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  “How many women clients have you had?”

  There was a pause in the conversation as Gabrielle counted them in her head. “Maybe three or four.” She had to dig back to the very beginning of her career, when she shared projects with other junior associates. Nothing really stood out. There were a few female clients who were secondary contacts if the main contact was unavailable for consultation. She always kept it professional. Serena was the first client who didn’t fit the mold, and it threw Gabrielle off.

  “Invite her. And have her bring her dog. Trust me on this.”

  Gabrielle clenched the receiver tighter. “That’s a horrible idea.”

  “It’s a great idea. You’re going to do better if you really get to know her. Kiddo, this is your make or break moment. Do you want to be partner? Then include her. Make her feel welcome. Make her the best client you ever had.”

  Gabrielle took another deep breath. “Okay, I’ll invite her.” She didn’t tell her mother Serena lived in Vail. The ninety-minute drive was probably going to be a deterrent.

  “Tell her she doesn’t have to bring anything. She’s our guest.”

  For a brief moment, Gabrielle wondered if her queerness was going to be an issue for Serena. She tried to remain as asexual as she could at work. If Serena showed up to the barbecue, she would meet Rosie, Anne, and their three children. Not to mention all the other lesbian couples who were friends with her family. Gabrielle loved that her family was so accepting of her sexuality. Gabrielle’s parents were the ones who showed up to Pride events wearing Free Hugs and We love you T-shirts long after Gabrielle stopped attending parades and events. She was proud of them for being accepting, but slightly embarrassed by how open they were. They were forever trying to fix her up with the nicest lesbians and bisexual ladies they’d ever met, according to her mother.

  “Okay, but I can’t guarantee she’ll come. She’s very private.”

  “All I ask is that you invite her. Do it now. I’ll see you Sunday.”

  Gabrielle didn’t feel any better after calling her mom. She’d gone from one set of problems to another. She placed another call.

  “So, here’s something. My mom wants me to invite my client to the barbecue.”

  Rosie’s voice was instantly animated. “Oh, I think that’s a great idea. Then we can finally meet the most difficult client you’ve ever had.” She dragged out the last part of the sentence to goad Gabrielle.

  “Yeah, yeah, I know. She’s not that bad. Just really indecisive. And I’m not doing her any favors by not being really into her vision.”

  “Then get to know her on a personal level. Your mom is right. This can only help things. All those stuffed shirts at your office always invite clients to go on their yachts and private jets. I don’t think a family barbecue is going to make or break the deal. Plus, I want to meet her.”

  “I confessed that I know she’s the winner, so don’t be all weird around her, okay?”

  “What? Me? Never.”

  Gabrielle smiled at Rosie’s exaggerated voice. “Yes, you.”

  “I’m going to ask her for a cool million, okay?”

  “No. You’ll ask her things like ‘How are you? Where do you live? Isn’t Gabrielle fabulous?’ You know, important questions.”

  “I know we’re always late to these things, but I promise we’re going to be there on time. Maybe even early. I want to meet the woman who’s got you in a tizzy.”

  Gabrielle rolled her eyes and playfully huffed. “You’re going to like her. She reminds me of you. Kind of rolls with the punches and doesn’t seemed fazed by a lot.”

  “Move over, woman. I just found a new best friend.”

  * * *

  Gabrielle hit the gym knowing full well she was really looking for Dani. She was wound tight and needed release. If Dani wasn’t there, she was going to spin her way to the top of the class and work it out that way. Sex sounded way more fun, though. She scanned the room but didn’t see the blonde anywhere. There were several other beautiful women, but she liked the no-nonsense vibe she shared with Dani. Their encounter had been fast and furious and was the first time Gabrielle didn’t feel guilty after.

  “Get on the bike, Gabby. You have two minutes to warm up.” Blaine had his headset on with the microphone turned up loud so the entire class could hear him. His voice boomed without it, so the microphone was a bit much.

