He disappeared and a moment later reappeared with a bottle of Merlot. He uncorked it, took out two wine glasses, and poured us each half a glass.
“I would have let it breathe if I’d known sooner,” he said.
“It’s okay. I’m too impatient to let my wine breathe. I guzzle and get it over with.” I sounded like such an idiot! I blushed when Parker looked at me, his eyes dancing with laughter. Up close I could see amber flecks in his eyes. I hadn’t noticed them before.
Parker produced two small plates, and we each grabbed a slice of pizza.
“I love pepperoni,” I said, taking a bite.
“Good, so do I,” Parker said.
I sipped my wine. The wine was far too good to be served with pizza, but the combination was better than anything I’d had all week.
“How long have you been living here?” I asked.
“About seven years.”
I gasped, eyes wide. “Seven years? And you haven’t done anything to the place in all this time?”
Parker shook his head. “I focus on work. There’s no reason for me to get this place all fancy when I’m at the office most of the time.”
“I guess so. But this place has so muchpotential.”
Parker chuckled into the wine he sipped.
“I don’t think you and I look at empty spaces the same.”
“Maybe not,” I said and took another bite of pizza. “After a while, the potential to decorate is all I see. Since, you know, it’s my job.”
Parker nodded. “I get that. I see that with every commercial property I consider—how high can I go, how can I utilize the space the best?”
“Right,” I said. “You get it.”
“I think I do.” Parker grinned at me.
“So, what made you decide to take the plunge and hire a decorator now?” I asked.
Parker shrugged. “Everyone keeps bugging me about decorating the bland space.” He laughed. “I got tired of it. And Ryan recommended you, so why not?”
“Well, I’m glad you decided to go with me,” I said. “This place is incredible to work with.”
Parker looked pleased.
“My ex would have overdone it completely.”
“Yeah?” I asked.
Parker nodded. “She didn’t have taste. Or rather, she did—whatever cost the most. Even if the pieces didn't quite go together.”
“That sounds ...”
“I know,” Parker said when I couldn’t find the words. “She was.”
We ate in silence for a while.
“Did you always know you wanted to be a decorator?” Parker asked.
I nodded. “From the start.”