“Yes, and I can’t wait to grill her about Luca…” Naomi said with a gleam in her eyes.
“Let it go and leave them alone. You should think about what you want to do about your crush,” Stella grinned.
“Nothing. You heard him!” Naomi made a face while she pulled a travel magazine out of the seat pocket in front of her and grumbled, “Sister!”
Two weeks later Naomi walked into Stella’s kitchen and dropped an envelope on the counter. “Here’s the printout of your e-tickets. I don’t know why you don’t download them on your phone like everybody else. It’s so much easier, and you can’t lose them.”
“Because I like looking at them and holding them in my hand when I get to the airport,” Stella said. “Did you bring marinated olives and baguettes? Wait, no need to answer. I can smell the bread.”
“Here!” Naomi held up a bag and whispered, “And they had madeleines, so I bought some of those, too. Of course, I’ll tell the guys I made them. Slaved in the kitchen all afternoon, dipping them in the chocolate, one at a time.”
“Nugget, I can’t see you spending more time in the kitchen than is absolutely necessary.” Revan reached over her shoulder for the box with the madeleines.
“Take your sticky fingers out of there. Those are for later,” she slapped his hands away. “But I meant to tell you something, Shutterbug. Remember the boxer puppies? My parents adopted them, and they came home last weekend.”
Revan glared at Naomi and said, “Why am I not surprised? Do you always get what you want?”
“No, of course not. There was this one time…well, anyhow. The puppies are too stinking cute. You should swing by and meet them.”
“I’ll visit them after I get back from my next trip. Time to hit the road again. What are their names?” He leaned against the counter and crossed his arms in front of his chest.
“Scarlett and Dixon.”
“I have a suspicion who’s responsible for naming the poor puppy Scarlett,” Rev looked straight at Naomi, “but where does Dixon come from?”
“Dad’s been reading a book about some war recently. Maybe there was a General Dixon?” Naomi suggested, shrugging.
He shook his head and pressed his lips together. “Oh, Nugget, you’re beyond words.” He reached out and tousled Naomi’s hair.
“I know. I told him he should name the dog Rhett, but he insisted on Dixon.” Naomi looked sideways at Revan. “What’s so funny?”
“Nothing, really. I hope you don’t make Scarlett wear a bonnet when you take her for walks in the park. And please don’t put her in one of those god-awful pet strollers. I’m sure she has four healthy legs and will want to run.”
Naomi gave him a little shove and said, “I can’t decide whether you’re arrogant or ignorant, Revan Forrester. Why was I worried sick about you in Paris?”
Chuckling, he walked to one of his bookshelves and pulled out a National Geographic History magazine. “Here, take this home and read it. It has a great article about the Mason-Dixon line, with photos provided by yours truly.”
“I’ll put it on my nightstand, thanks.” She took it without looking at it and set it aside.
“You’ll have to open it to read it, Nugget.” He grinned and walked to the bar. “Drinks, anybody? I’m not waiting for Jo and Luca to get here. By the way, do you know why he had to pick her up at the train station? She knows where we live!”
“It’s what a gentleman does, but I wouldn’t expect you to know that. I’ll have a glass of red wine if you don’t mind. You’ll find me in the backyard,” Naomi countered and went outside. “Nice backyard fountain, Stella. It looks beautiful with the new bistro set. Very French…”
“How’re things at home, Rev?” Luca asked. “Your parents must be thrilled to know you’ll be around for a few weeks.”
“Mom’s getting a little too clingy and calls every other day. It was great to come home after I had all my business finished with the police in Paris. But you know me, I need to be out there. I’m flying to Haiti tomorrow.” Revan leaned back in one of the outdoor chaises. “Stella, I have to admit I wasn’t so sure about your fountain idea, but it’s not bad.”
“Thank you. I’ve been sitting out here every minute I can. Listening to the water splash is so relaxing, and I love to watch the birds playing in it.”
“And so romantic…” Naomi’s voice trailed off and she batted her eyelashes. “Only David is missing.”
“Yes, you’re right. And stop being so snarky. Luca, can you set everything up so we can look at the photos on the big screen?” Stella asked.
“Sure. I assume you downloaded everything to your laptop?” He got up and walked inside. “Password the same as usual?”
“Yes.”
Jo promptly followed him. “I’ll grab another glass of wine. Anybody want something?”
Naomi poked Stella and said, “Did you see? She’s going wherever he is. Something’s going on…”
Rev looked around and said in a stage whisper, “I think so too. It’s obvious. She’s thirsty.”
“Do you know anything? Aren’t you Luca’s best friend? Go ask him what’s going on and how they spend their time in New York.” Naomi snapped.
“Are you kidding me? I don’t care if they sneak around together.”
“Drop it, guys. There’s no sneaking around. Jo and I go out for drinks every now and then. It’s what friends do,” Luca said from the French doors. “Everything’s set up, Stella.”
“I can’t believe people are actually booking trips like yours. Nugget, are you really going to sell such sentimental hogwash to your customers?” Revan asked when they got settled on the chairs and sofa in front of the TV.
“You bet I am. I already have a few customers who are interested in it. It was a wonderful
