot I said that,” Zara said. “There’s a lot of beauty in first ambition.”

“Every beam that holds the house up,” Claudine said, gesturing as they walked through the rooms, “every window you look out, Henry made it happen. We’re not a real estate agency. We’re a full-service residential design firm. We’re not like Steve whom you just met. He just sells houses. We build homes. It’s rare, actually, to be able to meet the architect. And Henry grew up in Aspen, so he brings an invaluable local perspective.”

“That’s so cool!”

“It is cool. Henry, isn’t it cool?”

The annoying little dog was at it again, running in circles, trying to get to Claudine’s shoes. Her instinct was to kick it. Pip yapped. Why did she bring that fluff ball?

“Should I get John to take your dog? John!” He was by her side in seconds. “Why don’t you take it for a treat. There must be something in the kitchen. We’re going to show Zara around. Please, take it.”

“Pip,” said Zara. “Not it.”

“Of course,” said Claudine. “Take Pip.”

“Not a problem.” John picked the dog up and disappeared.

“Let’s start with a quick peek from the deck.”

Zara pulled her faux fur coat a little tighter. She looked stunning, perfect for a party around a pool off Mulholland Drive. Not like someone who has any concern for the elements. The black and white vintage Mod go-go dress fit her like skin, complemented by knee-high baby blue leather boots.