within seconds had whisked away all debris with a broom, dustpan, and mop.
Zeta took in a deep breath. “Well, I guess my announcement comes as a bit of a surprise to some people.” She laughed, only this time she sounded more ladylike. “My vision has always been to open a day spa, but I always got sidetracked with making money instead of doing what I was born to do. I’ve saved a fortune, and now it’s time to take a chance. To live!” Her voice had escalated to the point of drawing a small crowd.
Everett shook Zeta’s hand and wished her the best. He’d no idea she hated her job, but it must have explained her unpleasant attitude.
“And so now I must take my leave.” Zeta’s hands went up in a flourish as she made a theatrical exit out the doors like an aging actress on her last curtain call.
Everett felt grateful he had nothing else in his hands to drop. He stood in stunned silence along with Lark and a few of his coworkers. They mumbled words of surprise and relief. He tapped his face.
Lark took told of Everett’s hands. “Are you okay? You look a little pale.”
He looked at Lark but wondered if he was really focusing. Who was this woman? The night suddenly had a Twilight Zone kind of feel to it. Really good, but really weird. What a strange marvel had appeared in his life.
“I had no idea Zeta would do what she did,” Lark said. “One minute I was telling her what a good time I had at one of our spas, and the next moment, she was crying. I hope you’re not upset with me.”
Everett opened his mouth to talk, but nothing came out. He felt overcome with gratitude. He hadn’t lost his biggest client, only Zeta.
“Maybe we need some fresh air,” Lark said.
Sounded good. Everett hurried back for their coats and then escorted her right through the French doors and out into the garden. It was time to give Lark a big kiss or a large amount of cash. Whichever she’d prefer. He kept them walking until they were alone. The full moon dazzled the night sky, the fountain burbled and splashed, and he couldn’t remember the last time he’d felt so good. “Who are you?” Everett laughed.
“I am Larkspur Camellia Wendell.” She seemed to enjoy his odd question. “My mother loved flowers.”
“I guess so.” He stepped closer to her. “It’s a beautiful name.” He needed to come up with a new word besides beautiful. Mental note: Buy thesaurus.
“Thank you. I like your name, too. And your parents and grandparents must have liked it, too, since you are the third. Did everyone end up calling you Junior?”
“No. They tried. But I put a stop to it. Too infantile.”
“I agree,” Lark said. “So are you wanting to name your son Everett Holden IV?”
“No. It wouldn’t even be a good name for a dog, let alone a kid.” He’d never understood the need for male family members to have the same name. It reminded him of dogs marking their territory. It was a ludicrous custom.
“So. . .do you like. . .kids?” Lark fingered her earring.
Everett thought for a moment. A long moment. Slowly, he nodded. “Yeah. I like kids. Always thought maybe I’d want a couple someday.”
“Yeah. Me, too,” Lark said. “I’m curious about something else. Did you have a dog growing up?”
“Boy, and I thought I had all the questions.” Everett smiled. “Yeah. I had a dog when I was a kid. But I’ve never had one as an adult.” He put his hands in his coat pockets. “They require a lot of attention.”
“And that’s why Igor is living with me instead of you?”
Everett nodded. “I’m sorry. I don’t have a lot of time for a pet.”
“Well then, what makes you think you’d have time for a child?” Lark teased.
Oh, didn’t she have all the piercing questions? Everett took in a breath of air. “It’s a matter of priorities, I guess. Pets aren’t a priority for me. Children would be.” He suddenly wondered how committed he was to those words. She seemed bent on having him think through his whole life-agenda in one evening.
Lark gave him a smile. “Since you’re busy, I’m so glad you had time to talk to me.”
“Well, I guess I hoped there’d be a bit more than just talk.” Did those words actually come out of my mouth?
Lark’s mouth came open in surprise. “Are you flirting with me, Mr. Holden?”
Everett