  She climbed on a bike near the back to get away from the noise. She stretched out her legs, pedaled slowly, flexing her calves and pointing her toes to loosen up. Today had been the longest day, and she couldn’t believe she was here instead of at home soaking in her oversize tub. The changes she’d made to the Pet Posh Inn were for naught. Most of her day had gone into redesigning the space that Serena still had issues with. It wasn’t like she felt she nailed it, but it was a vast improvement over the initial design. Serena was struggling with what she wanted.

  “Ten seconds.” Blaine’s shout at the front of the class killed the low murmur of conversations people were having around her.

  After such an emotional day, she didn’t even know why she was there. She just knew she needed a win today. Any kind of win. When Blaine blew the whistle, she pumped her legs as fast as she could for as long as she could. Her stamina fizzled near the end and she finished in third. She was going the wrong way.

  “What happened out there, Gabby?” Blaine threw her a towel, which she happily caught.

  She wiped the sweat from her face and neck. “It was a bitch of a day and I let it get to my head,” she said.

  “Did you work it out?”

  She shrugged. “If nothing else, I’ll fall right to sleep tonight, so that’s something.”

  “You’ll get it next time.”

  Then he was off to motivate the next loser hanging around for bits of motivation and high fives. Gabrielle didn’t know what made her feel worse: coming in third, or being dismissed by him. If only Dani was here, then she wouldn’t feel so inadequate, but they’d never exchanged numbers or even last names. She sighed, grabbed her bag, and decided to shower at home. She was tired of people. She slipped into her car and checked her phone for messages. Rosie mentioned a T-ball game at ten for her older daughter, Rue. The text from her mother packed the most punch.

  Don’t forget to invite your client to the barbecue on Sunday.

  Gabrielle groaned and checked the time. It was nine on a Friday night. Serena didn’t strike her as the partying kind, so she took a chance and sent her a text.

  My parents are hosting their annual barbecue on Sunday. We would love it if you could join us. It’s very casual. Don’t bring anything. Oh, and L.B. is invited, too.

  She tried to make it sound as chill as possible, thinking she’d balk at the invite.

  Sounds great. What time do I need to be there? And what’s the address?

  Whether out of panic or excitement, Gabrielle’s heart fluttered for a moment. Exposing her personal life to a client was a big step. Never mind that Serena was an attractive woman. Gabrielle kept her distance for professional reasons. She took a deep breath and shot a text back with the address. Great. We’ll see you at two. It will be very laid back and fun.

  Gabrielle slipped into traffic and thought about Serena. She’d confessed her upbringing was rough and she didn’t even know her dad. Gabrielle grew up with a support group who rallied behind her every step of the way. Her parents, still together after forty years of marriage, were always there for her with advice, discipline, and structure. She’d had the perfect childhood. Gabrielle hoped that Serena would fit in, knowing full well that if she didn’t, her mother and Rosie would make her feel welcome.

  Chapter Eleven

  Serena stood in the doorway of her new house and waited to cross the threshold. This was a big moment. Her first house. She ran her hand along the smooth wooden door with the wrought iron door knocker and smiled. This was all hers. L.B. trotted off to investigate the house while she remained in the foyer. It wasn’t a big house. Rea
l estate was expensive in Vail. Too many people wanted to live there, and most of them were insanely rich. Serena’s house was just over two thousand square feet with vaulted ceilings, but the location and view were both spectacular. And she had a garage for the first time ever. The furniture wouldn’t arrive until Monday, but she was so excited at getting the house keys and having her own home that she bought a blow-up twin mattress to sleep on. She’d slept on worse things.

  “L.B.? Where are you, boy?” Her voice echoed against the emptiness in the room. She smiled when she heard the clicking of his nails in the kitchen as he continued his investigation of new smells in a new place. He was like this at Chloe and Jackie’s house. Only then she followed him around, afraid he might mark the new territory, but he never did. She trusted him. There was a doggie door that led to a decent-size backyard. She was going to have to show him what it was and how to work it. When he returned to her side after inspecting all the rooms, she squatted down and kissed his nose. “This is all ours now. Can you believe it?” She stood and looked around again. She felt like the most fortunate person on the planet. There was a good-size kitchen, four bedrooms, three baths, and a dream garden full of perennials. She didn’t want to plug all of her money into a giant house. This was plenty big enough for her, all of the fur babies she was going to rescue, and maybe even for anyone who wanted to rescue her.

