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room transformed to fit his needs.”
    “I’m sure you won’t disappoint, and neither will we,” Bradford responded.
    “I know I can always count on you,” Paula said and meant it, never underestimating the importance of a good crew.
    “Haven’t had any complaints yet, knock on wood,” he indicated. “I’ll try to keep it that way.”
    Paula could say the same thing, by and large. Her work spoke for itself, and many of her clients came back for additional redecoration projects, which in her mind was the highest form of flattery. She recalled that Chase’s Dad, Sylvester McCord, had indicated that he might want her to give his patio a face-lift. Paula welcomed the opportunity to put her talents to good use for him again. For the moment, though, her focus was on his son and achieving the objectives set forth.
    A few minutes later, Paula answered a call from her grandmother.
    “Are you busy?” Isabelle asked.
    Had it been anyone else, Paula would have said yes, as she was in the process of working on her next assignment. But she always tried to find time for the one person who had been there for her through thick and thin.
    “Not really,” Paula said. “Is everything okay?”
    “Just fine, child,” Isabelle reassured her. “I wanted to check and see how your latest meeting went with the diamond man.”
    Paula smiled. Honestly, they seemed to click, at least professionally speaking. There also appeared to be the potential for something more, as she felt there was some chemistry between them. Of course, she couldn’t get too carried awaydaydreaming about a man she barely knew, even if it seemed like Isa practically already had their future together laid out.
    “It went well,” Paula said. “Chase loves the design scheme I came up with.”
    “Did you think for one minute that he wouldn’t?” Isabelle asked, confidence brimming in her voice.
    “You never know for sure. Not everyone thinks I walk on water like you, Isa.”
    “Just wait till he gets to know you better. I’m sure you’ll have the man eating out of your hands.”
    “I think I’ll settle for having him fall in love with my work,” Paula said with a chuckle, definitely not wanting to prematurely think in terms of strong romantic possibilities between them. “Besides, we haven’t reached the stage of dining and feeding each other yet.”
    Isabelle laughed. “Give it time.”
    Paula rolled her eyes. She had plenty of time to regret her last relationship. And even the one before that.
    “Whatever happens will happen,” Paula said nonchalantly.
    “Sometimes you have to make things happen,” Isabelle countered. “The good ones can’t always read your mind.”
    “And how would you know what’s on my mind concerning the good ones?” Paula was curious.
    “I’m not so old that I’ve forgotten how nice it is when you actually connect with someone special.”
    “And who says I’ve made such a connection?” Paula asked.
    “Not all things have to be in words, child,” Isabelle told her wisely. “A feeling can be just as powerful.”
    Paula felt there was no winning this round with her grandmother, even if she found no fault in her argument. “I’ll try to keep that in mind.”
    “Good. I’m happy to hear it.”
    Paula peeked at her watch. “I hate to cut this short, but I’ve got a few things I need to finish up.”
    “I won’t keep you any longer. Oh, by the way, if you could pick up my prescription on the way home, I’d reallyappreciate it.” Isabelle took medicine for an elevated cholesterol level.
    “Consider it done,” Paula told her.
    “You’re a dear.”
    “And who do you think I inherited that from?” Paula teased.
    “I wouldn’t know,” Isabelle said jokingly.
    “Oh, yes, you do,” Paula shot back merrily. “I love you, Isa.”
    She disconnected and counted her blessings, starting with having Isa as a grandmother and confidante. Then there was her interior-decorating business, which allowed Paula to