Total pages in book: 105
Estimated words: 102411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 102411 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 512(@200wpm)___ 410(@250wpm)___ 341(@300wpm)
Ford: And you? Do you watch decorating shows? Comedy specials from women comics? Zombie shows?
Skylar: Why women?
Ford: They’re usually funnier than men.
Skylar: True, true.
Ford: And the answer?
I glance to the right, just to check. She’s sitting on a kitchen stool now, I think, and…damn. Is that a smile on her face as she replies?
My chest feels a little warm.
No shit. You’re in a hot tub.
Skylar: Tonight, I’m bingeing how to impress your client with the best kale smoothie ever.
I know that’s not what she’s doing. I could call bullshit, but instead, I grin and call her bluff.
Ford: Can’t wait.
7
SEXY RENO GUY
SKYLAR
The next morning, I walk in early to the podcast studio in the Mission District—because no one ever slays by being late. My matchmaker friend Isla uses this studio for her wildly successful dating advice show, and I snagged some recording time here for my design podcast. Pretty sure she struck a sure, we’ll let your friend use the space as long as we can have you too kind of deal, but hey, beggars can’t be choosers.
In the break room, I’m pouring another cup of iced coffee when Trevyn walks in with Mabel. Her caramel-colored hair falls in perfect waves since she has perfect hair, blonde streaks and all. I’d be jealous if I didn’t love her so much. She dictates into her phone as she enters: “I’m not going to tell him how to boil an egg because boiled eggs are gross.” Then she hits send, looks up, and says with zero apology, “My brother. I’m trying to stop him from making an egg salad.”
“You’re doing the Lord’s work,” I say solemnly.
“She always is,” Trevyn says, “and so is Simon.” He waggles his phone at me then clears his throat and reads, “Waiting for Mom to finally take dance lessons. If she improves, maybe she can make some cash shaking it—gotta fund my posh lifestyle somehow.”
He’s reading straight from my dog’s social feed.
“Simon’s shameless. What can I say? He’s practically begging for a sponsorship,” I reply.
“He deserves one,” Mabel says.
“Well, Simon Side-Eye is more popular than me,” I admit, since my dog absolutely kills it on social media with his sarcastic commentary on our photos—like the one I took last night of us dancing. “Seriously, where does he come up with this stuff?”
“I can’t even imagine,” Mabel says, nodding toward the studio. “Ready? I need to meet a broker later today.”
“Ooh, do you think you’ll get a space finally?” I ask. Mabel’s been trying to find the perfect location for a bakery.
She crosses her fingers. “We’ll see.” She sounds cautious, wary even, but I get it. She’s been working her butt off to make the leap from selling cookies and other treats at farmers’ markets, pop-up shops, and local cafés to, hopefully, having her own bakery. A few spaces have fallen through, but I’m seriously proud of her gumption and her skills. Trevyn too—he refurbishes furniture. It’s a far cry from his former career as a professional pairs figure skater, but he’s nailing this one just like he nailed jumps and lutzes once upon a time.
We head into the small studio and move into our seats like synchronized podcasters. I flip open my laptop, fire up the software, and hit a few buttons. After testing our mics, we’re good to go. The only thing left is the camera. I pop my smartphone into the ring light in the room, hit record, then return to my seat.
“Hey there, we’re back with another episode of Hot Trends, Classic Spends. This is your host—Skylar Haven. I’m joined by two of my favorite sidekicks—”
Trevyn clears his throat. “Sidekick? I like to think of myself as the main attraction.”
“I’m bringing the headliner energy too,” Mabel adds, not to be outdone.
“Fine, fine. We are all superstars here,” I concede. “And I’m going to be a superheroine of eco-design since my new client wants me to do—wait for it—his entire house and make it sustainable.”
They already know this, but Trevyn gives a “whoop, whoop,” and Mabel adds, “That’s awesome.”
“Thank you. I’m, admittedly, a little excited. I live for this kind of blank slate. And I have big plans,” I add, then share some of my general ideas for the home.
“And this is for Sexy Reno Guy?” Trevyn asks with a gotcha smirk.
Of course Trevyn knows the big new client is the hot neighbor I hated for a day. I’d never keep that kind of juicy nugget from friends. Still, I do my best to remain unfazed for the sake of podcasting entertainment, furrowing my brow as I innocently ask, “Did I call him that?”
Mabel smirks. “No, but based on the red in your face, I think the name might be sticking.”
I press a hand to my cheeks. My skin is a little hot. “Please. My cheeks aren’t red,” I say, grabbing my coffee and taking a long sip. It’ll cool me off.