  Her phone rang and Faith’s face popped up. “Hey, don’t even tell me you’re canceling.”

  “Hell, no. I can’t find your driveway. Can you come out to the street and wave me down?” Faith’s voice held a note of irritation.

  “Did you look for the red mailbox before the curve?”

  “Um, no. I completely ignored your directions. Of course I did.”

  “Your new car has a GPS built in. Hang on, I’ll be right out.” Serena gave explicit instructions for L.B. to be a good boy and she’d be right back with Aunt Faith. She walked down the driveway, phone in hand, and waited for Faith’s new Chevrolet SUV to approach. After waiting two minutes, she saw the car and waved for her to pull into the driveway.

  “That’s not a red mailbox. That’s almost black,” Faith said. She pointed at the stone structure perched near the road with a rust color door.

  “That’s red,” Serena said.

  “Maroon at best.” Faith rolled her eyes and parked on the concrete slab beside the garage. “Is this good?”

  Serena gave her a thumbs-up and opened up the back of the SUV. “Sleeping bag and camping mat. Perfect choice.”

  “I can’t believe my millionaire sister is making me camp.”

  “We’ve done it for years. Consider it a night of nostalgia.” Serena hugged Faith and grabbed her overnight bag. “I’m so excited for you to see the house in person.” Faith had given her approval after looking at dozens of houses with Serena online. They both loved this one.

  “It looks fantastic. I love all the windows.” Faith waved at L.B., who was waiting for them at the door, his tail wagging so fast and hard that his whole body shook.

  “Wait until you see the inside.” Serena opened the door to a very anxious L.B., who jumped up on Faith and lavished her with kisses. She made the mistake of stooping down only to be knocked over.

  “Stop, you furry beast.” Faith tried to be stern, but her laughter gave her away. That only encouraged him. Serena had to pull him away while Faith scrambled to stand. “Wow. Well, he’s happy here. And why wouldn’t he be? Look at this!” She stood and looked at the ceilings and around the open space.

  “Come on. I’ll give you the tour.”

  “When does the furniture get here?”

  “Monday, but I couldn’t wait. I wanted to get in here as soon as I could.”

  Faith squeezed Serena’s arm. “I don’t blame you for a second. I would want to be here, too, furniture or not.”

  “You know you can stay here if you want. It’s not super close to the center, but my door is always open.”

  “I know, sis. My lease isn’t up for a few months, and hopefully by then I’ll have a job lined up in Denver.”

  They walked through the house pointing out what they loved the most about it. Serena loved it the way it was. Faith wanted more color.

  “I promise I’ll add color to the walls.”

  “Stay away from antiques.” Faith gave her a look.

  “What’s wrong with them?” Serena had brought the broken phonograph with her. Besides some of her clothes, it was the only thing she’d packed when Chloe and Jackie kidnapped her the night she learned she won the lottery.

  “They’re old. You aren’t. Leave the antiques to the people who were alive when those things were popular,” Faith said. She unrolled her sleeping bag near the fireplace even though it was hot outside. That stemmed from being cold for a lot of her youth. Serena thought they would adjust to the harsh Colorado winters, but they never did.

  “What are we ordering for dinner?”

  “Anything you want. You’re picking because you’re the chef and I don’t want you making fun of my choices.”

  “You mean McDonald’s, which is one hundred percent salt and unidentifiable meat? Yeah, no. Let’s get food from that new Mexican restaurant. I’ve heard nothing but good things.” Faith gave Serena her order and cuddled on the floor with L.B.

  Serena ordered enough food for at least two meals. The electricity was on and in her name as of that morning. She threw a case of water and a case of Diet Coke in the otherwise empty refrigerator. L.B. had a bag of food that would last him until next week, so she was only worried about breakfast. Since joining the culinary center, Faith rarely ate fast food. What was once a staple in their lives was now snubbed. And this was all before the lottery. “Let’s go to the diner tomorrow morning, but I can’t eat a lot. I’m going to a barbecue.”

