“Okay,” Hattie said, her shoulders sagging.
“Didn’t someone tell me you got it for a steal after the city condemned it? Even at that price, you’re going to make a nice profit.”
“We did get it for a great price, but we’ve poured so much time and money and effort into it. I’ve got loans to pay back, and the bills are piling up.…”
“But you won’t be losing money, right? Who knows, maybe my instincts are all wrong. With all the attention your show is getting, people are definitely fascinated by this place and the story behind it. Maybe after we get it styled and the listing photos go live online, we’ll get in a bidding war. I’ve seen it happen before.”
“Right.” Hattie swallowed hard. “Let’s price it at eight-ninety, then.”
Carolyn beamed. “I’ve got all the listing documents in my car. I know you’re on a tight deadline. Why don’t you fill them out and then drop them by my office? And let me know as soon as we can get the photographer in here.”
The kitchen door was flung open and Trae stepped inside, followed by two men, each carrying plastic-wrapped bundles. “Coming through,” he called. He stopped for a moment and shot the blond Realtor his most beguiling smile. “Hi, there.”
Trae’s smile was really his most potent weapon. His teeth were so straight and dazzlingly white. Hattie was still self-conscious about her own slightly crooked teeth. She’d been scheduled to get braces as a teenager, but then her father went to prison.…
“Trae, this is Carolyn Meyers, my real estate agent. Carolyn, this is Trae Bartholomew, the designer.…”
“Oh, I know who you are,” Carolyn said, extending her hand to his. “Loved you on Design Minds. I understand this kitchen is your handiwork. It’s spectacular.”
“Thanks, Carolyn,” Trae said, brushing a stray bit of hair out of his face. He gestured toward the bundles the movers had just set down and winked. “Wait ’til you see the killer rattan barstools I ordered to go around the island.”
“Carolyn was just leaving,” Hattie said abruptly.
“Can’t wait to see the place when you’re done,” Carolyn said, recognizing her cue.
* * *
“That was pretty rude,” Trae commented. “Even for you.” He turned to the movers, who were waiting for directions. “You can set those down right here, but then start bringing in the rest of the stuff through the front door, okay?”
When they were gone, Trae began ripping the paper from the barstools.
“It’s just a reflex with you, isn’t it?” she asked.
“What?” He balled up the paper and started on the next chair.
“Hitting on pretty women. I bet you don’t even realize you’re doing it.”
“Oh, I realize it. You know the old saying, right? You don’t shoot, you don’t score.” He looked up and flashed her the same grin. Briefly.
“Don’t waste the wattage on me,” Hattie said. “That ship has sailed. Tell me about the furniture. Did everything you ordered arrive?”
The grin faded. “No. I haven’t done a real inventory, but a lot of the stuff is still backordered. I mean, the case goods and upholstery are here. The living and dining room furniture, most of the bedroom stuff, and soft goods. But I don’t have lamps or art, or rugs, or any accessories. And since all of this stuff is on loan from vendors who’re doing this as a favor to me, I can’t really call ’em up and bitch about what wasn’t on the truck. So I’m kind of screwed.”
A part of Hattie wanted to gloat about his predicament. But there was no time. They had just one more day before Mo’s crew would shoot the big reveal, and the only way the house would be ready was if they worked together.
“Okay, let’s put what you do have in place in each room. Do you have a list of what you still need? And rug sizes?”
“I can make one,” Trae said. “But what good will that do?”
“There are two kick-ass consignment shops in Savannah, and I’m friends with the owners of both. I’ll call and see if they’d be willing to loan us stuff for the shoot.”
He looked at her with obvious suspicion. “Didn’t you just tell me this morning, in no uncertain terms, that I was never to speak or look at you again? Why would you want to help me out like that?”
Hattie took a deep breath. “As Carolyn just pointed out, the faster we get this house styled and photographed and listed, the faster I can get my money out of it. So give me your list, okay? And leave Carolyn alone. She’s married. Also, I think I owe you an apology. For the Jada Watkins thing. It looks like I jumped to the wrong conclusion.”