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she got around to it, she was going to pick up some old pots at the flea market. Clean them up, paint them. Maybe she’d search out half a whiskey barrel as well, and they could plant seasonal flowers in it.
    She glanced up at the window above the front door. Malory had hired a glass artist to create a stained-glass panel for that space, using the design from their logo.
    That was just the sort of touch that was going to make their place unique.
    She set the cooler down, opened the door.
    She heard the music. It wasn’t set up to blast, but it was close. Through it, she heard hammering, sawing, voices. The good noise of work in progress.
    She stood absorbing it for a moment, looking up the stairs that neatly bisected the main level. Dana’s bookstore on one side, and Malory’s gallery on the other. With my salon over them, she thought. The communal kitchen in the back, then the nice little yard where one day, she hoped, they would set up tables where customers could sit and enjoy refreshments during good weather.
    Though it would be weeks before Indulgence could open, it was already a dream come true for Zoe.
    â€œHey. Where’s the rest of your crew?”
    Zoe brought herself back and looked over to see Dana stroll into the little foyer. “Out in the back. I’m sorry I’m late.”
    â€œWe’ve already docked your pay. Or we will, once we get a time clock. Jeez, lose the guilty look, Zoe. Nobody’s set hours yet, especially on Saturday.”
    â€œI meant to be here an hour and a half ago,” she said asshe shrugged out of her coat, “but I slept late. I didn’t get up until nearly eight.”
    â€œEight!” Dana exclaimed in horror “Why, you lazy bitch!”
    â€œI don’t know how Simon kept that dog quiet—or vice versa—but when I got up they were in the backyard. By the time I made them presentable, got them breakfast, pulled myself together, I was way behind. Then I stopped by Flynn’s, thinking I would drop Moe off, but nobody was home, which made Simon’s day.”
    She let out a sigh. “Dana, I’m going to end up getting him a dog. I just know it.”
    Dana’s dimples appeared in her cheeks as she grinned. “Sap.”
    â€œThat’s the God’s truth. I didn’t know everybody was coming over here today.”
    â€œFigured we’d give it a nice big Saturday push.”
    â€œThat’s good.” Ready to dive in, Zoe strapped on her tool belt. “What are you up to?”
    â€œI was up to putting the second coat of varnish on my floors, but Jordan claims I don’t do it right. So he’s putting it on, which leaves me painting the kitchen, as the unanimous opinion around here is that painting’s all I’m good for.”
    â€œYou’re an excellent painter,” Zoe said diplomatically.
    â€œHmm. Malory and Flynn were doing the varnish in her spot, but she claims he doesn’t do it right, so he was sent upstairs to work with Brad.”
    â€œUpstairs? In my place? What’s Bradley doing upstairs in my place?”
    â€œI think he was . . .” Dana decided to save her breath as Zoe was already sprinting up to see for herself.
    The walls of the salon area had already been painted by her own hand. They were a deep pink that edged towardpurple. A rich color, she’d thought, a feminine one, but not so girly that a man would be put off by it.
    For contrast, on the trim and for the counters she’d begun to build, she was going to go with a bold green, then take these same colors, in softer hues, into her treatment areas.
    The floors were already sanded and sealed—a chore she’d taken care of personally, then protected with drop cloths.
    She had plans for displays, and had already picked out the fabric to make slipcovers for a secondhand couch and a couple of chairs she had on hold.
    She’d decided on the lighting, on the treatment