  Faith looked up at her in surprise. “Anyone I know?”

  “It’s the architect who’s designing the Pet Posh Inn. She’s pretty cool.” Serena tried hard to act nonchalant, but Faith knew her better than that. The prodding had begun.

  “Is she cute? Single? A lesbian?”

  Serena held up her hands. “Whoa, whoa. Hold up. Yes, she’s pretty, but very professional. I don’t see any rings on her fingers, but in today’s world that doesn’t mean anything. And as far as her being a lesbian, I have no clue.”

  “How pretty is pretty?”

  The way Faith looked at her made Serena want to share the truth. She sat down in front of her and opened up how they used to when they were younger. “She has brown hair, darker than mine, but it’s always pulled back so I don’t know the length. Her skin is the softest I’ve ever seen. The best part about her is that she has these fantastic eyes that are golden brown with a darker brown circle on the outside of the lighter brown. They’re amazing.”

  “What about her personality?”

  “Well, I don’t know. She’s usually all business and very serious about this project.”

  “That’s her job. You can’t fault her for that,” Faith said.

  “I know, but still. It would be nice if she was as excited as I am.” Serena leaned her head on Faith’s shoulder and sighed. “Maybe tomorrow she’ll open up more.”

  “Are you nervous? Do you want me to go with you?” Faith rested her head on top of Serena’s.

  “I’ll be fine. I’m sure it’ll be fun. I met her nephew. He’s sweet. Worst case scenario, I hang with him all afternoon.”

  “Is he cute?”

  Serena sat up as an idea popped up in her head. “You know what? Maybe you should come with me. That way you’ll already know people in Denver if you get a job there. It can’t hurt to have an arsenal of friends.” She didn’t look at Faith, knowing that if Faith saw the look in her eye, she’d know immediately that she had an ulterior motive. If Phillip was as perfect as Gabrielle said, he was perfect for her little sister.

  * * *

  “This place is gorgeous. You never told me your architect was filthy rich.” Faith opened the
car door before Serena had the Jeep in park.

  “Wait for us.” Serena had neglected to text Gabrielle about bringing Faith, but she couldn’t imagine it would be a problem if it was as casual as Gabrielle said it was going to be. She tethered L.B. to his leash and walked down the winding driveway to the backyard, where the smells of grilled food assaulted her nose and laughter and singing could be heard over music. This was definitely a good time. “Hey, this isn’t Gabrielle’s house. It’s her parents’ place, but yes, apparently they’re rich.” Serena didn’t think she would ever get used to the posh life. Being a part of it now was surreal. It would take her a long time to stop scraping and looking for coupons. They both stopped when they reached the backyard, not knowing where to go. Even L.B. stopped next to them, overwhelmed.

  “Hi. You must be Serena.” An attractive woman with brown hair and eyes like Gabrielle walked forward and shook Serena’s hand. “I’m Meredith, Gabrielle’s mom. Welcome to our crazy start-of-summer barbecue.”

  “Hi, nice to meet you. This is my sister Faith, and the furry little guy here is L.B. Thank you for the invitation.” For the first time in forever, Serena was completely at ease. Meredith introduced them to several people. She promised to find Gabrielle and send her over.

  “It’s nice to meet you. I’m Piper and this is my wife, Shaylie. Our daughter, Maribelle, is over there on the swings. She’s going to love this guy.” Piper leaned over and kissed L.B.’s head and rubbed his floppy ears in the process. “What’s your name?”

  “That’s L.B,” Serena said.

  “L.B. That’s an interesting name.”

  “He also answers to Lucky,” Serena said.

  “He’s adorable. We’re in the process of looking for a dog. Maribelle has been pushing us hard for a pet and we just don’t know if she’s old enough,” Shaylie said.

  The memory of three-year-old Faith crying and clutching King’s fur in her tiny fists as she begged Diane to let them keep him popped into her head. “I don’t think she’s too young. And there are so many sweet dogs that need a good home.”