Read Online Coming Home to Love (Lakeside Porch Series Book 2) by Katie O'Boyle - Free Book Online Page B

of the light from the glass wall. May I have a copy of the pool plans to sketch it out while there’s still time?”
    “Good idea,” Justin said.
    Tony flipped through a manila folder and produced a photocopy of the plans for the pool structure for her to take with her. “Mark this up any you want, and Ralph will go over it with you tomorrow.”
    “Perfect.”
    Justin’s eyes held a measure of respect when he asked, “Gianessa, I wonder if you’re available to go with Manda to the furniture showroom tomorrow to make sure she approves the furnishings. She may wonder at the handicap-friendly styles I chose. They’ll give you fabric samples, and you can see how they work with the paint colors. If we can determine her satisfaction with the colors before the final coat of paint goes on, we’ll save time.”
    “Unfortunately, Manda and I are both working tomorrow, but I’ll arrange a time with her soon.” She smiled at both of them. “I’m all set here, gentlemen. Thank you.”
    Justin studied Gianessa’s face. Probably sizing her up for vice president or something .
    “Everything meet your approval, Mr. Cushman?” Tony asked.
    “I like what I’ve seen so far.”
    Tony was pretty sure he meant Gianessa as much as the progress and plans.
    “If you folks are ready to go, I’ll finish up here and lock up on my way out.”
    Justin gave him a decisive nod and a firm handshake before shepherding Gianessa to the door.
    Justin said, as they left the garage, “Now about those cooking lessons you offered, Ms. Dupioni.” Gianessa’s musical laugh was cut off when the door shut behind them.
    Tony took measurements and found there was just enough room for an island. He had forgotten, until Gianessa mentioned it, how much Joel liked to cook. He could picture Joel and Manda starting their life as an engaged couple under this roof while Joel got stronger a day at a time. He imagined them cooking together in this kitchen, hanging out in the master suite, reading together side by side, and using their private pool.
    It was funny, as soon as Gianessa touched his arm back there, the knot in his stomach left and it hadn’t come back. He wasn’t worried about Joel anymore or beating himself up about the accident. How does she do that?
    Like Ralph had said, maybe their new boss could manipulate St. Peter into redesigning heaven, but Tony was sure Justin Cushman couldn’t manipulate Gianessa Dupioni into anything she didn’t already want to do.
    Sara sighed and hung up the phone. She understood why Manda wanted to spend every possible day with Joel, especially weekends, but Sara missed her Saturday day trips with Manda to the thrift shops and boutique back rooms around the Finger Lakes. In a couple of weeks, Manda’s graduate program would gear up for the spring semester, and Sara wondered if they would ever jump in the car and go like they had last year.
    She needed a buddy. Someone who liked clothes but didn’t have money. Someone who had Saturdays off, like she did. She eyed Gianessa, who was up to her wrists in dough.
    I’d love to get her out for some fun and get to know her. Like personally .
    “What are you making?”
    “Gluten-free shortbread, I hope. This is my first ever attempt. I don’t eat many sweets.”
    Sara watched as Gianessa formed the crumbly dough into balls and press them flat on a waiting cookie sheet. As soon as she took her fingers away, the little rounds fell to pieces.
    “It’s a lost cause, roomie.”
    Gianessa straightened up, let out her breath all at once, and brushed a lock of hair out of her eyes.
    Sara giggled. “You’ve got dough in your hair.”
    To her surprise, Gianessa blushed. Then she cracked a smile. And giggled.
    Cool.
    “Okay, that’s it. I’m just going to shove it in the oven and see what happens. Stand back.” Gianessa threw open the oven door, letting out a blast of heat. She put on oven mitts, maneuvered the two cookie sheets onto the hot racks, and slammed the door