by Olivia Swift
“I’ll take this coffee table as well, if you like,” he told her and named a price.” Miller looked at Jules, whose eyes twinkled because she was learning fast, and nodded.
“That’s fair,” he said, and Marvin added the amount for the table.
“Give me a week to move these, and then let me know if you have anything else available,” he said, and pointed to a bookcase in the corner. It was battered and had been painted at one time, but the wood was solid. Miler went and moved it about to see what the state of the back was, and then she said that she would take it away. He gave her a budget that seemed workable and she agreed. Jules picked it up and they said their goodbyes and thanks.
“I guess you’ve got the start of a business,” Jules told her as they closed the lid on the bookcase.
“Mmm,” Miller said. “I’ll treat you to lunch out of this cash.”
He laughed and drove out of town to a quiet country restaurant.
“I have to admit that you were right,” she added. “But I am going to have to work day and night to keep my job and the new business.”
He nodded. “I have an assignment to complete as well, so I won’t get in your way.”
“Where are you going?” she asked. He explained that it was to shoot a range of new cars.
“The photos will only take a couple of days, but the work in the studio is the time-consuming bit,” he said.
“Will you be back for Evan’s barbecue?” she asked and realized that she hadn’t told him what Evan had said. She also felt a quick pang that told her the barbecue would not be the same if he weren’t there. He covered her hand across the table with his own and set a few butterflies fluttering.
“I wouldn’t miss it for the world.” He smiled and the butterflies kept on doing their dance. The two of them chattered on about what she would do, and he mentioned that she should look into selling online as well. The new business had a lot of different aspects, and the time sped by unheeded. They drove back to her house and inspected all of the pieces that might be available.
“I’ll work hard on this bookcase for the next two evenings and might finish it on Saturday. I’ll relax at the barbecue on Sunday, and you can see what you think of it,” she said. He turned her towards himself and wrapped his arms around her.
“It will be a long three days,” he said. Their lips met in a kiss that had been on his mind for some time. The world fell away, and Miller felt the tingle of sensation run from her head to her toes. Her response was undeniable. It was a long and lingering farewell. She watched him drive away, and when her heart had settled to a normal pace, she called her mother.
“Are you both at home?” Miller asked her mother. When she said they were, Miller said she needed to talk, grabbed her bag, and drove away.
The Hollenbecks had a lovely home set in manicured gardens with columns of stone flanking double glass doors. There was security on the large wrought iron gates, and Miller used her remote to open them. Her mother saw the car drive up and came to the top of the steps to give her daughter a hug.
“Nothing’s wrong, is it?” she asked and was relieved to see Miller shake her head.
“Needed to ask Dad’s advice,” she said as they went inside and kissed her stepfather on the cheek.
“Well?” Maddie prompted. Miller related the story about Jules and the furniture.
“It’s a business thing, Dad,” she said. “I need to know how to set this up and what to do about it.”
“That’s not a problem,” Rick Hollenbeck answered.
“But?” His wife asked, and he thought for a second or two.
“What’s he like? This Jules?” he asked. She went over what had happened and how he was Evan’s friend.
“Evan vouches for him,” she added.
“And you might have fallen for him?” her mother put in. Miller gave a small nod. Her mother came and gave her a hug. “Then he’s a lucky man,” she said.
Her stepfather said that the business setup was no problem, and he would do it and send it by email so that she had everything legally in place.
“Bank that money in your normal account and we can adjust it later. “What did you call this shop?” When she told them, her mother said that she knew someone who bought a lamp from him.
“It was most unusual and made from a paraffin can.” Miller agreed that he had some really different things.
“I didn’t like the metal, industrial stuff. It’s too hard. Give me wood every time,” she said and then saw that her stepdad looked solemn. “What is worrying you?” Rick sighed and said that he heard good things about the son but wouldn’t do business with the father for a king’s ransom.
“Why?” his wife asked, and he told her the man was a crook.
“Good at it and he kids everyone he’s from old money, but he’s been involved with crooks just the same. He has houses in New Zealand, the Riviera, and Bermuda but made his early cash with some very dubious partners. Might still owe them favors. Business is all legit and above board but…” He left it hanging in the air.
“I’ll stay clear of him then,” Miller said. “Do you think I can make a business of this upcycling?” she asked.
“You can do anything you set your mind to,” he told her, “and we’ll have your back if the worst happens---but don’t let anyone else know that.” She jumped up and kissed his cheek.
“You are the best dad in the world, but I’ll make it work.” To her mom she asked if they would go and see the picture in the gallery.
“Try and keep me away,” her mother laughed.
5
Miller got through another day at work with barely concealed impatience and rushed back home to start on the bookcase. She gobbled the sandwich she had bought on the way home and took a coffee into the small shed she had behind the house, then she gazed at the bookcase. It was badly chipped and scratched and any ideas of hand sanding went out of the window. She hooked up the power sander, put on a mask and goggles, and started on the job. It was always so satisfying to see the real wood show up from underneath the layers of old paintwork, and with just a few coffee breaks, she smoothed out the whole piece and stood back.
