“Yes, definitely,” I said, envisioning it. Then I stopped. “Sorry. I just get super excited when coffee is mentioned.”
“You heard it from Penelope. A coffee shop is needed. Any ideas where to find the space?”
“What about the backroom where you store the extra paintings? Could they be shifted elsewhere?” I asked.
Both Timothy and Danny looked thoughtful for a moment.
“Dainty sandwiches, some pastries, iced tea, perhaps, but definitely coffee,” I continued.
We’d need another guard stationed to prevent food and drink from leaving the area,” Timothy said. “But, yes, let’s move forward. I actually bought the building next door. I was thinking we might want to expand someday. We can shift the overflow there. Get in architects for next week. We’ll need workers to cart the stuff, workers who’ll take orders about being careful with the paintings.”
I was smiling at Timothy, so impressed with his forethought and the confidence he had that all this would be a success. Were galleries money makers? But it wasn’t the time or place for such questions, and my feet hurt.
“Is Andrew here?” I asked, smothering a yawn.
Timothy nodded, then smiled. “Yes, he’s waiting for us. You look ready to crash.”
With that, we turned about and went out through the huge glass doors, and just as Timothy had said, the big limo was parked in front.
Andrew drove us home, and when we arrived, Timothy insisted on going upstairs with me, riding the elevator as if that were a dangerous thing to do. But I loved him for it. He must be exhausted, too. And the pressure on him to get everything right, even with Mr. Franco in charge of a lot of the details, must have been enormous. Yet, Timothy remained uncomplaining and simply dabbed a kiss on my forehead and wished me a goodnight.
I wished that he could stay, sit on the couch for a bit, perhaps give me a few of those very special kisses he’d promised me, but I thanked him for a lovely evening and locked my door. I was careful with the gorgeous gown I was wearing. I hung it up in my now overly crowded closet. I supposed I could shift some of my things to the spare bedroom, but I hated to do that, in case I needed a roommate, in case something bad happened at work or . . .