“I have it covered,” she said smoothly.

Petra clapped. “Thank you, darling, I knew I didn’t have to worry. I’ll let you get back to work, and we’ll check in next week. Kisses.”

Morgan said her good-byes and clicked off.

She was in deep trouble. Her gut was so clear and visible for this project, yet they seemed to be going in a new direction. Should she scramble back and redo? Or keep with the original plan with the hope they’d adore it when they walked into the house?

Morgan pulled out her dossier and samples and got to work. Re-sifting through every decision made so far, she threw out the green color scheme and researched blue. The curtains would need to be reordered, of course, and the French antique side table would be too fussy for them. Minimalist?

She had a damn headache.

Morgan worked through the next few hours, placing calls and contacting her various suppliers. The sun sank and the light bled away. Everyone had probably gone home by now, but she still needed to wait for one more call. Stretching out her cramped muscles, she spotted the TV on the sliding shelf and checked her watch.

No one was around. No one would know.

Morgan grabbed the remote, turned to her favorite channel, and poured herself a glass of sparkling water.

Anticipation ramped up as the beginning credits rolled and she sank into the leather lounge with a happy sigh.

Her favorite guilty pleasure.

The Real Housewives of Orange County.

Or New York. Or Atlanta. Of course, Jersey was one of her favorites, but it didn’t really matter. The drama and catfights and sleeping around was pure deliciousness. Million Dollar Listing was too close to work.

Oh, Lord have mercy, it was the reunion show, part two! How had she missed part one?

In gleeful amusement, Morgan let the arguments wash over her, loving the way Andy Cohen delicately balanced the job of host with his other job to score as much drama as possible from his cast. She was having such a good time, she didn’t hear the knock on the door until it was too late.

“Morgan? I’m the last one out of here tonight, so I wanted— What are you watching?”

Morgan jumped up like she’d been caught in a sex scandal and blocked the TV. “Nothing! Just flipping through the channels while I wait for my final call. Goodness gracious, it’s late. You should’ve left a while ago.”

“I could say the same for you.” Sydney tilted her head to peek at the TV while Morgan tried to fumble with the remote. “Oh, my God. Tell me you are not watching the trashiest show on television.”

“No, of course not! I was looking for CNN, and—”

“I love the housewives!” Sydney squealed. “It’s the reunion show! They’re the absolute best, and Andy is brilliant. Can I join you?”

And just like that, Morgan realized she’d made a new friend.

“Yes. As long as you keep my secret.”

Sydney dropped into the matching leather chair and slid off her shoes with a groan. “Are you kidding? The men in this place would crucify me. They call this a complete nonfeminist show, but I don’t give a crap. I love it.”

“Me too. I love when they host parties and we see the houses.”

“Yeah, but you’re actually creating one. You have the coolest job.”

Morgan beamed. “Yeah, I kind of do.”

They watched the whole show, and Morgan loved being able to chat and compare notes on her favorite vice. After an intense debate over who was the best character on the show, Andy signed off and they flipped off the TV.

Sydney sighed with pleasure. “I feel so much better now.”

“Me too.” She glanced at her phone and the incoming text. “My call was rescheduled, so I can head out with you.”

“How’s the hotel?”

“Good. First-class pampering.”

“It must be nice having everything done for you,” Sydney remarked. “You need it, with your work schedule. How are you settling into Harrington? Have you been able to explore the town and have some downtime?”

Morgan sighed. “By the time I get to the hotel, I’m exhausted. I’ve seen a lot of the shops, though, and been looking forward to using some pieces to decorate the house.”

“Have you gone to the Barn?”

She shook her head. “No.”

Sydney clapped her hands. “Oh, I have to take you. You’ll go nuts. It’s this huge old farmhouse converted into a place filled with antiques and unique finds.”

Her heart picked up the pace. There was nothing she loved more than finding a shop that surprised her. Especially since their last conversation had her doubting her choices. Maybe browsing more would help. “I always research the area for local stores, but nothing came up with that name on my Google search. Can you tell me where it is?”

“That’s because the Barn doesn’t have a website. The owner is old-school. I’ll do better. You need some girl time. Hell, so do I. It’s located right on the edge of town, next to my favorite bar, called My Place. We’ll shop, then grab a burger and a cocktail.”

The idea of having a relaxing night out with a new friend was too intriguing to deny. She was getting tired of being the only female in the boys’ club. “I’m in.”

Sydney gave a squee. “Great! I can line up a sitter for Wednesday night, if that works?”

“Oh, I didn’t realize you had kids.”

A shadow crossed her usual sunny face. “I have one. A daughter.”

“I bet your husband dotes on her.” Morgan imagined a little red-haired girl like her mama. The pang hurt, but just for a moment, and when she smiled, it was genuine.

“No husband. I’m a single mom. Always was.” She paused, and her chin lifted an inch. “Is that a problem?”

Morgan jerked back. “Oh, my goodness, no! She’s welcome to join us, Sydney. We can do a girls’ shopping trip and eat burgers. I’d love to meet your daughter.”

Sydney relaxed and smiled back. “Sorry, sometimes in a small town where you’ve lived your whole life, people judge. Bad habit. Thanks for the invite, but she’s four years old, so I think she’d have more fun with a sitter and a Disney movie.”

“Then Wednesday is perfect. Thanks.”

“Awesome! God, I haven’t been out in ages. Now, let’s get out of here before we turn into pumpkins.”