“Wow,” she breathed. “Now what would you like to be turned into bookcase?” she asked out loud but got no reply. Searching her piles of odd vintage wallpapers, she found a beautiful French-looking bird theme and then found paint to compliment. The edges would look good in a dark turquoise and maybe a bird stencil on the top. Chalk paint is easy to apply and the blue, basic coat was done in no time and left to dry. She sank in front of the television with a coffee in hand and her heart did a bounce when the name on the cell screen said that Jules was calling. She smiled happily and answered.
“Hello, Redhead,” he said.
“Hello back, Redhead,” she replied with a chuckle and told him about the bookcase.
“I wondered how it was going,” he said. “The other thing is to tell you that the gallery is having an invitational viewing next week and your picture will be part of the exhibition. I think you should be there.”
“Oh,” she said doubtfully. “I don’t know if I can face that. Mom said she was going to see it in the gallery anyway.”
“I’ll get invitations for everyone---your mom and dad, Jazz, and everyone; then we’ll be a big gang and you’ll feel okay.”
“That would be better,” she answered. “We can tell them at the barbecue.” He gave her the dates so she could call her folks. He told her he missed seeing her and she sighed.
“I hadn’t realized that you made such a difference to the pieces I am doing. I miss you as well.”
He told her he would finish the photo-shoot by early afternoon and was planning to drive straight back.
“What time do you finish work?” She said that if he came to the house, she would make a meal and then she could still work on the bookcase. He laughed and said that was marvelous and that he was glad she was so serious about the business. The talk lingered for at least another half hour and they r
eluctantly said goodnight. “See you tomorrow, Redhead,” he finished.
“Look forward to it, Redhead,” she replied as they ended the call. She held the phone to her chest and gazed into space. She called her mom and Jazz before turning in for the night and started to think about what to wear for the exhibition.
Work was something to be wished away the next day, and when it came to an end, she rushed back to slide a chicken casserole into the oven and some potatoes that would cook at the same time. She flew around the house and chose clothes that she could work in but still look good. By the time the knock on the door sounded, she had whipped cream for a strawberry dessert and didn’t realize she had icing sugar on the end of her nose. He stepped inside with a bunch of roses in his hand and she rushed to say hello.
She took the flowers into the kitchen. He followed and put his arms around her waist while she was filling a vase with water. She switched off the tap and turned into his embrace.
“Oh, I have missed you so much,” he murmured and took her lips with a kiss that told her what he was feeling. Her whole body responded to his touch, and she poured everything that was in her heart into returning the kiss. The moment deepened and Miller knew for the first time in her life that she was in love. It was a stunning revelation, and staying in his arms forever was all that she would ever want. They parted company in the end, and he wiped the icing sugar from her nose.
“Food smells good,” he said as she ladled it out. “I haven’t eaten since breakfast.” He proceeded to clear the plate in record time. “Cooking is another of your many talents,” he added as she produced a dish of strawberries, cream, and meringue. Afterwards, he dropped onto one of the chairs and pulled her onto his knee.
“Tell me we can keep on meeting, Miller.”
“You mean you like to be fed,” she joked. He pulled her in for a kiss that said it was not just the cooking.
“What have you done with the bookcase?” he asked, so she dragged him to the shed outside. “Oh, this is where you work,” he noted. “Not a lot of room though.” She nodded and said that she spray painted outdoors and pointed at the bookcase.
“The main painting is done, but this paper is to go on the back.” She rolled it out and he whistled.
“Looks fabulous,” he said. “Can I do anything to help?”
“I’ve measured it approximately. If you paint the PVA glue onto the back wall, I’ll put it on like wallpaper and trim off the excess.” They worked well as a team and then sat back to admire the three panels that completed the back.
“What next?” he asked. She produced a tiny brush and dark turquoise paint to do a thin edge around the top. She decided to do a stencil on the top first and found the bird one in a drawer. That was done with a very dry brush. She started the edge and asked him to make coffee.
“I know my place,” he laughed and went to fix the drinks. Miller finished the delicate work of the edging and stepped back to admire her handiwork. Jules slipped an arm around her shoulders and handed her the coffee. “It is wonderful. Marvin will be over the moon.” He paused. “You know you should sign them on the back with your initials.” She thought about it and at the very bottom of the back she put a tiny C and H. He lifted it outside to take photographs. He told her, reluctantly, that he had to sit in the studio the next day and make a start on the car pictures.
“I can see Marvin myself in the morning. I’ll call you and let you know what happens.”
“I can pick you up for the barbecue,” he offered. They spent some time lingering over a goodbye kiss or two.
Marvin was delighted with the French feel of the bookcase, and she had kept to the budget, which was even better. He handed over the amount agreed and asked her to take away a small console table. Miller drove away pleased with the result of their handiwork and with herself for standing on her own feet for the first time. She spent some time at home treating herself to a long and relaxing bath and deciding what to wear the next day.
“The barbecue is easy,” she thought. “Jeans and a top, but the exhibition is another thing again.” She decided to consult with her mom.
