Page 79 of Structure of Love

They both shook and settled. Mrs. Johnson was an athletic looking woman, her arms toned. Her husband was softer, slightly balding, more an office worker type who sat around too much. I sympathized, as that was me unless I hit the gym regularly.

Asher sat next to me and explained in his usual perky manner, “I’m here for design ideas in case you want a particular look.”

“Oh, we do.” Mrs. Johnson pulled her phone out and opened some app before handing it over. “I’ve created a Pinterest board for you.”

I had to laugh. “You’re speaking his love language now.”

“Pinterest is very helpful,” Asher claimed, sniffing at me. “Like now. Love these inspiration pictures, the house will look fabulous.”

“Let’s focus on the design first.” I pulled my laptop closer to me to take notes. “Mr. Johnson, I understand ADA compliancy is something we need in this house, but anything else you want to request?”

“One more thing,” he said, voice strangely deep for a man of his small stature. I would have pegged him as a tenor, as he’s not much bigger than Asher or Riggs. “I was diagnosed with MS earlier this year, so the house needs to be completely one level, no steps up or down. Something accessible.”

I noted all of that down. “All right, so what’s your thought on square footage?”

They outlined what they wanted, with me taking notes. I had a very good concept of what they desired and pulled up a similar house I’d designed the year before. While they liked it, it wasn’t the look they wanted, which was fine. They’d come to me forsomething custom, after all, not cookie cutter. Still, it helped define exactly what they wanted.

They signed a contract before they left, which told me I’d said all the right things. It also meant I had a fun new project. Money plus fun project equaled a happy Gage.

Now, how to make sure my friends kept their mouths shut, that was the question.

Zar: What’s this I hear about proposal blueprints?

Gage: Goddammit Asher keep your mouth shut!

Asher: Since when have I been capable of keeping secrets from Zar?

Gage: …all right point but still! I don’t want Logan hearing about this yet!

Zar: Wait, wait, wait! There really are proposal blueprints? I wanna see!

Gage: No

Zar: Asher got to see!

Gage: Which was clearly my mistake

Asher: I regret nothing

26

Gage

Tuesday evening meant relaxing with Logan at his place. It was my turn to take a day off, and since I’d had little to do, I’d taken a half day. We’d mostly run errands, enjoying time spent together and doing a bit more to Erin’s room. She was due to move in next Friday, and Logan wanted everything perfect for her. He was such a good big brother.

I carried in the last bag and set it on the bed. The room looked great painted green, and I could see traces of Asher’s influence here and there. “You really did buy things Asher told you to.”

“Damn right I did. When an expert offers free advice, I take it.”

“I’m not remotely surprised. I think—” My phone rang in my pocket.

Pulling it free, I looked at the screen and immediately groaned.

Cooper.

Logan glanced at the screen too, and his expression became closed off, almost unreadable. “He still calling you when he’s in trouble?”

“Less now, but yes. After his stint in jail, he sent asorrytext, so I unmuted his number. I had this feeling he might actually be doing some reflecting, and if so, I don’t want to discourage him.”