Sunday dawned beautifully and Miller hummed little songs to herself as she found clothes and took some time with her makeup. She tied the unruly curls back and added a huge, jeweled clip. It was good to go out feeling comfortable as well as stylish, and she remembered what the well-fitting jeans had cost. High-tops in a shade to match her shirt completed the outfit, and she grabbed a basket to fill with sweet extras she had bought the day before.
Jules arrived with two bottles of bubbly to add to the gifts and swept her off her feet to grab a quick kiss or two before they set off in high spirits. Evan had the barbecue on the large terrace with lots of seats around, and there was a table with bowls of salad, bread of various sorts and lots of other snacks that you always saw at these meals.
“I know Evan cooks like a pro but brought a few extras anyway,” Miller told Jazz as she handed over the basket, and Jules gave the bottles to Dex who stashed them in ice containers in the shade. Little Molly Kim was being swung on a covered seat by her Auntie Kim, and Miller went to squeeze on and join them. She cooed over the baby, and looking around waved hello to everyone. Jules had gone to help Evan and was taking cooked food to the table. Jazz shouted to everyone to come and grab it while it was hot, and she took the baby so that her sister could get some food. The dog, Mungo, didn’t know whom to go to first to beg for scraps, but settled on Dex who was his best chance. Jasmine sat in the swing seat with the baby in one arm and Evan handed her a burger.
Rob Manners, who had been at school with the girls and was an old army buddy of Evan’s, was chatting with Ben; he worked for Jazz on garden restoration work. They had bottles of beer while they were keeping an eye on the state of the cooking. Katarina was asking if she could hold the baby for a short time. Jazz took the chance to have a drink and a burger. Katarina had started to work part-time in the jewelry shop and soon became great friends with them all. She walked up and down rocking Molly Kim and looked a picture herself.
“What a perfect summer picture,” Miller said to Carly.
“Nothing like good friends,” the jeweler replied. She was wearing at least four beautiful necklaces. “What is this about a business?” she asked. The group had gravitated together to eat and they all heard the question. There was a pause where Miller looked at Jules for support and, between them, they related everything that had happened.
“So, you sold the chest?” Carly asked. “I really liked that one. You know one or two small pieces would fit into the shop. Why didn’t I think of that before?”
“Oh my,” Miller exclaimed. “I am starting to think this might really work.”
“Of course, it will work,” Jules assured her. “We need to see how we can sell online as well.”
“You might get so much work that it will overload you,” Jazz said and Jules put in that the idea was to let her leave the job.
“That Bill Cardoon is so horrible,” Miller said. “It would be wonderful if it worked.” She told them about Marvin Blackstock and the shop. “I never knew that street was there,” she added.
“I’ll have to have a run down and see what he sells,” Carly told them. “Might pick up some ideas.”
“Then there is this exhibition later in the week,” Jules told them. “We need all the support we can get. I know that the photo will be appreciated, but Miller is nervous because she is the model. I’ve brought proper invitations for everyone.”
Kim laughed. “I’ve got a friend who is a photographic model. That is a first.”
“Oh, I hope you won’t all think I look awful,” Miller wailed.
Jazz put an arm around her. “Don’t be silly. I’ll wallop anyone who laughs at you.”
Jules told them he knew instantly that the shot was a one in a million.
“If anyone does not like it, they are moronic.” He took out his phone and passed around the shot in miniature.
“Oh, I
love it,” Carly said.
“Me too,” Katarina agreed. “He captured the excitement of making the door look wonderful.”
“Thanks,” Jules said. “This is the bookcase Miller finished for Marvin.” They all looked at the French effect result.
“Oh, you are so good,” Jazz told her. “I can’t wait to see how the business goes. If you need a hand, just give us a shout.”
“And if you have a couple of coffee tables or smaller pieces, can I try them at the shop?” Carly asked. Miller smiled and told her she would love to have them in the shop. Jules looked at her smiling face and was glad he had suggested it all in the first place.
6
For the next few days, Miller did her stint at the dealership and worked on furniture and the house in the evenings. Jules had told her that he would have to spend some time in the studio to make the cars into advertising shots for television and posters. They talked on the phone and kept each other updated. Miller had taken two coffee tables down to Carly and bought herself a beautiful necklace at the same time. She spent some time with her mom, and they decided to wear very sophisticated and expensive clothes that would match anything that anyone at the exhibition would wear. A trip to the hairdresser was also booked before the visit to the gallery.
“I need to tame these curls into something respectable,” Miller said. “I don’t want to look like the girl in the picture. It is fantastic, but I look like a schoolgirl.”
“We can visit the stylist together and then go back for your dad to drive us to the gallery,” Maddie added.
The hair salon was exquisite with gleaming steel surfaces and very modernistic flower arrangements everywhere. They both settled in front of mirrors and explained what was needed.
Jerry, the young man working on Miller’s unruly curls, ran her hair through his hands and smoothed a magic oil into the strands that suddenly made it workable.
“I love it when that happens,” Miller told him. “Make me look sophisticated please,” and he proceeded to do just that. The chignon that resulted was pulled back from her face to heighten her cheekbones, but one or two artistic strands softened her face. He produced a diamante that was neither hat nor decoration but something he wove into the hairstyle. He waved to the mirror and a completely different woman looked back.
